The main functions of the knee joint are bearing the body's weight, straightening, and bending the leg. In addition to serving as a simple hinged joint, the knee twists and rotates. In order to support the whole body and perform all of these actions, the knee depends on several structures, including cartilage, ligaments, bones, and tendons. Cartilaginous structures primarily provide cushion for the knee joint. The knee has several ligaments that connect the femur to the tibia. There are four bones on the knee joint designed to bear the body's weight.
Tendons are similar to ligaments but mainly connect muscles to the bones. If you experience constant knee pain, you could have a problem with any of these knee components. Most knee problems result from injuries or overuse of the knee joint.
Knee Pain
Knee pain is the most common musculoskeletal issue that makes people seek medical treatment. Knee pain becomes more common as you age.
In today's increasingly active society, knee problems are on the rise. You are at a high risk of developing knee pain if you are overweight. At times, knee pain could result from sports or other injuries. The pain could come on suddenly, develop gradually over time, or be recurrent, meaning it comes and goes.
The pain could get worse when you move the knee and improve at rest. It could also be worse after moving in a particular way, like going down or upstairs. You could feel the pain all around your knee or just in a specific place like the front or side. Usually, knee pain has a wide variety of causes and treatments.
Types Of Knee Pain
The nerves that send sensation to the knee also provide sensation to the ankle, hip, and legs. These nerves originate from the lower back. The nerves can make pain from a deeper injury manifest on the surface. Therefore, knee pain could stem from lower back, hip, or ankle conditions. The pain could also stem from the knee itself. Typically, knee pain could be:
- Long-term (chronic)
- Immediate (acute)
Often, chronic knee pains originate from inflammations, like arthritis or injuries but could result from an infection.
When To Consult A Doctor For Knee Pain
A good rule of thumb exists when a patient should consult a doctor regarding knee pain. If your symptoms persist after trying over-the-counter medication and a week of PRICE therapy, you should consult a doctor. You could also consult a sports medicine orthopedic (muscle and bone) expert or a physical therapist to evaluate the pain. This rule of thumb mainly applies to non-disabling new knee injuries. However, the rule should only guide you. Whether or not you should seek medical treatment depends on the pain's magnitude and the extent of the injury.
You should go to a hospital for treatment if you cannot put weight on the knee or if your knee appears red and is hot. The doctor will evaluate you for a possible infection or fracture. Knee infections require immediate treatment because, if overlooked, they could get worse. On the other hand, most fractures require surgery or immobilization. Therefore, if you put off consulting a doctor, you will delay your healing. Other symptoms on the knee that require emergency evaluation include:
- Swelling
- A cut on the knee if you are taking a blood thinner medication (Coumadin or warfarin) or you have a bleeding disorder, like hemophilia
- Unbearable pain
- Puncture wounds
- Pain that does not reduce with painkillers
- Large wounds
- Pain that wakes you at night
Diagnosis Of Knee Pain
Doctors rely on physical examination and the patient’s detailed medical history to diagnose the causes of knee pain and devise a suitable treatment. Some of the questions your doctor could ask you include:
- If you have been limping
- The exact point on your knee that is painful
- If the knee is unstable
- How the pain feels like
- If the pain wakes you up at night
- How long has the pain lasted
- What makes the knee pain worse or better
- If you have experienced knee pain before
- Description of any injuries to the knee
The doctor could also inquire about any related symptoms like:
- If you have been having fevers
- If you still have normal sensation in your lower leg or foot
A Knee MRI
One of the most commonly used methods of diagnosing a knee injury is magnetic resonance imaging, abbreviated as MRI.
You could require a knee MRI if you have swelling around your knee, pain, or weakness. Knee MRI can assist your doctor in observing what could be causing your symptoms. MRI is a type of scan that utilizes radio waves, a magnetic field, and a computer to reveal detailed pictures of the inside of the body. A knee MRI allows the doctor to see the patient’s muscles, tendons, bones, ligaments, cartilage, and even some blood vessels.
A knee MRI can reveal various problems, including tumors, damaged cartilage, infections, torn tendons or ligaments, bone fractures, and osteoarthritis. Your doctor could also request an MRI to see how well you heal after surgery or if you need knee surgery.
During An MRI
Typically, an MRI machine appears like a giant, hollow tube. You are required to lie on an examination table, which slides into the tube. However, in the case of a knee MRI, your feet go in first, and your lower body remains in the tube. The test takes 15 to 45 minutes or, at times, more prolonged, as the machine makes images of your knee.
In some circumstances, a special dye is injected before the examination. The dye is called a contrast agent, which helps to make the images of your knee clear. A patient could experience a cool sensation after receiving the injection.
Usually, you will be alone in the MRI room during the examination. The technologist in charge of MRI will be outside, monitoring the patient on a computer. The technologist will talk to you through a two-way intercom and can see you the entire time. You will not feel pain during the scan.
You could be startled by the MRI machine noise, especially if it is your first time undergoing an MRI scan. The MRI machine makes humming, thumping, and knocking sounds. The technologist will probably provide earplugs or headphones so you can listen to music during the procedure. The patient can request headphones if the MRI technician fails to offer them. The technologist will send the images to a radiologist after the examination. The radiologist will then send the report to the doctor.
During the scan, you are not supposed to wear any metal. Metal could interfere with the MRI's magnetic field. Before the examination, you should remove any metallic items like zippers, eyeglasses, hearing aids, jewelry, watches, hairpins, pocket knives, and body piercings. Remember to inform your doctor or the technologist if you have any metal inside your body, like a medical device or shrapnel. Some metal implants placed in your body could move during the MRI examination. They include:
- Most cardiac defibrillators and pacemakers
- Some types of meta clips, like those that treat brain aneurysms
- Cochlear implant
MRIs are always safe, but you should inform your doctor if you have any of the following concerns:
Allergic Reaction
You risk having an allergic reaction if you receive the contrast dye before the MRI examination. Therefore, you should inform the MRI technologist or your doctor if you have any signs of an allergy, like skin rash, trouble breathing, itching, or a change in your heartbeat.
Claustrophobia
Do not hesitate to inform your doctor if you fear tight or closed spaces. Before an MRI examination, you must take medicine to calm your anxiety. You need to tell your doctor because the MRI technologist does not provide this medicine.
Pregnancy
If there is any possibility that you are pregnant, you need to let your doctor know. MRIs are often not recommended during the first trimester, even if they are considered safe for pregnant women. Pregnant women should also not be injected with a contrast dye unless necessary.
The Dos And Don’ts In A Knee Pain Management
You can take specific steps to alleviate knee pain, whether the pain is from arthritis, you have had for years or from a recent injury. They include:
Seek A Medical Professional’s Advice
Seek medical advice from a professional if you experience any form of knee pain. Knowing what you are dealing with is essential to prevent further damage.
Avoid Too Much Rest
Your muscles can get weak if you take too much rest, which can, in turn, make your knee joint pain worse. Find and stick with an exercise program that is safe for your knee. Consult a physical therapist or a doctor if you are unsure which motions are safe or how far you can go.
Do Not Jar Your Joints
Engaging in high-impact exercises can worsen painful knees. It is essential to avoid jarring exercises like kickboxing, running, and jumping. You should also avoid engaging in exercises like deep squats and lunges, which exert too much stress on your knees. These can escalate the pain, making you suffer further injury.
Engage in Mild Exercise
Cardio exercises increase flexibility and strengthen the muscles that support your knee. Stretching and weight training are also effective. Some good choices for cardio include water aerobics, elliptical machines, walking, stationary cycling, and swimming. Tai chi could also assist you in improving balance and easing stiffness.
Use Temperature Treatment
Use a cold pack to numb the pain and erase swelling for the first 48 to 72 hours after a knee injury. Frozen peas or a plastic bag of ice does well; use this method for 15 to 20 minutes, three or four times daily. Cover the ice pack with a towel to protect your skin.
You can heat things after the cold compress with a warm towel, a heating pad, or a warm bath for 15 to 20 minutes, three to four times daily.
Do Not Risk A Fall
An unstable or painful knee can make you fall, causing more damage to the knee. Secure yourself from falling by ensuring enough light in your home, using handrails on staircases, and using a footstool or a sturdy ladder if you have to take something on a high shelf.
Do Not Wear Shoes That Can Worsen Your Condition
Shoes with insoles that have cushions can reduce stress on your knees. Often, doctors recommend special insoles if you have knee osteoarthritis. Consult a physical therapist or your doctor to help you find the appropriate insole.
Use ‘’RICE’’
Rest, ice, compression, and elevation (RICE) is appropriate for knee pain resulting from arthritis flare or a minor injury. Allow your knee to rest, reduce swelling by applying ice, compress the knee with a bandage, and elevate your knee.
Consider Acupuncture
This Chinese traditional medicine involves injecting fine needles at specific body parts. It is mainly used to relieve several pains, including knee pain.
Check On Your Weight
Losing weight if you are overweight eases stress on your knee. You are not required to attain the ‘’ideal’’ weight. Even more minor changes would still make a difference.
Do Not Shy Off Using A Walking Aid
A cane or crutch can reduce the stress on your knee. Knee braces and splints can also assist you in gaining stability.
Homecare For Knee Pain
When treating knee pain, the main goal is to break the inflammatory cycle. Inflammation is the knee's physiologic response to an injury, and often the inflammatory cycle begins with an injury. The substances that cause inflammation invade the knee to help in healing after the injury. However, if the subsequent inflammation and the injury are not dealt with, inflammation could escalate to a chronic problem, leading to additional injury and further inflammation. The inflammatory cycle could lead to progressive or continued knee pain.
Controlling the substances that cause inflammation can break the cycle and limit further tissue injury. The following are the homecare methods for knee pain that control inflammation and assist in breaking the inflammatory cycle:
Knee Elevation
Knee elevation assists in reducing swelling. You can use a recliner to elevate the legs naturally or prop your leg up when you are sitting. Elevation is most effective when the knee or any other injured body part is higher than the heart level. Elevation works alongside gravity to assist the fluid that would otherwise accumulate in the knee flow back to the central circulation.
Protect The Knee From Trauma Escalation
You can do this by splinting or using knee padding. For instance, a pad over the kneecap helps to manage the symptoms of specific knee injuries like a particular type of bursitis commonly referred to as housemaid's knee. The pad prevents further repetitive injury to the prepatellar bursae.
Compressing The Knee
You can compress the knee using a wrap or a knee brace. Knee compression reduces swelling. In some knee injuries, you can employ compression to keep the joint mechanics intact and to keep the patella aligned.
Rest The Knee
Resting the knee prevents further injury and gives the knee time to heal. Rest also reduces repetitive strain exerted on the knee by activity.
Knee Icing
Most medical experts recommend icing the knee two to three times a day for 20 to 30 minutes. Use a bag of frozen vegetables or an ice pack and place it on the knee. Knee icing can be used for both chronic and acute knee injuries to reduce swelling.
Using Over-The-Counter Painkillers
Common painkillers, including non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like naproxen (Naprosyn or Aleve) and ibuprofen (Motrin or Advil), come in handy in knee pain treatment. These drugs act as anti-inflammatory agents, breaking the inflammatory cycle and controlling pain. However, like most medications, these drugs have side effects. Medical experts advise that you should not use NSAIDs if you have bleeding problems, certain kidney diseases, or stomach ulcers.
Medical experts often recommend the use of Acetaminophen to alleviate knee pain. However, Acetaminophen lacks the anti-inflammatory properties contained in NSAIDs. Still, the Acetaminophen drug is effective in several knee pains like osteoarthritis.
Knee Recovery
The period of your knee recovery depends on the extent of your injury. Some patients recover naturally faster, while others take some time. Ask your doctor if you can engage in an activity that cannot aggravate your knee pain as you get better. For example, athletes could attempt swimming or other types of lower-impact cardio. Avoid rushing on the exercises. Avoid resuming your normal level of activity until you experience the following signs:
- Your injured knee feels as strong as the other knee
- You feel no pain in your knee when you straighten or bend it
- You feel no pain in your knee when you sprint, walk, jump, or jog
Find Reliable Treatment And MRI Services Near Me
Have you suffered a knee injury, or do you constantly experience knee pain?
Hollywood Healthcare & Diagnostic Imaging provides reliable treatment and MRI services in Los Angeles, CA. Our experienced doctors and MRI technicians will thoroughly examine your knee, perform comprehensive imaging tests, and provide the most appropriate treatment services. Contact us at 323-486-7502 to speak to one of our doctors.
