Knee pain can last a lifetime whether it’s because of an accident or illness. Knowing if and when to see an Atlanta knee specialist is vital to long-term health. Whether it’s a chronic condition like osteoarthritis or a torn meniscus, taking care of your knees today avoids suffering tomorrow.
As an Atlanta knee surgeon in the field, we want to share what we know so you can be an informed patient. We’ll look at different causes of pain (many of which have overlapping symptoms and can be difficult to diagnose), how to treat and who to see for care.
Knees take a beating just with everyday wear. They can even cause foot pain, ankle pain, and back discomfort! Degenerative and painful issues like patellofemoral pain syndrome.
But, with nearly constant movement and carrying the weight of the body, Atlanta knee injuries are common at all ages. Sports, falls and motor vehicle accidents are the most commonly seen causes of pain and injuries.
While patients of all ages are affected, older patients experience chronic pain more often. However, the vast majority of Atlanta knee pain occurs from injuries. While care may seem straightforward, the best possible healing can mean seeing an Atlanta knee doctor or even an orthopedic surgeon.
Atlanta knee injuries are incredibly common which is probably why most of you are here. But it’s good you are because there are certain dos and don’ts with care right down to how to wrap a knee, whether to wear a brace and when to see a doctor.
The anatomy can be damaged by twisting, bending, or overextending the joint, as well as direct blows from sports, falls, or accidents.
Injury risk factors increasing the chance of injury include overuse, improper training, osteoporosis, and playing high-impact sports that involve sudden changes in direction. But injuries can happen anywhere, to anyone at any age.
Some of the more common reasons our patients require an Atlanta knee doctor include:
Immediately after suffering an injury, you may experience some common signs and symptoms which may include:
Joint pain is inconvenient in any manner, but it may be crippling when it becomes chronic. Chronic illnesses may make even the most basic tasks seem impossible. Walking and sitting down may be uncomfortable, and dealing with chronic symptoms without seeking care can exacerbate the situation.
While being strong, the knee joints can also be one of the most vulnerable parts of the body. Knowing what could injure them and how to properly treat any injury can be the difference between living an active life and living in discomfort. If you are experiencing chronic pain, we encourage you to schedule an appointment with our Atlanta knee specialist.
While conditions that cause chronic pain can vary, ongoing problems are usually associated with either trauma or medical conditions.
Chronic pain can be in the form of swelling, inflammation, or sensitivity. It can affect one or both knees. Traumatic injuries to the kneecap may result in dislocation, fractures, or tears in ligaments or the meniscus, which is a cushioning piece of cartilage.
Traumatic injuries are often preventable. Simply warming up properly before exercising and using proper protective equipment when playing sports can avoid many such accidents.
The way your feet land when you walk can impact the largest joints in your body, the knees, and hips. Chronic pain in your hips, knees, or even in your lower back, shoulders, and neck, may have a connection between the pain and the way your feet function.
Walking can be used successfully to treat chronic issues but can also cause greater problems with poor walking habits. Telltale signs can signal the time to see an Atlanta knee surgeon including foot problems, pain while walking, and chronically sore joints.
Conditions such as fallen arches caused by overpronation or hypermobile feet (excessive joint movements in and around the feet) could signal a compromised gait. Feet issues can put undue strain on the knees, leading to painful injuries.
The knee is made to only bend straight forward. Overpronated feet cause the leg to rotate inward toward the opposite leg, causing the knee to flex and extend while pointing inward, not in the normal direction, putting stress on the knee.
Osteoarthritis pain is caused by worn cartilage on the inside (medial) area of the knee joint. There is ongoing research to see how walking differently may mitigate this pain.
Studies performed by the Arthritis Foundation have found that, while walking, pointing toes slightly outwards, about seven degrees, shifts pressure to the lateral (outside) part of the knee, in turn relieving pain coming from the inside of the joint.
Consult your Atlanta knee doctor to see if changing the way you walk can help alleviate pain.
Patellofemoral pain syndrome (PFPS), or Runner’s Knee, is throbbing pain resulting from problems between the kneecap and the femur. It’s usually felt in the front of the knee and comes on gradually. Causes can include weak thigh muscles, soft cartilage, or flat feet.
Treatment for Atlanta runner’s knee usually requires rest and physical therapy. Many runners switch to cycling or swimming as a safe way to build muscle without straining the knee. Insoles are available commercially and even through orthopedic specialists.
Bursitis is felt on the outside of the hip while arthritis is felt inside the hip near the groin. Both conditions can benefit from different walking treatments.
Excessive walking or running can inflame the hip-cushioning bursa. Also, exercising without proper warm-ups or cool downs can cause bursitis. This is why stretching and properly warming up are critical. Recovering from bursitis means a gradual increase in frequency and length of walks.
As discussed, problems caused by over-pronation are also true for the hip joint. The leg rotates inward as the foot pronates, and the hip may become misaligned. This condition places a strain on the hip and leg muscles as a whole.
People who suffer from Atlanta knee pain whether by accident or heredity may not need to live in pain. Consulting with a doctor or orthopedic specialist can discuss your treatment alternatives which may include knee arthroscopy, a minimally invasive, low recovery time surgery.
But there are signs which indicate when a doctor’s visit is warranted, including:
Get started on your treatment today!
One of Georgia’s best Orthopedic practice because we treat patients like our own family. Atlanta’s Top Orthopedic Sports Medicine and Interventional Pain Doctors.