Knee pain is a widespread complaint, and various things can cause it. In many cases, you can treat knee pain with conservative methods such as exercise, over-the-counter medications, and physical therapy. However, in some cases, surgery may be necessary. If you are experiencing knee pain, you must visit a New Jersey Knee Pain specialist to determine the exact cause of your pain and recommend treatment. In this article, we look at some of the most common causes of knee pain. Read more below.
1. Injury
One of the most common causes of knee pain is injury. This can include a sprain or strain, a tear in the meniscus or ligaments, or a fracture. If you have suffered an injury to your knee, you must seek medical attention right away. Depending on the severity of the injury, you may require surgery. If you have a fracture, your doctor may recommend surgery to fix the bone and insert plates and screws. To avoid surgery, many patients turn to physical therapy to strengthen their knee muscles to recover from their injury without going under the knife. However, surgery may be necessary if your pain does not improve after six months of physical therapy.
2. Infection
Another common cause of knee pain is an infection. This can include a bacterial or fungal infection that has begun to spread throughout the knee joint. There are a few different types of conditions that can affect the knee: septic arthritis, gonococcal arthritis, and reactive arthritis.
Septic arthritis can develop when joint fluid becomes infected with bacteria. This condition is usually caused by a physical injury, such as a deep cut or puncture wound. The infection begins in the skin and spreads to the joint after the bacteria enters through an open wound on the knee.
Gonococcal arthritis is caused by the bacteria gonococcus, which can be found in semen or vaginal fluid. This condition is most common in young women and girls infected through sexual intercourse with an infected partner.
Reactive arthritis can develop when your body becomes inflamed after an infection elsewhere in your body. For example, if you have contracted chlamydia, you may develop reactive arthritis. This condition is also known as Reiter’s syndrome.
3. Overuse
In some cases, knee pain can be the result of overuse. This is often seen in athletes who participate in activities that require running and jumping. When the knee is repeatedly used in this way, it can become worn down and irritated. The best way to prevent overuse injuries is to give your knees time to rest and recover. You may need to modify your activity level or take a break from your sport altogether.
4. Fractures
In rare cases, knee pain can be caused by a fracture. This can happen when you fall and land on your knee or when you are involved in a car accident. If you have a fracture, you may require surgery to fix the bone and insert plates and screws.
In summary, knee pain is a common problem people experience for different reasons. Usually, you may develop knee pain due to overuse, injury, or infections. In some rare cases, you may experience knee pain due to fractures. If you have knee pain that does not go away after a few weeks of self-care, visit a specialist for diagnosis and treatment.
