Knee pain refers to any discomfort or ache in or around the knee joint, ranging from mild to severe.
Causes and Symptoms
- Common causes include injuries, arthritis, cartilage damage, a dislocated kneecap, or torn ligaments.
- Symptoms requiring management include persistent or severe knee pain, swelling, stiffness, instability, or the inability to fully straighten the knee.
Diagnosis and Treatment
- Diagnosis typically involves a physical examination, patient history, and imaging tests like X-rays or an MRI.
- Conservative treatments include rest, ice, compression, elevation (RICE), pain medications, and physical therapy.
- Interventional treatments may include steroid injections, nerve blocks, radiofrequency ablation, and peripheral nerve stimulation.
- Advanced treatments use regenerative therapies to restore function, reduce pain, and increase activity.
Treatment Goals
- The primary goal is to alleviate pain, reduce inflammation, restore function, and improve the patient’s quality of life.