Monday, August 21, 2023
Knee Pain Should Not Be Ignored
Knee pain is a problem that can occur in individuals of all ages, but in some cases, it can significantly hinder daily life. Initially, there are methods that can be applied at home for knee pain. If knee pain persists for a long time, it is recommended to consult a specialist doctor.
Although knee pain can be a symptom on its own, it may sometimes be accompanied by other symptoms:
There are many causes of knee pain. These can include mechanical problems, types of arthritis, injuries, or other issues. Knee injuries include:
There are also various mechanical problems in the knee that can be explained as follows:
There are over 100 different types of arthritis that can cause knee pain. The most common types of arthritis that lead to knee pain include:
Depending on the cause of knee pain, the methods that may help can vary. If it's a mild issue, it may heal on its own. There are methods to accelerate self-healing.
For overweight individuals, extra pressure is applied to the kneecap, which can increase pain severity over time. Those who complain about this can look for ways to lose weight healthily. Flat feet can also lead to knee pain, so specially designed shoes for flat feet can be chosen.
If knee pain persists for 2 weeks after trying these home methods, or if there is a feeling of warmth and swelling in the knee, it is recommended to see a specialist doctor. If there is a serious problem, it should be addressed with medical treatment methods.
To treat knee pain, it is essential to first determine the cause of the pain. Different treatment methods are used for various reasons. Medications can be used to help alleviate pain. Medications to treat conditions like rheumatoid arthritis or gout can be prescribed by your doctor.
Another treatment method, physical therapy, may be preferred to strengthen the muscles around the knee. Depending on the condition, the exercises an individual can perform may vary. If the individual is physically active in daily life or regularly exercises, they should consider movements that could affect their knees and try to adjust their exercise accordingly.
In some cases, your doctor may recommend injections. This involves injecting medications or other substances into the joints. For example:
Some types of knee pain can also be treated with surgery. If surgery is necessary, it may not be urgent. You can first discuss with your doctor to learn the pros and cons of surgery. If the individual wishes to undergo surgery, various types of surgeries are available depending on the issue.
With arthroscopic surgery, joint damage can be examined and repaired with the help of a fiber optic camera. This method is typically used to treat loose bodies caused by bone or cartilage tears. It can reconstruct torn ligaments. In partial knee replacement surgery, the damaged part of the knee is replaced with metal and plastic parts. In partial surgeries, small incisions are usually made. There is a higher likelihood of recovery in this type of surgery.
In total knee replacement surgery, metal alloys and high-quality polymer artificial joints are placed to replace the damaged bone and cartilage from the thigh bone to the shin bone and kneecap.
Osteotomy is a surgery performed to better align the knee and prevent curvature of the leg bones. This surgery can help delay total knee replacement surgery or allow the individual to avoid it altogether.
Individuals with long-lasting knee pain can consult a specialist doctor to intervene in the underlying cause before it’s too late and continue their lives in a better way.
Last Updated Date: 09 February 2024
Publication Date: 09 February 2024
Orthopaedics and Traumatology Center
Orthopaedics and Traumatology Center
Orthopaedics and Traumatology Center
Orthopaedics and Traumatology Center
Orthopaedics and Traumatology Center
Orthopaedics and Traumatology Center
Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Department
Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Department
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