Knee Pain

People of all ages are vulnerable to knee pain, and without prompt treatment, the underlying problem can progress, cause more joint damage, and lead to long-lasting problems. Board-certified pain management and rehabilitation specialist Marcie Merson, MD, at Palm Beach Pain Institute, is an expert in diagnosing and treating knee pain using today’s most advanced technology. Call the office in Delray Beach, Florida, or request an appointment online today. 

What causes knee pain?

Your knees are vulnerable to many painful problems because they endure repetitive movements and the pressure of carrying your body weight while absorbing the impact of running, walking, and jumping.

Over the years, wear-and-tear leads to arthritis and other inflammatory conditions like bursitis. You may also have pain caused by an infection, Baker’s cyst (fluid-filled lump behind the knee), or, in rare instances, bone cancer.

If you stay active, you’re also at risk of knee pain caused by a sports injury.

What sports injuries cause knee pain?

Two types of injuries cause knee pain: acute (sudden, traumatic injuries) and overuse injuries (caused by repeating the same movements).

A few common sports injuries include:

• Minor sprains and strains
• Meniscus tears
• Ligament tears
• Patellar tendon tear
• Bursitis
• Iliotibial band syndrome
• Runner’s knee (patellofemoral pain syndrome)
• Kneecap fracture or dislocation

Though athletes most often tear the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL), they can also injure the other ligaments supporting the knee joint.

What other symptoms accompany knee pain?

In some cases, you may only have knee pain, but it often goes hand in hand with other symptoms, including:

• Inflammation
• Swelling
• Bruising
• Stiffness
• Joint instability
• Clicking or popping
• Limited joint movement
• Locked knee joint
• Inability to put weight on the knee
• Signs of an infection (fever or redness or warmth around the knee)

Injuries cause immediate pain. By comparison, signs of an overuse injury develop gradually.

You should seek medical attention if pain or symptoms last longer than three days, interfere with daily life, or worsen. 

How is knee pain treated?

Your first visit begins with a thorough physical exam, ultrasound imaging, and possibly other diagnostics like an MRI, X-rays, or bloodwork. Dr. Merson offers comprehensive care for knee pain, including options such as:

• Physical therapy
• Posture-strengthening exercises
• Orthotics (arch supports to ease pressure on your knee)
• Anti-inflammatory medications
• Corticosteroid injections (to reduce inflammation)
• Hyaluronic injections (to ease arthritis pain and improve mobility)
• Platelet-rich plasma (PRP, to promote healing and reduce inflammation)

Dr. Merson may also recommend a weight loss program for people with arthritis. Losing weight reduces the stress on your knees, alleviating pain and slowing joint degeneration. 

Call Palm Beach Pain Institute or request an appointment online today.