The knee is made of bones, like the tibia, fibula, femur, and patella (knee cap), as well as cartilage, ligaments, and soft tissue. When patients experience pain, it could be generating from any of these areas. Unfortunately, the knee is especially susceptible to injuries and chronic pain conditions. After all, it plays a big role in supporting the body.
Chronic knee pain is typically caused by an injury or underlying condition. The knee may become injured during a fall or a trauma to the area, which is especially true for patients who are athletes or weekend warriors. The knee may develop pain symptoms from a torn meniscus, ACL tear, or overuse injury as well. This means that repetitive use of the knee (excess running jumping, etc.) can put pressure on the surrounding muscles and ligaments, resulting in a dull ache. People may also experience knee pain from arthritis, a condition that causes the deterioration of cartilage in the knee joint.
People with knee pain may feel a dull ache as they walk. The knee may appear red or swollen. Patients may have limited mobility and experience difficulty walking or putting pressure on the affected knee. When walking, the knee may feel weak, and patients may hear a popping noise as the knee moves back and forth.
When patients first notice knee pain, our physicians may recommend resting and icing the area. Over-the-counter pain medication may help reduce swelling and discomfort. If the knee continues to feel unstable and swollen, patients can come to Tulsa Pain Consultants for treatment. We may be able to provide medication and offer complementary chronic pain treatments for a whole-body healing experience. Injections may be recommended to reduce swelling and discomfort in the knee. We may also refer patients to physical therapists to strengthen the muscles around the knee and practice pain-relieving stretches. If the knee joint is badly deteriorated, an orthopedic surgeon may need to perform knee replacement surgery to replace the joint with a prosthetic.
