Your knee joints contain bones, ligaments, muscles, cartilage, tendons, and nerves, which operate in harmony so you can sit, walk, run, and jump.
Knee pain can result due to trauma to the bones or soft tissues, such as a fracture or dislocation of the joint or a meniscal tear. Ligament injuries are a common problem, for example, anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) and medial collateral ligament (MCL) tears.
Another type of knee pain develops from overuse or repetitive strain. Examples include bursitis and tendonitis. The team at Pain Specialists of Oregon also diagnoses and treats the causes of chronic knee pain, like osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis.
To determine what’s causing your knee pain, your provider at Pain Specialists of Oregon performs a physical exam. They locate any swelling or bruising of the knee joint and test the joint's range of motion.
You might also need to undergo a diagnostic imaging test. The type of test depends on what your provider suspects is responsible for your knee pain, but common technologies include X-ray, ultrasound, CT scan, or MRI.
If you develop knee pain, rest the joint to enable it to heal and apply hot and cold compresses. These, plus pain-relieving and anti-inflammatory medications, reduce swelling and relieve knee pain.
Weight challenges put unnecessary strain on your knees, so losing weight can be highly beneficial. Massage and manual manipulation can also help.
If your knee pain is severe, doesn't get better, or you develop a progressive condition like arthritis, Pain Specialists of Oregon offers expert joint pain treatment.
Some of the treatments Pain Specialists of Oregon uses for knee pain include:
All injections take place using X-ray or ultrasound imaging guidance to ensure the precise delivery of the medication and minimize pain. Treatments like genicular nerve blocks and radiofrequency ablation could effectively block knee pain for up to a year.
To find out what's causing your knee pain and get expert treatment, call Pain Specialists of Oregon today or book an appointment online.