While some types of knee pain can be treated at home through stretching, exercising and compression, others may require medical attention. In order to determine if medical attention is necessary, there are some important warning signs to look out for.
Pain caused as a result of a trauma or injury, such as a car crash or knee blow in a sports game, often requires medical attention. These types of incidents may cause deformity of the knee, dislocation, or the inability to straighten the leg or put weight on it. Loss of sensation in the ankle or foot is usually a sign that a medical examination is needed.
Knee pain caused by minor sprains or overstretching over the muscles or tendons can often be treated at home. These strains and sprains often develop over a short period of time and can include sharp pains, rapid swelling, bruising and long-term soreness and stiffness. Icing the affected area, compression, and rest can aid in reducing pain in swelling. Anti-inflammatories can also help to reduce swelling. Symptoms should subside within a few days, but caution must be practiced to avoid further damaging the knee.
If the symptoms persist for more than two days or the pain worsens, this is a sign that medical attention is needed. If you are feeling numbness in the knee or below, instability of the knee or the inability to walk on or move the knee, it is time for an examination. Popping or clicking sounds may suggest a meniscus tear and it’s important to stop any activity to reduce further damage. Additionally, any cuts or tears to the skin should be examined as foreign bodies may need to be removed and may drainage and treatment of infections.
Any pain or swelling that worsens over time, comes and goes, or affects other joints should be examined in an effort to avoid increased damage and to rule out conditions which may be causing joint pain such as rheumatoid arthritis. If you, a friend or family member is experiencing knee pain, please contact us to schedule an appointment at 732-431-2155.
