Acute knee pain can happen because of infection or a sudden injury. Chronic knee pain is often from injuries or inflammation (such as arthritis). Knee pain is the most common musculoskeletal complaint that brings people to the doctor. Several different things can lead to knee pain, and the treatments for it vary depending on what’s causing it.
You can usually treat knee pain at home with rest and over-the-counter medicine. Visit a healthcare provider if you’ve experienced an injury or have knee pain for more than a few days in a row. Knees are one of the most commonly injured joints, and sprains are a common injury. They happen when something forces ligaments in your knee to stretch too far or tear. You’ll probably be able to manage your symptoms with at-home treatments, but you should visit a healthcare provider to get the injury diagnosed.
For example, people with a high body mass index (BMI) have a greater chance of developing OA of the hand than those with a low BMI. A doctor will also perform a physical assessment of the knee. They may recommend an ultrasound, X-ray, or MRI scan to look at the inner structure of the knee. They will need to know how the discomfort started and whether the person has a history of inflammatory disorders or a recent injury.
Many types of pain are difficult to prevent, but you can do some things to reduce your changes of getting a knee injury. If you have knee pain, some things you can do at home to help break the inflammatory cycle are protection, rest, ice, compression, and elevation (known as PRICE). While some early studies have shown improved pain and function following a PRP injection, particularly six to 12 months later, the research is still inconclusive.
If you have pain in the lower part of your leg, try pointing and straightening your toes when sitting or standing. If you have pain in the upper part of your leg, try to bend over and touch your toes. Along with a rapid onset of pain and swelling, you might also experience fever and chills. They’re usually made of stiff plastic or metal with cushions and straps that wrap around your knee and leg.
PCL tears can happen when your knee is hit from the front while bent. The kneecap (patella) sits on the front of the knee joint to protect it. The knee is supported by ligaments that attach the upper leg bone (femur) to the lower leg bone (tibia). Two of the ligaments are the anterior and posterior cruciate ligaments (ACL and PCL), which criss-cross each other within the joint and stabilize movement.
Leg and knee pain can be a common issue that many individuals face due to various reasons such as injury, overuse, or underlying medical conditions. Finding the right treatment for leg and knee pain is essential in order to alleviate the discomfort and improve mobility.
“An ACL or MCL injury will give you more instability than pain in the long run,” says Dr. Tjong. Both of these injuries can happen as a result from years of playing sports, which causes the ligaments to stretch and eventually tear. In addition to the traditional medical treatments mentioned above, you may also benefit from mental health counseling to cope with the impacts of living with chronic pain. Staying engaged in low-impact exercise and accessible hobbies that bring you joy and meaning are also important. Likewise, hip pain that radiates down the legs can also originate in the sacroiliac (SI) joint, rather than the hip joint.
Rest and Ice Therapy
One of the initial steps in treating leg and knee pain is to rest the affected area and apply ice to reduce inflammation and swelling. Resting allows the body to heal naturally while icing helps to numb the pain and decrease blood flow to the area.
Physical Therapy
Physical therapy plays a crucial role in the treatment of leg and knee pain by focusing on strengthening the muscles surrounding the affected area, improving flexibility, and correcting any imbalances that may be causing the pain. Physical therapists also provide guidance on proper posture and movement patterns to prevent further injury.
Medication
In some cases, medication such as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) may be prescribed to help alleviate pain and reduce inflammation. However, it is important to consult with a healthcare professional before taking any medication to ensure it is safe and appropriate for your specific condition.
Surgery
In severe cases where conservative treatments are ineffective, surgery may be recommended to repair damaged tissue or correct structural issues causing the leg and knee pain. Surgical options vary depending on the underlying cause of the pain and should be discussed thoroughly with a healthcare provider.
Overall, seeking early intervention and proper treatment for leg and knee pain is crucial in order to prevent further complications and improve quality of life. It is important to work closely with a healthcare provider to develop a personalized treatment plan tailored to your specific needs and goals.
