What are some common causes of knee pain?
Pain in one or both of your knees typically comes from some form of musculoskeletal damage to one or more of the many structures in your knees. Your knees include a network of tendons, ligaments, muscles, and bones that can be subjected to damage due to an acute injury or long-term wear and tear.
Injuries and conditions commonly associated with knee pain include:
- Patella fracture
- Patellar tendonitis
- Anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) tear
- Meniscus tear
- Bursitis
- Kneecap dislocation
- Osteoarthritis
- Rheumatoid arthritis
Knee injuries are common among athletes and people with certain occupations, like farming or construction. You’re also at a higher risk for knee pain if you’re overweight or obese, and losing weight in these cases can help relieve some of your knee pain.
When should I book an appointment for knee pain?
Your knee pain might be mild or short-lived enough not to require a diagnosis or treatment. You should consider making a visit to Susan Gutierrez, MD, if your knee pain:
- Comes with visible swelling
- Comes with a deformity
- Comes with a fever
- Causes immobility
- Is severe
- Lasts beyond home-care efforts
If your knee pain is from an acute injury, you’ll know right away whether or not it’s severe. You might need emergency care, especially if you can’t stand back up after the injury. Left untreated, some knee injuries can lead to lasting disability.
How is knee pain treated?
Dr. Gutierrez works hard to locate the specific area of damage that’s responsible for causing your knee pain. She offers several advanced treatment options for knee pain and can help you explore your options. With a personalized treatment plan, you can improve your mobility and find lasting relief for your pain.
After assessing your knee and confirming your diagnosis, Dr. Gutierrez recommends one or more of the following treatments:
- Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injections
- Ultrasound-guided corticosteroid injections
- Hyaluronic acid injections
- Pain-relief medications
- Weight loss
Dr. Gutierrez focuses her efforts on conservative treatments that can help you avoid the need for surgery. You might need to make more than one appointment with Susan Gutierrez, MD, so she can track your treatment progress and make adjustments to your treatment plan if necessary.
Living with knee pain, even if it’s only mild or moderate, can slow you down. To book an appointment for knee pain diagnosis and treatment, call Susan Gutierrez, MD, or use the online scheduling tool today.
