Long lasting knee pain can be a debilitating condition that affects many individuals. Whether it is due to injury, overuse, or underlying medical conditions, dealing with chronic knee pain can greatly impact one’s quality of life. It is important to understand the causes of this pain and explore various treatment options to alleviate discomfort and improve mobility.
If your pain isn’t significant, you can try to diagnose and treat it at home by paying attention to the specific symptoms you have. However, if home treatments don’t seem to work, make sure to consult with a medical professional. People at risk of developing hamstring strain include sprinters, soccer players, or anyone who puts a lot of force on their hamstrings. When someone injures their hamstrings, they may feel pain in the back of the knee, around the buttocks, thigh, and lower leg. In some patients, the symptoms can be so severe that they end up having either a partial knee replacement or a full knee replacement. The pain involves more general stiffness that is typically worse in the early morning.
Changing your diet, losing excess weight, and quitting smoking can also have a positive impact on managing symptoms of OA. Septic arthritis is considered a medical emergency that requires emergency surgery. While OA can affect only one knee, it’s more likely it would impair both knees. A hit to the knee at a bad angle can tear the ACL, for example.
Causes of Long Lasting Knee Pain
You might not always be able to prevent knee pain, especially if it’s caused by an injury you can’t plan for. You may not be able to prevent arthritis and other health conditions, either. There’s concern that repeated cortisone shots might damage the cartilage within a joint.
Movement becomes restricted and pain gradually increases. Osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, sprains, and gout are some of the most common causes of knee pain. Treatment often includes a mix of self-care techniques and medical treatments to ease pain and inflammation. Pes anserinus bursitis refers to inflammation of the fluid-filled sac in the knee joint.
The ACL connects the thighbone (femur) to the shinbone (tibia). It’s most commonly torn during sports that involve sudden stops and changes in direction — such as basketball, soccer, tennis and volleyball. The care provider might also spray a medicine that numbs an area where the needle will be inserted.
There are several factors that can contribute to long lasting knee pain. These include osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, meniscus tears, ligament injuries, tendonitis, bursitis, and patellar tracking issues. Overuse, obesity, poor posture, improper footwear, and lack of flexibility or strength can also exacerbate knee pain. Identifying the root cause of the pain is crucial in determining the most effective treatment plan.
Having had surgery to repair a torn meniscus may make people more likely to have meniscus tears or other meniscus injuries in the future. If the symptoms are persistent, involve other joints, and there are other symptoms such as morning stiffness, it could be rheumatoid arthritis. Doctors can give drugs for both the disease itself and the pain it causes. A knee should be checked by a doctor if there is considerable pain, deep cuts, swelling, or the person is unable to use their leg. An obvious knee injury caused by sudden trauma, such as from a road accident or a fall, may need immediate medical attention.
Treatment Options for Long Lasting Knee Pain
Depending on the cause of the knee pain, treatment options may vary. Conservative approaches such as rest, ice, compression, elevation, physical therapy, and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) can help alleviate symptoms. In more severe cases, corticosteroid injections, viscosupplementation, bracing, or surgery may be necessary. Lifestyle modifications such as weight management, regular exercise, proper stretching, and wearing supportive footwear can also aid in managing long lasting knee pain.
