It’s unclear how many of those people have arthritis of the knee. When your previous injury didn’t heal well, it can also cause pain later in life. Surgical intervention usually involves suturing the tendon back together and anchoring it to the patella.
A doctor will suggest treatment based on the condition that’s causing your pain. It can affect anyone at any age, but it is most common in people over 50. This is a common knee problem, that particularly affects children and young adults. People with patellofemoral pain syndrome usually have pain behind or around the kneecap.
Dealing with a hurt knee can be not only painful but also frustrating. Whether you’ve injured your knee during sports, exercise, or simply by accident, it’s important to seek proper treatment to ensure a speedy recovery and prevent any long-term issues.
This is not an all-inclusive list but rather highlights a few common causes of knee pain in each of the above categories. Greater trochanter pain syndrome (GTPS) is a cause of hip pain that occurs on the side of the hip. Pain from bursitis can be sharp in the first few days before leveling off to a dull ache. It worsens during transfers (such as getting out of bed or the car), after being stationary for a long time, and after sleeping on the affected side. Sciatica refers to nerve pain that travels down the legs due to compressed or irritated spinal nerve roots. In addition to pain, it can also cause tingling, burning, numbness, and weakness in the leg, typically on one side.
A dislocation of the knee cap in the outward (lateral) direction causes damage to a structure on the inner border of the patella called the medial patellofemoral ligament (MPFL). While this injury can be treated conservatively with physical therapy, it is frequently treated surgically with an MPFL reconstruction if the dislocations are recurrent. Tears in the tendons surrounding the knee joint typically occur in the patellar tendon (just below the knee cap) or the quadriceps tendon (just above the knee cap). These muscular injuries are extremely debilitating and almost always require a procedure to repair the damage. Studies have found that the improvements in pain and function after a partial meniscectomy are comparable to those from physical therapy alone.
Common Treatments for a Hurt Knee
Early intervention is the best way to stop joint damage from getting worse — and more painful — over time. Osteoarthritis (OA) is the most common type of arthritis. OA of the knee happens when the cartilage — the cushion between the knee joints — breaks down. Your surgeon will replace your knee joint with an artificial implant (a prosthesis).
While it won’t immediately reduce the symptoms you are feeling, one of the most effective ways to prevent knee pain from recurring is to maintain a healthy body weight. This is especially true for knee pain that is caused by osteoarthritis, as excess weight can place undue stresses on the damaged areas of the joint. In addition, braces are typically meant to be short-term treatment and are usually administered in tandem with other interventions like physical therapy or surgery. You can usually treat knee pain at home by taking a break from physical activities and taking over-the-counter (OTC) pain relievers. Visit a healthcare provider if you’re feeling pain that’s bad enough to affect your daily routine or that’s making it hard to move. See a provider if you experience knee pain that lasts more than a few days without getting better.
There are several effective treatments available for a hurt knee. Here are some common options:
- RICE method: Rest, Ice, Compression, and Elevation can help reduce pain and swelling in the knee.
- Physical therapy: Working with a physical therapist can improve strength and flexibility in the knee, aiding in recovery.
- Pain medication: Over-the-counter or prescription pain medications can help manage discomfort while the knee heals.
If the pain is a symptom of a more serious condition, such as advanced osteoarthritis or a ruptured tendon, a person may need stronger medications or even surgery. Rehabilitative therapy can also help alleviate knee pain. Visit a healthcare provider if you’re experiencing pain, swelling or can’t move your knee. They’ll diagnose the injury and suggest the right treatments. Visit a healthcare provider if you’ve experienced an injury and have knee sprain symptoms.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How long does it take to recover from a hurt knee?
A: The recovery time for a hurt knee can vary depending on the severity of the injury. In general, mild injuries may heal within a few weeks, while more serious injuries may require several months of treatment and rehabilitation.
Q: When should I see a doctor for a hurt knee?
A: If you experience severe pain, swelling, or difficulty bearing weight on the injured knee, it’s important to see a doctor for an evaluation. Ignoring these symptoms could lead to further damage and delay in recovery.
By following these tips and seeking appropriate treatment, you can speed up the recovery process and get back to your normal activities sooner. Remember to listen to your body and give your knee the rest and care it needs to heal properly.
