There are many scenarios in which it may be necessary to visit a doctor. A mild knee affliction can usually be treated successfully at home by taking weight off it, resting, and possibly applying cold or heat. For more serious injuries, or if the knee ailment does not improve, it’s important to visit a knee doctor to ensure that permanent damage does not result. In treating a knee condition, the doctor may be able to address a patient’s pain without prescribing medication. This can be done by focusing on the source of the pain, rather than treating the symptom.
If you are experiencing knee pain, contact a doctor, like a knee doctor from Premier Osteoarthritis Centers of Pennsylvania, to schedule an exam. Here are some guidelines that you may find helpful in determining if you should see a knee doctor.
Knee Pain That Lasts Longer Than 48 Hours
Deep knee joint pain that lasts for more than a few days is a red flag and indicates that you need to see a knee doctor. Because the knee joint does not contain muscle, a muscle strain or tear is not likely the cause of the problem. Two of the most common causes of knee pain are injuries to the cartilage that supports and covers the joint, or there could be an injury to the meniscus. After an exam, you should have a clear understanding of what is causing your knee pain, and the optimum treatment for helping your body to heal.
If the soft tissue surrounding the knee is damaged, it will likely swell and may cause internal bleeding. In addition to experiencing loss of motion, it can be very painful and limit the ability to move in such a way that relies on the affected joints and muscles. Even if you are not seeing swelling, but the knee feels swollen, it may be located within the joint. You may hear a clicking sound if the tendon is having to manage the swelling by moving into an unnatural position. Give a doctor a call to schedule an exam with someone who is an expert on knees.
If your knee appears to be misaligned or looks deformed, contact a doctor without delay so that he or she can perform an examination. You may be suffering from a dislocated knee, a patella tracking injury, or a knee fracture. To avoid permanent damage to the knee, a diagnosis from a knee doctor should occur within six hours following the injury.
The Meniscus
The meniscus is cartilage in the body and the knee has two types — lateral and medial. They are tissues that help strengthen the knee, which is necessary because of the stress and torsion that it undergoes on a regular basis. A healthy meniscus is vital for full knee mobility and the absence of pain. If it tears or is otherwise damaged, it can be extremely painful and limit the ability to walk, stand, or hold weight. A meniscus tear may also cause a sensation of popping which may or may not be audible. It may also cause the knee to lock into place. These are all symptoms for adults; for children, the symptoms may be different, which is why it’s important to see a knee doctor if there is any question about your child’s condition.
Schedule a consultation with a knee doctor today to get relief from knee pain or an injury.