Signs You Should See a Doctor About Your Knee Pain

When you experience knee pain, it can make everyday activities difficult. You may have trouble going up and down stairs, getting in and out of cars, or even taking a walk. It is vital to know the signs of when it is time to make an appointment with your doctor over knee pain Eatonton.

Before you get to know the indicative signs, these are some of the causes of knee pain:

• Arthritis is a prevalent cause of knee pain, particularly in older people. Osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis are two kinds of arthritis that can affect the knees.
• Injury: An injury to the ligaments, tendons, or cartilage around the knee can cause knee pain. Common injuries include meniscus tears, ACL tears, and patellar tendonitis.
• Overuse: Repeated stress on the knee from activities like running, basketball, or soccer can cause inflammation and pain. This is often seen in athletes or people who exercise frequently.
• Obesity: Carrying excess weight puts additional strain on the knees, leading to pain.

Now that you know some of the common causes of knee pain, here is a detailed breakdown of the indicative signs that it is time to see a doctor:

Persistent pain

When you experience knee pain, it is normal to feel discomfort for a few days. However, if the pain persists and becomes more severe, it is a sign that you should see a doctor. By severe, it means that the pain is preventing you from doing your normal activities or significantly impacting your quality of life.

Swelling and inflammation

If your knee is swollen or inflamed, it could signify arthritis or an injury. Your doctor will likely order some imaging tests to determine the cause of the swelling. If the swelling is accompanied by pain, stiffness, and redness, then it is time to see a doctor.

Difficulty walking

If knee pain is making it difficult for you to walk, it is a sign that something is wrong. Pain that limits your mobility or makes it difficult to put weight on your knee is a cause for concern and warrants a trip to the doctor.

Popping or clicking sounds

Hearing popping or clicking sounds from your knee could be a sign of arthritis or an injury. A doctor should evaluate this to determine the cause and rule out any serious problems.

What can you do to relieve knee pain?

You can do a few things at home to relieve knee pain:

• Rest: Rest from activities that put a strain on your knees. Running, jumping, and other high-impact exercises fall under this category.
• Ice: Apply ice to your knee for 20 minutes daily to reduce swelling and pain.
• Compression: To help minimize swelling, apply an elastic bandage or compression sleeve.
• Elevation: Prop your leg up on a pillow when sitting or lying down to reduce swelling.
• Pain relief: Take over-the-counter pain relievers like ibuprofen or acetaminophen to help reduce pain.

If you are experiencing knee pain, visit the Joint Regeneration of Lake Oconee and speak to your doctor to determine the cause. The doctors can provide you with an accurate diagnosis and personalized treatment plan.