Knee Pain Specialist

What is knee pain?

Knee pain affects people of all ages. It can result from medical conditions like gout, arthritis, or infections, or it can result from an injury like torn cartilage or a ruptured ligament. Signs and symptoms of knee pain include:

• Difficulty straightening your knee 
• Weakness
• Swelling
• Stiffness
• Redness or warmth
• Popping noises

The severity of knee pain and exact location of the pain varies depending on the cause.

What causes knee pain?

Knee injuries are a common cause of knee pain and may include:

• ACL injuries
• Fractures
• Bursitis
• Tendonitis
• Dislocation
• Altered gait related to hip or foot pain

An injury to the knee might affect the ligaments, tendons, bones, cartilage, or the fluid-filled sacs (bursae) surrounding your knee joint.

How is the cause of knee pain diagnosed?

 The knowledgeable team at Brooklyn Pain Doctors thoroughly examines your knee and conducts imaging and tests as necessary to accurately diagnose the cause of your knee pain. Almost all patients will have an X-ray to detect bone fractures or signs of degenerative joint disease. Your doctor may order other tests and imaging, including:

• Computerized tomography (CT) scan
• Ultrasound
• Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)

When the doctor determines the cause of your knee pain, they can suggest a treatment plan to relieve pain and resolve the underlying issue.

How is knee pain treated?

Treatments depend on the cause of your knee pain. Common knee pain treatments include:

Medication

Mild knee pain is treated with over-the-counter medication and rest, but for more severe problems, your doctor can prescribe pain relievers. If you have arthritis or gout, your doctor prescribes medications to treat the underlying condition.

Physical therapy

Physical therapists help you learn exercises to strengthen the muscles around your knee. If you participate in sports or are physically active, a physical therapist may provide exercises to correct movements that affect your knees.

Joint injections

Your doctor may suggest a knee injection to relieve pain and swelling. Common injections include corticosteroids, hyaluronic acid, and platelet-rich plasma.

Surgery

Surgery may be an option when less invasive treatment options fail to relieve knee pain. Common knee surgeries include arthroscopic surgery. Your doctor uses a fiber-optic camera and long, narrow tools to examine and repair joint damage, or partial knee replacement surgery. The team replaces the damaged portion of the knee with metal and plastic, or a total knee replacement.

To find out if your knee pain requires surgery or other treatment, call the office, or schedule an appointment online today.