Knee pain is a common joint problem that affects people of all ages and activity levels. Understanding what causes chronic knee joint pain is the first step toward finding relief and preventing further damage. Here’s what you need to know about ongoing pain in the knee:
Exploring Chronic Knee Pain
Chronic knee pain refers to any pain, inflammation, or sensitivity in or around the knee joint that lasts for three months or longer. Unlike acute pain, which results from a recent injury and subsides as the body heals, chronic pain is persistent. This ongoing knee discomfort can range from a dull ache to a sharp, intense pain, and it may be constant or intermittent.
The knee is a complex structure made of bones, cartilage, ligaments, and tendons. Damage or deterioration to any of these parts often leads to chronic knee joint pain. This can limit mobility, making simple actions like walking, climbing stairs, or standing for long periods difficult and painful.
Identifying Common Causes
Several conditions can lead to chronic knee pain. Here are some common causes of chronic knee joint pain:
- Osteoarthritis: This occurs when the protective cartilage in the knee joint wears down over time, leading to inflammation and pain.
- Rheumatoid Arthritis: An autoimmune disease where the body’s immune system attacks the joint lining, causing inflammation, stiffness, and pain.
- Post-Traumatic Arthritis: This type of arthritis can lead to cartilage breakdown over time.
- Tendonitis: Inflammation of the tendons around the knee, often due to overuse, can cause persistent pain.
- Bursitis: Inflammation of the bursae, small fluid-filled sacs that cushion the knee joint, may also result in chronic discomfort.
Identifying the specific cause is a fundamental part of creating an effective treatment plan.
Diagnosing and Evaluating Knee Conditions
To diagnose the cause of chronic knee pain, a doctor will conduct a thorough evaluation. This process begins with a physical examination of the knee to check for swelling, tenderness, and range of motion. The doctor will also ask about your medical history and the specific nature of your knee joint pain. Diagnostic imaging tests are often used by specialists to get a clear picture of the knee joint. In some cases, blood tests may be ordered to rule out conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis.
Treating and Managing Knee Discomfort
Once a diagnosis is made, the specialist develops a treatment plan to manage chronic knee pain. The goal is to reduce pain, improve function, and slow the progression of any underlying disease. Here are some common treatment and management options:
- Physical Therapy: Specific exercises recommended by a specialist can strengthen the muscles around the knee, improving stability and reducing strain on the joint.
- Medications: Over-the-counter pain relievers and anti-inflammatory drugs assist in managing symptoms.
- Lifestyle Modifications: Losing weight, avoiding high-impact activities, and using assistive devices like braces can help reduce stress on the knee.
- Minimally Invasive Procedures: For knee joint pain from osteoarthritis, a procedure called genicular artery embolization can reduce inflammation and relieve pain by blocking blood flow to the joint lining.
- Surgery: In severe cases where other treatments have not been successful, knee replacement surgery may be recommended.
Working with a healthcare provider provides you with professional guidance on the best approach for your specific situation.
Schedule Your Knee Pain Appointment
Chronic knee pain can be challenging, but you do not have to live with the discomfort. Understanding its causes, diagnosis, and treatment options assists you in seeking the right care. If you are experiencing persistent knee joint pain, contact a qualified specialist near you to schedule your appointment today.
