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Knee Pain Doctor in  West Chester, PennsylvaniaKnee Pain Doctor West Chester, PA

If you’ve been diagnosed with osteoarthritis, you may benefit from scheduling a consultation with a knee pain doctor West Chester, PA patients know and trust. Depending on the unique circumstances you’re navigating as an osteoarthritis patient, you may benefit from one or more different kinds of knee pain treatments.

There are things you can do on your own that, depending on the severity of your osteoarthritis pain, may or may not help to alleviate symptoms. Some of the most common self-directed treatment options include avoiding high-impact exercise, embracing low-impact exercise, managing one’s weight, applying hot and cold compresses to the affected area, increasing flexibility and range of motion through a yoga or tai chi practice, using a brace or KT tape, and/or working with a physical therapist. These are all options worth exploring. However, they may not be enough – on their own – to help you successfully manage the pain, inflammation, and pressure that traditionally accompanies osteoarthritis. As a result, working with a respected West Chester, PA knee pain doctor to explore additional and/or alternative therapies may be in your best interests at this time.

Knee Pain – Treatment Options

The most widely discussed option for knee pain is surgery. There are times when the damage caused by osteoarthritis, trauma, and other challenges is so significant that surgery is the only viable option that a patient has. However, there are other treatment options for knee pain that are effective, non-surgical approaches that work well for many, many patients. Among these options are medications, walking aids, and knee injections.

Medications can be helpful but usually do not address all of a patient’s needs over time. Additionally, the risk that certain medications can have on the body is not to be approached lightly. Similarly, walking aids can be helpful for some patients but are not the best alternative for those who wish to remain particularly active. As a result, many patients turn to knee injections to manage their pain and inflammation effectively. While injections don’t always work for patients with severe degeneration of the knee, they work exceptionally well for many other patients. Some patients require multiple injections over time while others experience relief from symptoms long-term after a single injection. Our practice never, ever engages in blind injections. Know that we utilize technology appropriately to better ensure the best possible results from injection treatments.

Assistance Is Available

If you are struggling with osteoarthritis – or any other cause of knee pain – consider scheduling a consultation with the experienced team at Premier Osteoarthritis Centers of Pennsylvania. Our approach to care is patient-focused, as no two patients require the exact same kinds of care. We will never “sell” you our services. Instead, we will objectively evaluate your needs, advise you of your options, and provide you with the support you need. If you’re interested in hearing what a respected West Chester, PA knee pain doctor has to say about your options, please call today; we look forward to speaking with you.

4 Steps To Take When You Injure Your Knee

Sustaining a knee injury isn’t exactly part of your plan of living. Not only is a sudden injury scary, but it also threatens the function, stability and overall health of the joint. You must act promptly to encourage the best possible outcomes for healing and restoration. Knowing how to treat a knee injury is important before you visit a knee pain doctor in West Chester, PA. 

Stop Activity Immediately

Trying to work through the pain can make a knee injury worse. When you sustain an injury, you should stop all activity right away and rest your knee. 

Use Ice Packs

Pain is a common indicator of a potential knee injury, but you may also notice swelling. Bleeding may occur if any skin or damage or your injury involves broken bones. To cut down on inflammation, apply ice packs. Keep the pack on your knee for about 15 minutes per session, with about 40 minutes between each application. You can make an ice pack with a few simple steps:

  • Place several ice cubes in a resealable plastic bag.
  • Make sure your bag is firmly sealed at the top.
  • Wrap the bag inside a clean thin towel or cloth.

Bandage Your Knee

After a knee injury, wrapping your knee in a bandage can offer vital support plus help reduce swelling and minimize fluid buildup around the joint. Bandaging your knee is also an easy process that can be done in a few steps:

  • Extend your leg in front of your body with your knee slightly bent. 
  • Hold one end of the unwrapped bandage on your knee cap.
  • Wind the bandage wrap snugly (not tightly) around your knee.
  • Wrap from just above to just below your knee.
  • Secure the wrap with a Velcro strip or tape.

Elevate the Injury

Raising your injured knee encourages blood and any excess fluid to flow away from the joint. For best results, elevate the knee around 12 inches above your heart. You can accomplish this by lying down on a couch or bed and propping your leg up with pillows. 

A couple more important pointers can help your knee immediately after an injury. Avoid massaging the knee, as this can trigger more swelling and bleeding. Don’t apply heat to your injury, as this can worsen both inflammation and pain. Consider a visit to the ER if you suspect the injury is serious — severe pain, broken bones, a deformed joint or loud popping sounds. After getting immediate attention for your knee, consider consulting a knee pain doctor in West Chester, PA.

Do’s and Don’ts of Knee Pain

If you’re one of the many people who suffer from knee pain, daily life can be quite difficult. However, your lifestyle habits can have a direct effect on your pain. Here are some do’s and don’ts alleviating knee pain.

Do Use a Walking Aid. Whether your knee pain is due to an injury or health condition, walking around can be very difficult. You may even struggle to walk to the other side of your house. For the time being, you may want to use a walking aid, like crutches or a cane, to get around.

Do Wear the Proper Shoes. When you suffer from knee pain, your footwear matters even more. If you wear shoes that don’t fit properly, it can put extra pressure on your knees, resulting in additional discomfort. To avoid this, wear properly fitting shoes with cushioned insoles.

Do Stay Active. If you have knee pain, exercise is likely one of the last things on your mind. However, staying active may actually help reduce your knee pain. Regular exercise will increase strength and flexibility in your knees. Stick to low-impact exercises that are easy on your knees, like walking and swimming.

Do Use Ice. When your knees hurt, try applying an ice pack to them. Ice will reduce the inflammation associated with knee pain, ultimately alleviating your discomfort.

Don’t Avoid the Doctor. If you’ve just started experiencing knee pain, it’s important to get checked out by a knee pain doctor in West Chester, PA as soon as possible. He or she will assess your pain and try to determine the source.

Don’t Lie Around All Day. While it’s important to rest your knee, there is too much of a good thing. If you rest too much, your knee will get stiff, increasing your pain. Don’t be afraid to move around.

Don’t Ignore Weight Gain. If you’ve recently put on some weight, it could contribute to your knee pain. Excess weight can put stress on your joints, including the ones in your knees. If you get down to a healthy weight, you may alleviate your knee pain.

Don’t Make Yourself Susceptible to Falls. If you have knee pain, you may not have the best balance. This can make you susceptible to falls. To reduce your risk, remove clutter from your home and use hand railing when needed.

What is an orthopedic doctor?

Another name for a knee pain doctor in West Chester, PA is an orthopedist. Orthopedics is a division of the medical field that focuses primarily on the care of the musculoskeletal system. The musculoskeletal system consists of your bones, muscles, joints, ligaments, and tendons. Orthopedists treat musculoskeletal issues in a variety of ways, ranging from realignment and therapy for minor back issues to knee replacement surgery.

Some common issues treated by an orthopedist include:

  • Bone fractures
  • Back pain
  • Shoulder pain, such as bursitis
  • Carpal tunnel syndrome
  • Sports injuries, including meniscus tears and anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) tears
  • Clubfoot
  • Scoliosis.

Orthopedists often specialize further in orthopedic subspecialties. These subspecialties include:

  • Sports medicine
  • Joint replacement surgery
  • Musculoskeletal oncology (tumors of the bone, muscle, ligaments, etc.)
  • Foot and ankle
  • Pediatric orthopedics
  • Spinal surgery
  • Trauma surgery

Regardless of the specialty, each visit to an orthopedist often follows a general structure.

1.Diagnosis

Suppose you make an appointment to see a knee pain doctor in West Chester, Pennsylvania. You can likely expect your knee pain doctor to conduct a physical examination and take X-rays of your body or affected body part at your first appointment. They may also go over your medical history and discuss your overall health, since other health issues can contribute to your musculoskeletal issue. Sometimes the knee pain doctor may also inject a serum into the body in order to properly diagnose your medical issue. Once a diagnosis is made, the knee pain doctor will either conduct an in-office procedure to treat the condition or run further tests.

2. Additional tests

Sometimes an initial diagnosis requires a follow-up test to confirm the diagnosis is in fact correct. Some additional tests that your knee pain doctor may run include:

  • Ultrasound
  • CT scan
  • MRI scan
  • Bone scan
  • Nerve conduction test
  • Blood test

3. Procedures

Not all procedures are invasive and sometimes your orthopedist can fix your medical issues by manipulating the bone or joint that is causing you pain. The doctor may also use a splint, case, or brace to immobilize the bone or joint to prevent further injury.

In other cases, a knee pain doctor may recommend other treatments that deal with chronic musculoskeletal issues, such as arthritis or back pain. These treatments include:

  • Rehabilitation and physical therapy
  • Injections
  • Acupuncture
  • Over-the-counter anti-inflammatory medications
  • Surgery

Though surgery is a last resort, knee pain doctors can do several different types of surgeries to alleviate your knee pain, which include a total joint replacement and arthroscopic surgery.

In a total joint replacement surgery, the knee doctor will replace the damaged joint with a prosthetic. These prosthetics are often made of metal and plastic. 

Arthroscopic surgery is not as invasive as a total joint replacement and is a common alternative for patients experiencing knee pain but do not requires total knee replacement. In an arthroscopic surgery, a device called an anthroscope is inserted into a person’s joint. The anthroscope contains a long, thin camera that allows the knee doctor to see inside of the joint and make small incisions to fix the musculoskeletal issue. 

The Science Behind Steroid Knee Injections

Chronic knee pain can impact your quality of life. Therapeutic options such as cortisol injections can reduce the pain while you and your doctor work to achieve your best possible treatment outcomes. This short guide explains what you need to know about corticosteroid knee injections in West Chester, PA.

What Are Corticosteroids? 

Corticosteroids are anti-inflammatory agents. Their chief purpose is to reduce swelling, which in turn can relieve pain and return functionality to the joint. Often called steroids for short, these substances are made by your body’s adrenal cortex. They’re steroid hormones, signaling chemicals whose molecules contain a complex chain of carbon, hydrogen and oxygen atoms.

How Do Cortisteroids Differ From Other Steroids?

Steroids administered through knee injections belong to the glucocorticoids group. which impact a person’s immune system. They’re different from mineralocorticoids, which are also produced by the adrenal cortex but help regulate sodium and potassium levels in the human body. Other types include sex steroids: androgens, estrogens and progestogens, all which regulate reproductive development and functioning. 

How Do Steroid Injections Treat Knee Pain? 

Corticosteroids govern how a person’s immune system responds to perceived threats. They suppress or dampen immune system responses that may excess cause inflammation. These agents work by limiting the production of chemicals that trigger the inflammation in the first place. That’s because these synthetic corticosteroids look and act similar to those naturally produced by your body’s adrenal glands. Because your body sees the steroids like its own, it stops churning out any extra steroids that can keep aggravating inflammation. 

How Does Treating Inflammation Help Relieve Pain?

Inflammation leads to pain when swelling and tissue buildup pushes against nerve endings. When this happens, those nerve endings transmit pain signals to the brain. With cortisone injections, targeting inflammation is the key. 

Sometimes, inflammation comes from collagen production. Collagen is a protein that makes up skin, bones, tendons and other bodily tissues. Normally, it helps rebuild tissues during the healing process after an injury. Cortisone inhibits collagen by shutting down the cells inside the tendons or joint that produce it. By doing so, it cuts down on inflammation and in turn reduces pain. 

What Can I Expect With a Steroid Injection?

Common types of corticosteroids include prednisone, cortisone and methylprednisolone. Cortisone is the most common steroid used in knee injections in West Chester, PA. They’re typically paired with a local anesthetic, which can cause some numbness in the joint immediately after injection. 

Six Myths About Knee Pain

When it comes to knee pain, myths and misconceptions abound. From old wives’ tales to modern-day misunderstandings, it’s hard to know what to believe. Here are six myths about knee pain.

Myth: You’re Stuck With Knee Pain

Fact: Depending on the underlying cause of your knee pain, you may only be stuck with it for a few weeks or months. A treatment plan that avoids surgery and includes physical therapy and short-term medication can be quite effective in treating knee pain.

Myth: All Knee Pain Is Arthritis

Fact: There is so much more to knee pain than arthritis. Bursitis, tendonitis and other soft tissue conditions may cause knee pain. The three most common causes of knee pain are injury, soft tissue damage such as torn ligaments or cartilage and aging. Your knee pain doctor in West Chester, PA, can give you an accurate diagnosis and develop a comprehensive treatment plan.

Myth: When You Have Knee Pain, the Best Way To Deal With It Is to Push Through It

Fact: Trying to play through the pain can only cause more damage to your knee. The best way to deal with it until you can see a knee pain doctor in West Chester, PA, at Premier Osteoarthritis Centers of Pennsylvania is to follow the RICE protocol:

  • R — rest your sore knee
  • I — ice packs can help with swelling
  • C — compression by wrapping it with a stretchy bandage may also improve swelling
  • E — elevation by propping it up on pillows can reduce swelling

Myth: Damp Weather Worsens Arthritis

Fact: While many people believe that a twinge in your knee can predict inclement weather, at Premier Osteoarthritis Centers of Pennsylvania, your knee pain doctor in West Chester, PA can tell you there’s no scientific basis for this claim.

Myth: You Should Go Easy With Exercise if Your Arthritis Flares Up

Fact: Exercise is important to strengthen the muscles around your knee so they will support you even when your arthritis is flaring up. You may benefit from a short respite from exercise, but you should slowly ease back into it with your doctor’s guidance. 

Myth: A Corticosteroid Injection Will Cure Your Knee Pain

Fact: Steroid injections can alleviate knee pain for several weeks or months. Your knee pain doctor in West Chester, PA, at Premier Osteoarthritis Centers of Pennsylvania, can advise you on whether injections might be helpful in your case. However, injections only relieve pain; they can’t cure it.

When to See a Knee Specialist

Immediately after suffering a knee injury, you may experience some common symptoms in addition to knee pain. These signs and symptoms may include:

  • knee-specialist-knee-injury
  • Popping noise and/or feeling
  • Crunching noises
  • Swelling, redness and warmth to the touch
  • Stiffness and/or inability to fully straighten the knee
  • Weakness and/or instability

Not all knee pain requires medical treatment – most minor tweaks, sprains and injuries can be treated at home with rest, ice and elevation. If you’re experiencing any of the following symptoms, you should contact an orthopedic knee specialist for a consultation.

If you:

  • Have distinct knee swelling or an obvious deformity
  • Can’t bear weight on your knee
  • Your knee “gives out” when you try to walk
  • Have a fever in addition to redness and swelling
  • Are in severe pain
  • Chronic Knee Pain
  • Living in constant pain and being unable to live a normal, active life shouldn’t be your norm.

If you’ve been experiencing chronic knee pain, it’s time to see a knee pain specialist. While some chronic knee conditions cannot be cured, treatments can help reduce your symptoms and pain.

Common Causes of Knee Pain

Knee-anatomy : Knee and joint pain can be caused by a host of acute injuries, medical conditions and chronic diseases.

Common Knee Injuries

  • ACL and MCL tears: These ligament tears are two of the most common knee injuries in active adults.
  • Knee fractures: Typically caused by a trauma, fractures of the patella, femur and tibia within the knee joint are extremely painful.
  • Knee dislocations: Typically caused by a trauma, knee dislocations can also be caused by knee abnormalities.
  • Meniscal tears: Most often caused during sports, these tears can also result from arthritis or aging.

Arthritis in the Knee

  • Osteoarthritis: The most common type of arthritis, this “wear and tear” condition is usually caused by joint deterioration and aging.
  • Rheumatoid arthritis: A chronic autoimmune condition, RA can affect any bone in the body and is the most debilitating form of arthritis.
  • Septic arthritis: While rare, the knee joint can become infected, during which septic arthritis can quickly cause significant damage.

Other Knee Issues

Patellofemoral pain syndrome: Often called “runner’s knee” or “jumper’s knee,” this syndrome can cause pain and stiffness in the front of the knee and around the kneecap, making it difficult to climb stairs or kneel.

Pes anserine (knee tendon) bursitis: An inflammation of the bursae (cushion) between the tibia and the hamstring’s three tendons that causes pain on the inside of your knee, below the joint.

How Do You Choose the Right Doctor for Your Needs?

Are you looking for a doctor who can help you with an injury or illness? If so, you need to rely on the right doctor for the job. Even though the vast majority of doctors have their patients’ best interests at heart, you still need to do your research and find the right type of doctor to help you. For example, you might be looking for a knee pain doctor in West Chester, PA, so you might want to visit https://www.endmykneepain.com/. How do you choose the right doctor to help you?

Consider the Specialty Training of the Doctor

First, you need to think about the specialty training of the doctor. Similar to other fields, a lot of doctors specialize in a certain area of medicine. For example, if you are looking for someone who can help you with pain in your arms and legs, you may want to reach out to an orthopedic surgeon or sports medicine doctor. Make sure the doctor has the right type of training to help you. 

Think About the Doctor’s Prior Experience

Furthermore, you should think about prior experience. The longer the doctor has been practicing, the more experience he or she has to draw from. This could make a difference in the outcome of the treatment plan. You may want to ask the doctor if he or she has dealt with injuries similar to yours in the past. If they have, this is a good sign. 

Ask for a Few Reviews and References

Finally, you should ask for a few reviews and references. The vast majority of doctors should have references you can talk to so you can learn more about what it is like to work with that specific team. You may want to take a look at a few reviews that have been left online as well. If you are looking for a specific doctor, you may want to talk to your family members and friends for recommendations or referrals.

Find the Right Doctor To Help You with Your Injury

In the end, there are a lot of important factors to consider if you are looking for a doctor who can help you with an injury. For example, if you are looking for a knee pain doctor in West Chester, PA, you might want to visit https://www.endmykneepain.com/. This is an important decision, and you need to take the time to get this right. 

If you’re feeling any joint pain in your knees, it’s best to consult our Knee Pain Doctor in West Chester, PA today!

Should you get surgery for your knee pain?

knee pain doctor West Chester, PAKnee surgery is a life-changing decision, and it is not one that should be made lightly. The doctors at Premier Osteoarthritis Centers of Pennsylvania have had up to 20 years of experience getting people back on track and reducing knee pain through knee treatments and knee-related surgeries. Because we have a team of dedicated specialists on staff at all times, our West Chester, PA Knee Pain doctors know the best ways to treat you for common surgeries—like a tearing of the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL)—and even the more complicated surgeries, such as a full knee replacement or a multi-ligament reconstruction of the knee. So, whether you have arthritis in your knee or an injury resulting from a sports-related activity, the surgeons at Premier Osteoarthritis Centers of Pennsylvania are here to help you through it.

Common Causes for Knee Pain

Our team of surgeons at Premier Osteoarthritis Centers of Pennsylvania has many years of experience with a multitude of knee-related issues. Because your knee injury is so unique to you, there are many causes of knee pain that we will look for, including:

  •     Cartilage injuries
  •     Multi-ligament tears
  •     Patellar dislocations
  •     ACL tears
  •     Meniscal tears
  •     Fractures of the patella, and more

If diagnosed with a knee problem (like the ones seen above) that needs surgical attention, you can be assured that you will be taken care of at Premier Osteoarthritis Centers of Pennsylvania. Any type of surgery is a huge decision, and our surgical team will go over the details of your case and work on a treatment option that will be best for you and your lifestyle. By doing so, we can determine if a partial or full knee replacement will be right for you.

During Surgery

If the best course of treatment is knee replacement surgery, there are certain things you can expect before, during, and after. For example, if you are getting a partial knee-replacement surgery, this could be done as an outpatient procedure that allows you to resume daily activities usually within 24 hours. In the case of a full knee replacement, the Knee Pain Doctor West Chester, PA trusts will usually remove the affected area and insert metal or plastic implants to replace the damaged area.

After Surgery

Whether you have received a partial or full knee replacement, patients are usually expected to get active to some degree the day of the surgery, whether by themselves or with the aid of a walker, crutches, or cane. The patient can typically expect a physical therapist to recommend exercises that the patient can do to help rebuild the strength and flexibility of the knee to ensure that you are doing everything you can to help with the healing process after surgery.

Your care is of the utmost importance to us at Premier Osteoarthritis Centers of Pennsylvania, and if you are struggling with knee pain, do not hesitate any longer on who to contact to determine the right form of treatment and surgery for you. We are here to answer any questions you might have and help you get back to the quality of life you deserve. Call our clinic at 610-326-8400 (new clients) or 610-326-8400 (existing clients) to schedule your consultation with one of our dedicated doctors today.