Understanding Knee Pain
AAOS does not endorse any treatments, procedures, products, or physicians referenced herein. This information is provided as an educational service and is not intended to serve as medical advice. Anyone seeking specific orthopaedic advice or assistance should consult his or her orthopaedic surgeon, or locate one in your area through the AAOS Find an Orthopaedist program on this website. You’re likely to start by seeing your family doctor. Depending on the cause of your problem, he or she may refer you to a doctor specializing in joint diseases (rheumatologist), joint surgery (orthopedic surgeon) or sports medicine.
Over-the-counter medications — such as ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin IB, others) and naproxen sodium (Aleve) — may help ease knee pain. Explore Mayo Clinic studies testing new treatments, interventions and tests as a means to prevent, detect, treat or manage this condition. Treatments will vary, depending upon what exactly is causing your knee pain. Sign up for free and stay up to date on research advancements, health tips, current health topics, and expertise on managing health. If you are physically active or practice a sport, you may need exercises to correct movement patterns that may be affecting your knees and to establish good technique during your sport or activity. Exercises to improve your flexibility and balance also are important.
After an injury or surgery, an exercise conditioning program will help you return to daily activities and enjoy a more active, healthy lifestyle. Following a well-structured conditioning program will also help you return to sports and other recreational activities. Your doctor may prescribe medications to help relieve pain and to treat the conditions causing your knee pain, such as rheumatoid arthritis or gout. These tests evaluate for anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury (Table 25,11 and Table 34,6,11,34 ). The Lachman test is the most commonly used technique for assessing the ACL6,7 (Figure 26).
Knee pain is a common issue that can affect individuals of all ages. It can be caused by various factors such as injuries, overuse, or underlying medical conditions. Understanding the root cause of your knee pain is crucial in finding the right treatment and management strategies. Whether you are experiencing acute or chronic knee pain, it is important to consult with a healthcare professional for an accurate diagnosis.
Treatment Options
Once you have identified the cause of your knee pain, there are several treatment options available to alleviate discomfort and improve mobility. Some common treatment options for knee pain include:
- Physical Therapy: Engaging in targeted exercises and stretches can help strengthen the muscles surrounding the knee joint and improve flexibility.
- Medication: Over-the-counter pain relievers or anti-inflammatory drugs can help reduce pain and inflammation in the knee.
- Rest and Ice: Resting the affected knee and applying ice packs can help reduce swelling and provide relief from pain.
The uses of and indications for radiography, musculoskeletal ultrasonography, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and laboratory evaluation are also addressed. No systematic review has addressed the diagnostic accuracy of physical examination findings in patients with medial or lateral collateral ligament injuries. The most common types of physical examination tests for assessing these injuries are the valgus and varus stress tests. Asymmetric gapping or laxity is suggestive of this injury6,11,20,34 (Figure 46 ). Start with self-care if your knee pain has no clear signs of trauma and you can still go about daily life.
Make your tax-deductible gift and be a part of the cutting-edge research and care that’s changing medicine. Some people find relief by rubbing the affected knee with creams containing a numbing agent, such as lidocaine, or capsaicin, the substance that makes chili peppers hot. You’ll soon start receiving the latest Mayo Clinic health information you requested in your inbox.
Arch supports, sometimes with wedges on one side of the heel, can help shift pressure away from the side of the knee most affected by osteoarthritis. In certain conditions, different types of braces may be used to help protect and support the knee joint. Also, call your care team if you have a fever or other symptoms of sickness.
Preventing Knee Pain
Prevention is key when it comes to managing knee pain. By taking proactive steps to protect your knee joints, you can reduce the risk of developing pain and discomfort. Some tips for preventing knee pain include:
- Maintain a Healthy Weight: Excess weight can put added stress on your knees, increasing the likelihood of pain and injury.
- Wear Proper Footwear: Supportive shoes can help distribute weight evenly and reduce strain on the knees.
- Avoid High-Impact Activities: Activities such as running or jumping can put excessive pressure on the knees. Consider low-impact alternatives like swimming or cycling.
Download Our Knee Pain PDF Guide for More Information
If you are looking for more comprehensive information on dealing with knee pain, download our free PDF guide today. This resource contains valuable insights and tips for managing and preventing knee pain effectively. Take control of your knee health and start feeling better today!
