Are You Experiencing Persistent Knee Pain?
If you have been dealing with chronic knee pain for a prolonged period, it is vital to take the necessary steps to find relief. While many individuals tend to look past the discomfort, it can become a much larger issue when ignored. When knee pain is intermittent, it may signify a minor injury or irritation. However, if the pain is consistent, you may have a serious orthopaedic condition that needs attention.
Although your knee pain may cause panic, it is important to know that pain in this region is very common. This is due to the pressure we put on our knees every day, even by walking. However, individuals who are obese and those in professions that require jumping or running may notice knee pain earlier and more seriously.
Regardless of the intensity of your pain, you can never be sure about it without a diagnosis from a doctor or specialist. This is largely since many orthopaedic knee conditions have interchangeable symptoms, and it can cause confusion. Therefore, a thorough inspection of the patient’s health history, pain, and symptoms is necessary, followed by a series of diagnostic imaging.
When diagnosing a patient experiencing knee pain, a doctor will often utilize magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). This allows the doctor to observe the body’s organs, tissues, and skeletal structures. After recognizing any abnormalities, the doctor can diagnose the patient and recommend the appropriate treatment.
At BEST Health System, we treat spine and orthopaedic conditions for individuals seeking chronic pain relief. Continue reading to learn about possible conditions that may be the root cause of your knee pain.
Knee Conditions
There are a variety of knee conditions that may be the cause of your knee pain. If you have been diagnosed with any of the following conditions, it is important to ensure you are being proactive in your treatment. Common knee conditions include:
- Osteoarthritis. Arthritis often occurs with the typical aging process. As our joints become more brittle, they can rub against each other, causing discomfort and pain in the knee.
- Torn meniscus. Meniscus tears are a common injury that can result in pain and mobility problems for people from all walks of life.
- Torn ligaments. A ligament tear will occur if the joint is met with extreme force or pressure.
- Articular cartilage damage. When the layer of smooth, tough cartilage that covers the ends of bones and protects the joints in the body is damaged.
- Synovial tissue damage. Synovitis is a condition that occurs when the synovial tissue becomes swollen and inflamed, which, in turn, causes pain and other symptoms in the affected joint.
- Bone and cartilage fragments. Bone and cartilage fragments in the knee, also known as loose bodies, are when very small particles of bone and cartilage break off from the knee joint.
If you have been diagnosed with any of these conditions, focusing vigilantly on your condition through treatment is essential. Initially, your doctor may suggest you address your condition through conservative therapies such as physical therapy or anti-inflammatory medications. If the patient finds no relief after months of use, they may consider minimally invasive surgery.
Knee Pain Treatment at BEST Health System
At BEST Health System, Dr. Abbott is our orthopaedic surgeon who specializes in helping patients find a minimally invasive approach to surgery. Dr. Abbott has been working at the BEST Cincinnati location and has helped countless patients find relief from their chronic pain.
BEST Health System believes in a minimally invasive surgical approach, unlike traditional surgery. This includes a shorter recovery time, and smaller incisions, all on an outpatient basis. For patients that need a total knee replacement, BEST offers robotic total knee with opioid-sparing Iovera technology. Iovera is a safe and modern pain relief treatment that prevents pain signals from being sent to the brain using extremely cold temperatures. Patients that choose this treatment route can enjoy an easier recovery with an improved range of motion compared to those who choose the traditional path. Iovera can be used in conjunction with surgery or as a standalone treatment. If you are considering knee treatment with Dr. Abbott, ask about our use of Iovera technology.
If you are interested in learning more about the orthopaedic treatment offered by Dr. Abbott, contact BEST today.
