Long term knee pain makes simple everyday functions such as standing and walking a major problem! Chronic knee pain is a common issue for a number of adults. Thankfully, there are a variety of helpful treatments that can get you back on your feet and feeling yourself again.
The Comprehensive Pain Consultants of the Carolinas offers pain management in Asheville and a variety of non-surgical and minimally invasive treatment options for chronic pain. Read on to learn more about knee pain.
About the Knee
The knee joint is complex! We feel that it’s important to understand how the knee functions so you can better understand why pain occurs. The knee is made up of the following main components:
Cartilage: The substance on the ends of the bones in the knee. Cartilage allows the bones to pass smoothly over one another as the leg bends.
Menisci: Acts as shock absorbers between the femur and tibia.
Ligaments: Gives the knee stability and helps hold bones together.
Tendons: Connective tissue that attaches the muscle to the leg bones.
When any one of these components are not functioning correctly, it can lead to pain, inflammation and even long-term damage to the knee. Learn more about knee pain and treatment options right here.
Common Symptoms
While knee pain symptoms will vary from patient to patient, there are a few very common warning signs. Seek help from the pain management clinic in Asheville if you are experiencing any of the following knee pain symptoms:
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Chronic swelling or stiffness
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Constant aches
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Sharp pain when standing or walking
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A dull discomfort in one or both knees
Chronic Knee Pain Risk Factors
Knee pain can occur for a wide variety of reasons. It’s important to have an accurate health history and share all knowledge of surgeries and traumas with your pain management specialist so that you can get the best possible results. Here is a list of the most common risk factors that lead to chronic knee pain:
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Trauma, accidents & physical injuries
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Degenerative tissue disorders such as Osteoarthrosis or Osteoporosis
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Bacterial injections
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Auto-inflammatory disorders such as Rheumatoid arthritis
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Overuse of the joints or general wear and tear
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Obesity
Pain Management Treatments for Knee Pain
The treatment process typically begins with some form of diagnostic testing, which all depends on your symptoms. Our pain doctors will conduct blood work, physical exams, X-rays, MRIs or other imaging/scans to pinpoint the underlying cause of your pain. After diagnostics have been completed, a custom treatment plan will be presented to you. Often, one or a combination of the following will be recommended:
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Tailored injections- one or a series of injections
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Physical therapy
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Knee supports
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Anti-inflammatory medication
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Surgery
There are also lifestyle modifications that are recommended for anyone dealing with chronic knee pain such as: heat/ice therapy, wearing supportive shoes, avoiding long periods of standing on hard surfaces, maintaining a healthy weight and much more!
Pain Management Asheville
If you’re experiencing persistent knee pain, seek out help from our pain management Asheville doctors. We strive to create a sustainable treatment plan to stop chronic knee pain and prevent future damage. Contact us today and schedule your appointment.
Get in touch with us by calling 828-483-4438
Disclaimer: You should always seek the advice of a physician or other qualified health care provider before beginning any exercise program. The information contained in this article does not constitute medical advice, nor does reading or accessing this information create a patient-provider relationship. Comments that you post will be shared with all visitors to this page. All comments are not governed by HIPAA and you should not post any private health information.
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