Knee Pain: Causes, Treatments and Prevention
Knee pain is a common discomfort that can affect people of all ages.
This pain may be due to injuries, degenerative diseases or structural problems.
At Clínica San Román, we specialize in providing accurate diagnoses and effective treatments to relieve knee pain and improve the quality of life of our patients.
Causes of Knee Pain
Knee pain can originate for a variety of reasons, some of the most common include:
- Sports Injuries: Injuries such as ligament sprains, meniscus tears and tendonitis are common among athletes and physically active people.
- Arthritis: Osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis are common causes of chronic knee pain.
These degenerative conditions cause cartilage wear and tear and joint inflammation. - Bursitis: Inflammation of the synovial sacs, which are fluid-filled sacs that cushion the knee, can cause pain.
- Mechanical Problems: Problems such as patellar dislocation, iliotibial band syndrome or flat feet can alter the alignment of the knee and cause pain.
- Infections and Other Medical Problems: Infections in the joint, as well as medical conditions such as gout or cysts, can also cause knee pain.
Diagnosis
Accurate diagnosis is essential to effectively treat knee pain.
At Clínica San Román, we use a combination of physical evaluations, medical history and imaging studies such as X-rays, MRI and ultrasound.
This allows us to identify the underlying cause of the pain and develop a personalized treatment plan.
Available Treatments
Treatment for knee pain varies depending on the cause and severity of the problem.
Some of the treatment options we offer include:
- Physical Therapy: Specific exercises can strengthen the muscles around the knee, improving stability and reducing pain.
- Medications: Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and analgesics can help manage pain and inflammation.
- Injections: Injections of corticosteroids, hyaluronic acid or platelet-rich plasma (PRP) can relieve pain and improve knee function.
- Surgery: In severe cases, surgery may be necessary.
This may include arthroscopy to repair ligament or meniscus damage, and total or partial knee replacement for advanced arthritis.
The most common symptoms that the patient will feel are:
Symptoms of knee pain can vary depending on the underlying cause, but some of the most common include:
- Pain and tenderness: Constant or intermittent pain, especially when moving the knee.
- Swelling: Swelling in the knee, which may be a sign of injury or inflammation.
- Stiffness: Difficulty in bending or straightening the knee completely.
- Instability: Sensation that the knee “buckles” or feels weak.
- Noises: Clicking or popping sounds when moving the knee.
- Redness and Warmth: The knee may feel warm and be reddened due to swelling.
Knee Pain Prevention
Preventing knee pain is possible by adopting certain healthy practices and lifestyles:
- Regular Exercise: Maintaining an exercise routine that includes strength and flexibility training can help keep knees healthy.
- Healthy Weight: Maintaining an appropriate body weight reduces stress on the knees.
- Proper Footwear: Wearing shoes that provide adequate support can prevent mechanical problems affecting the knee.
- Warm-up and Stretching: Warming up and stretching before and after physical activity can prevent injuries.
- Avoid Overloading: Avoiding repetitive activities that overload the knees can help prevent long-term problems.
Conclusion
At Clínica San Román, we understand the importance of addressing knee pain in a comprehensive manner.
Our personalized approach and use of advanced technologies allows us to offer effective treatments that improve our patients’ quality of life.
If you are experiencing knee pain, do not hesitate to contact us for a complete evaluation and a treatment plan tailored to your needs.
