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Treatment for Knee Pain in Sacramento

Chronic knee pain is a common complaint that affects millions of people worldwide, impacting mobility, daily activities, and overall quality of life. We understand the debilitating effects of chronic knee pain and specialize in providing effective treatment options to help patients find relief and regain function. Below we'll delve into the risk factors, causes, symptoms, and various treatment options available for chronic knee pain.

Risk factors.

There are many risk factors for developing chronic knee pain

  • Age: The risk of developing chronic knee pain increases with age, as the structures of the knee joint undergo natural wear and tear over time. Conditions such as osteoarthritis, which is more prevalent in older adults, can contribute to chronic knee pain.

  • Previous Injuries: Trauma or injuries to the knee joint, such as ligament sprains, tendon tears, or fractures, can increase the risk of developing chronic knee pain, especially if the injury does not heal properly or if there is residual damage to the joint structures.

  • Repetitive Stress or Overuse: Activities or occupations that involve repetitive movements or excessive stress on the knee joint, such as running, jumping, squatting, or kneeling, can lead to chronic knee pain due to wear and tear on the joint structures.

  • Obesity: Excess body weight places increased pressure on the knee joint, leading to accelerated degeneration of the joint cartilage and an increased risk of developing conditions such as osteoarthritis, which can cause chronic knee pain.

  • Genetics: Some individuals may have a genetic predisposition to developing certain knee conditions, such as osteoarthritis or ligament laxity, which can contribute to chronic knee pain.

  • Muscle Weakness or Imbalance:Weakness or imbalance in the muscles surrounding the knee joint, such as the quadriceps, hamstrings, or calf muscles, can affect joint stability and alignment, leading to chronic knee pain.

  • Biomechanics: Abnormalities in foot structure, such as flat feet or high arches, as well as improper alignment of the lower limbs (such as knock knees or bow legs), can alter the mechanics of the knee joint and increase the risk of chronic knee pain.

  • Sedentary Lifestyle: Lack of regular exercise or physical activity can weaken the muscles supporting the knee joint, reduce joint flexibility, and increase the risk of developing chronic knee pain.

  • Occupational Factors: Jobs or activities that involve prolonged kneeling, squatting, or lifting heavy loads can strain the knee joint and increase the risk of chronic knee pain.

Causes.

Chronic knee pain can stem from various underlying conditions with symptoms (what you feel) giving us some clues:

  • Osteoarthritis: The most common cause of chronic knee pain, osteoarthritis occurs when the protective cartilage that cushions the ends of the bones in the knee joint wears down over time, leading to pain, stiffness, and swelling.

  • Rheumatoid Arthritis: An autoimmune disorder that causes inflammation in the joints, including the knees, resulting in pain, swelling, and joint deformity.

  • Meniscal Tears: Injuries to the meniscus, the cartilage that acts as a shock absorber in the knee joint, can cause chronic pain, swelling, and limited mobility.

  • Ligament Injuries (ACL, PCL, MCL, LCL):   Injuries of the ligaments of the knee involve damage or tears to the tough bands of tissue that connect the bones of the knee joint, often resulting from sudden twists, impacts, or overextension, leading to instability and compromised joint function.

  • Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome (Runner's Knee): Overuse or repetitive stress on the patellar tendon, which connects the kneecap to the shinbone, can lead to chronic pain and inflammation in the front of the knee.

  • Bursitis: Inflammation of the bursae, small fluid-filled sacs that cushion the knee joint, can cause chronic pain and swelling, particularly with activities that involve kneeling or bending the knee.

  • Iliotibial Band Syndrome (ITBS):  a common overuse injury characterized by inflammation and irritation of the iliotibial band, a thick band of tissue that runs along the outside of the thigh from the hip to the knee, typically causing pain on the outside of the knee during activities such as running or cycling.

Symptoms.

The symptoms--what you feel--of knee pain can give clues as to the cause of the pain.

  • Osteoarthritis: 

    • Gradual onset of pain, often worsening with activity and improving with rest.

    • Stiffness, especially in the morning or after periods of inactivity. 

    • Swelling and inflammation around the knee joint. 

    • Crepitus, a sensation of grinding or popping in the knee joint. 

    • Decreased range of motion and flexibility in the knee. 

    • Weakness or instability in the knee joint.

  • Rheumatoid Arthritis:

    • Symmetrical inflammation and pain in multiple joints, including the knees. 

    • Morning stiffness lasting for more than 30 minutes. 

    • Swelling, warmth, and redness around the knee joint. 

    • Fatigue, fever, and general malaise. 

    • Joint deformities over time, such as joint erosion and misalignment.

  • Meniscal Tears: 

    • Sudden onset of pain, often occurring during physical activity or twisting movements. 

    • Swelling and tenderness along the joint line of the knee. 

    • Locking or catching sensation in the knee joint. 

    • Difficulty straightening or fully bending the knee. 

    • Instability or feeling of giving way in the knee.

  • Ligament Injuries (ACL, PCL, MCL, LCL)

    •  Acute onset of pain, often accompanied by a popping sensation at the time of injury. 

    • Swelling and bruising around the knee joint. 

    • Instability or feeling of the knee giving way, particularly during weight-bearing activities. 

    • Difficulty bearing weight on the affected leg. 

    • Limited range of motion, especially in the direction of the injured ligament.

  • Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome (Runner's Knee): 

    • Dull, aching pain around or behind the kneecap, often worsened by activities such as running, climbing stairs, or sitting for prolonged periods with knees bent. 

    • Grinding or popping sensation with knee movements. 

    • Swelling and tenderness around the edges of the kneecap. 

    • Pain aggravated by activities that place pressure on the kneecap, such as squatting or kneeling.

    • Weakness or tightness in the muscles around the knee, particularly the quadriceps and hamstrings.

  • Bursitis:

    • Localized pain, tenderness, and swelling around the bursa (fluid-filled sac) near the knee joint. -

    • Pain worsened by activities that put pressure on the affected bursa, such as kneeling or prolonged periods of standing. -

    • Warmth and redness over the affected area. -

    • Limited range of motion in the knee joint.

  • Iliotibial Band Syndrome (ITBS): 

    • Sharp or burning pain on the outside of the knee, typically occurring during activities such as running, cycling, or climbing stairs.

    • Swelling and tenderness over the lateral aspect of the knee joint.

    • Pain aggravated by bending the knee, especially beyond a certain angle. - Sensation of tightness or pulling along the outside of the thigh and knee.

    • Clicking or popping sensation with knee movement.

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Treatment.

Treatment Options for Chronic Knee Pain

  • Conservative Management: Initially, conservative treatments may be recommended to manage chronic knee pain, including rest, ice therapy, compression, and elevation (RICE), as well as over-the-counter pain relievers and anti-inflammatory medications.

  • Physical Therapy: Targeted exercises and stretching techniques prescribed by a physical therapist can help strengthen the muscles surrounding the knee joint, improve flexibility, and reduce pain.

  • Bracing or Support Devices: Custom-fitted knee braces or orthotic devices may be recommended to provide support, stability, and alignment for individuals with chronic knee pain.

  • Intra-Articular Injections: Corticosteroid injections or hyaluronic acid injections delivered directly into the knee joint can help reduce inflammation, lubricate the joint, and provide temporary pain relief.

  • Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) Therapy: PRP therapy involves injecting a concentrated solution of platelets derived from the patient's own blood into the knee joint to promote tissue repair and reduce inflammation.

  • Radiofrequency Ablation (RFA): This minimally invasive procedure involves using heat to disrupt the nerves that transmit pain signals from the knee joint, providing long-lasting pain relief.

  • Surgery: In severe cases or when conservative treatments fail to provide relief, surgical options such as arthroscopic surgery, knee replacement surgery, or cartilage restoration procedures may be considered to address underlying structural issues and alleviate chronic knee pain.

Chronic knee pain can be a challenging condition to manage, but effective treatment options are available to help patients find relief and improve their quality of life. At our interventional pain management clinic, we specialize in diagnosing and treating chronic knee pain using advanced techniques tailored to each patient's individual needs. If you're experiencing chronic knee pain, don't hesitate to reach out to our team for evaluation and personalized treatment recommendations. We're here to help you find relief and get back to living your life to the fullest.

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