Our Services / Knee Pain

What causes knee pain?

The knee is a complex joint that connects the femur (thigh bone) and the tibia (shinbone). Covering the joint is the patella (kneecap), which provides protection and extension. Many degenerative conditions and injuries can cause knee pain, including:

Fractures

Direct impact to the knee can fracture, or break, the patella or knee joint. Degenerative conditions, such as osteoporosis — porous bones — can also lead to knee fractures.

Osteoarthritis

Osteoarthritis is a degenerative condition that damages the flexible cartilage that cushions the joints. When the cartilage in the knee deteriorates, swelling and pain can develop.

Rheumatoid arthritis

Similar to osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis (RA) causes joint inflammation and stiffness. However, instead of damaging the tissue on the outside of the joint, RA damages the lining inside the joint.

Meniscus tears

The meniscus is spongy cartilage that absorbs shock in the knee. Twisting your knee from an accident or sports injury is the most common cause of a torn meniscus.

ACL injury

The anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) joins the thigh bone to the shinbone. Inflammation of this essential ligament not only causes chronic pain, but can also limit your ability to extend your leg.

How is knee pain diagnosed?

To accurately diagnose knee pain, your orthopedic specialist at Coastal Ortho may order imaging tests, including X-rays, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), computed tomography (CT), or ultrasound scans. They also perform a comprehensive physical exam to assess your gait and movement, as well as a medical history review.

What are the treatments for knee pain?

Knee pain often responds well to a multi-modality approach to care that may include a variety of noninvasive and surgical procedures, as well as lifestyle changes — including weight loss and exercise modifications. The most common treatments for knee pain include:

Physical therapy

Physical therapy is a nonsurgical rehabilitation technique that combines exercise, stretches, massage therapy, and other noninvasive modalities to restore knee function. The team at Coastal Ortho also offers aquatic therapy, which allows you to exercise in a body of water to relieve pain.

Custom orthotics

Custom orthotics are inserts you wear in your shoes to correct structural imbalances, relieve pain, and promote healthy movement.

Injections

While joint injections can help lubricate an arthritic knee joint, platelet-rich plasma (PRP) is a biological substance that may help repair damage at the source.

Surgery

Orthopedic surgery to repair a torn ACL may be necessary to relieve your pain. In some instances, a full knee replacement is the only way to treat a damaged knee joint.

To learn more about foot and ankle trauma, call Coastal Ortho or schedule an appointment online today.