Knee Pain Doctor Phoenixville, PA
You don’t have to be old to experience knee pain. You can be affected by knee pain whether you are an athlete, manual laborer, casual jogger or someone that works in the office regardless of how healthy you are. Fortunately technology has come a long way to help you find relief from your knee pain without an invasive surgery. Today there are non-surgical techniques that alleviate people’s knee pain. At Premier Osteoarthritis Centers of Pennsylvania, our experienced knee pain doctors in Phoenixville, PA, we can help you. Call us today to schedule an appointment to learn what options are available to you.
Causes of Knee Pain
There are lots of different reasons why you could be experiencing knee pain. A knee pain doctor can help you understand why you are suffering from pain and what your options are for addressing it. Some causes of knee pain include:
- Arthritis – There are many types of arthritis some of which affect the knee. Wearing of the knee joint, also known as osteoarthritis, is the most common form that affects the knee. The cartilage in the knee breaks down over time causing the bones to grind against each other, which can create bone spurs or other damage. Conditions like gout and rheumatoid arthritis can also impact the knee.
- Injuries – The knee is a complicated joint. If you have injured the tendons, ligaments, fluid-filled sacs, bones, or cartilage in and around your knee, it could be causing you knee pain. ACL tears, torn meniscuses, fracture of the knee cap or head of the femurs, tibia or fibula, or tendinitis are all common injuries that cause knee pain.
- Mechanical Issues – Sometimes problems in the knee develop because of the way your body is functioning. Pain elsewhere in your body may cause you to compensate and walk differently, putting pressure on your knee that leads to injury. Other issues like a dislocated kneecap or tight IT band can also cause issues.
If you are experiencing knee pain, the first step is to find out why. If you are looking for a knee pain doctor in Phoenixville, PA, call Premier Osteoarthritis Centers of Pennsylvania today to learn how we can help you.
A Quick Guide to Knee Injections
Knee pain is unpleasant. In fact, it can be downright debilitating. For the best possible treatment outcomes, you need the compassion and expertise of a trusted knee pain doctor in Phoenixville, PA. Your doctor may recommend several options for pain relief, healing and rehabilitation. Knee injections are a common method of pain relief that can help improve your quality of life. Before you embark on a treatment plan, you should how these injections work and what you can expect.
How Knee Injections Work
Pain relief typically includes topical or oral medications. Knee injections approach the problem from a different angle: targeting whatever’s aggravating your pain inside the knee itself. An injection blends medication with a local anesthetic to minimize pain and discomfort during the injection. Once the medication’s inside your knee, it can get to work and aid in reducing your pain.
Types of Knee Injections
Knee injections usually contain one of five kinds of medication: steroids, hyaluronic acid, infliximab, Botox or platelet-rich plasma. These substances work in different ways to target knee pain. Steroids and infliximab reduce inflammation that presses on nerve endings triggering your knee pain. Hyaluronic acid lubricates the joint itself to cut down on friction, stiffness and pain. Platelet-rich plasma comes from your own blood to stimulate collagen production and lubricate your knee joint. Botox quiets down neurons inside the knee that trigger pain signals.
Knee Injections and Pain Treatment
The type of knee injection you may receive depends on the cause of your pain. While each person’s condition is unique, specific injection medications are typically recommended for certain disorders. Steroids are a common choice for people with osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis and certain types of gout. Infliximab injections are typically prescribed for people with ankylosing spondylitis. Hyaluronic acid is another option for people with osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. For Botox and PRP injections, it depends on the patient’s specific condition and prognosis.
How Knee Injections Are Performed
Knee injections are usually performed in outpatient settings. To administer the medication, a needle is inserted into your need with an attached syringe containing the desired medication. Depending on the type of medication used and the injection site, your practitioner may use an X-ray, ultrasound or CT machine to guide the needle correctly into your knee.
Knee injections alone won’t treat your pain, but they can comprise part of a total treatment plan. Additional options may include physical therapy, other medications, surgery, exercise and weight management. When considering your treatment options, you should consult with an experienced knee pain doctor in Phoenixville, PA.
Common Myths About Knee Pain
Knee pain is a common ailment among adults, yet it is still widely misunderstood. It is important to understand the facts behind knee pain so that you can treat it properly. Here are some common myths about knee pain that you shouldn’t believe.
- Knee pain only affects older people. It’s true that a large percentage of people with knee pain are senior citizens. However, that doesn’t mean that younger people can’t experience knee pain. Younger adults who are obese or have suffered joint injuries are more likely to deal with this ailment.
- If you have knee pain, you should not exercise. When you have knee pain, exercise is probably one of the last things on your mind. However, lack of physical activity can actually make the pain worse. If you move around regularly, you can strengthen the muscles that support your knees. Stick to low-impact activities that are easy on your knees, such as walking and cycling.
- Over-the-counter pain relievers can successfully treat knee pain. Many people with knee pain turn to over-the-counter pain medications, like ibuprofen, to reduce their discomfort. However, the medications only temporarily relieve pain. Once the medication wears off, you will feel pain again. As a knee pain doctor in Phoenixville, PA can confirm, you must treat the source of the knee pain.
- Knee pain always originates in the knee. At first, you may assume that the origin of your knee pain is your knee. However, this might not be the case. Believe it or not, knee pain can originate in other parts of your body, like your hips or back. If you have pain in other parts of your body, it can migrate down to your knees.
- Surgery is the only solution for knee pain. This is another major myth regarding knee pain. The truth is that surgery is used as a last resort. Your doctor will suggest several non-invasive treatments, such rest, heat therapy or physical therapy, before considering surgery.
- The cause of knee pain is always the same. People can experience knee pain for various different reasons. Some may have knee pain from an accident while others experience knee pain because of arthritis. It is important to see a doctor to find the actual source of your knee pain.
Eight Do’s and Don’ts To Manage Knee Pain
Do Use RICE
Any time you injure your knee, or any joint, for that matter, use RICE to treat it at home.
- R — rest your knee; stay off your feet as much as possible
- I — ice your knee for 15 minutes at a time, three to four times a day
- C — compression by wrapping a stretchy bandage around your knee or wearing a knee brace
- E — elevate your knee above the level of your heart to reduce swelling and inflammation
Do Low-Impact Exercise Regularly
Your knee pain doctor in Phoenixville, PA, from Osteoarthritis Centers of Pennsylvania may have a list of low-impact exercises you can do to maintain strength, flexibility and mobility in your knee. You’ll want to strengthen and stretch all of your leg muscles to help support a weak knee. Some examples of low-impact include yoga, tai chi, bicycling, swimming and using an elliptical machine.
Do Use Different Temperatures for Relief
For the first 24-48 hours after a knee injury, you’ll want to use ice to reduce the swelling and inflammation. After that you may use moist heat for 20 minutes, three to four times a day, if that makes your knee feel better, or continue using ice.
Do Talk to a Knee Pain Doctor in Phoenixville, PA
Any time you injure your knee, you should see a knee pain doctor at Premier Osteoarthritis Centers of Pennsylvania for evaluation and treatment options, including physical therapy, knee injections or surgery.
Don’t Rest Too Much
Staying off your feet for the first day or two after your injury is wise, but after that, your muscles will start to atrophy, making your knee stiffer and more painful when you do move it. Knee health is often a “use it or lose it” proposition. Your knee pain doctor in Phoenixville, PA, can give you specific guidelines for your personal case.
Don’t Let Your Shoes Cause More Pain
Wearing the wrong shoes can exacerbate your knee pain. You need shoes with good arch support and no noticeable heel. Keep the kitten heels in the closet and opt for good-quality sneakers instead.
Don’t Skip Using Walking Aids
If you need help getting around, take advantage of the many options available to you. Crutches, walkers and canes are all viable walking aids, depending on your particular knee pain. Walking aids can help you prevent falls, which could lead to further injuries.
Don’t Ignore Your Weight
For every pound of weight you carry, you put four pounds of pressure on your knees. Every pound you lose reduces that pressure on your knees. Your knee pain doctor in Phoenixville, PA, may have specific suggestions to help you lose weight quickly and safely.
Common Questions About Knee Pain
Even if you’ve already identified the cause of your knee pain, you may have a few additional questions that a knee pain doctor in Phoenixville, PA can answer. By learning more about knee pain, you may be able to understand more about your own condition to help make informed decisions about preventative care and treatment options. Here are some commonly asked questions about knee pain:
Will My Pain Resolve on Its Own?
Depending on the cause, knee pain may or may not go away without medical intervention. If pain is due to an injury, at-home treatments, such as rest and ice, are often enough to alleviate discomfort. Arthritis-related pain can persist at times and subside at others. Typically, the pain in these cases will improve but will not disappear completely. Knee pain that is mechanical in nature may be associated with problems in other parts of the body that need to be addressed in order to remedy knee pain. Regardless of the cause, if you experience prolonged pain, it may be time to seek out a knee pain doctor in Phoenixville, PA.
When Should I Seek Medical Attention?
You may experience aches and pains in your knee from time to time that can be managed with self-care. However, there are certain symptoms that may accompany knee pain that necessitate a visit to the doctor’s office:
- Redness or swelling
- Warmth or tenderness around the joint
- Pain that persists for more than 3 weeks (48 hours for athletes)
- Pain that affects sleep or interferes with daily activities
- Difficulty walking
If you notice any of these symptoms, visit a knee pain doctor in Phoenixville, PA. Premier Osteoarthritis Centers of Pennsylvania can help you identify the cause and recommend treatment options.
How Long Does It Take for Knee Pain to Subside?
For minor injuries, such as sprains or strains, knee pain typically subsides within 2 to 4 weeks. For more serious trauma, it can take a matter of months for healing to occur and pain to resolve.
How Do I Keep My Knees Healthy?
The key to healthy knees is to stay active and also, to take it easy. Seems contradictory, no? Well, both steps are essential because you are more prone to injury from overuse or from carrying too much weight. Regular exercise can help keep you in good physical shape but you also want to make sure you listen to your body and give it ample rest.
Premier Osteoarthritis Centers of Pennsylvania can help you understand more about your knee pain and discuss non-invasive options for treatment.
How We Can Help You
After years of performing surgeries to help patients with knee pain, our medical director, Dr.Paris, realized that there was a better way to help people find relief. He developed an innovative, non-invasive treatment that offers fast relief with no recovery time following the procedure. We use injections guided by fluoroscopy – a piece of equipment that allows him to place medicine at the injured site with 95% accuracy. His technique means you can avoid surgery and the many painful months of recovery to get back on your feet.
Premier Osteoarthritis Centers of Pennsylvania is ready to help you get back on your feet without the pain and hassle of surgery. We have treated thousands of patients with great success. Don’t settle for any knee pain doctor in Phoenixville, PA. Call us today to set up your first appointment to learn if you are a candidate for our non-invasive treatment.