What are the most effective medications for knee pain. How do over-the-counter options compare to prescription drugs. What potential side effects should patients be aware of when treating knee pain with medication. Which knee pain treatments provide the best balance of relief and safety.

Understanding the Causes and Types of Knee Pain

Knee pain is a common complaint that can stem from various causes, ranging from acute injuries to chronic conditions. Understanding the underlying cause is crucial for determining the most appropriate treatment approach.

Common Causes of Knee Pain

• Overuse injuries
• Arthritis (osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis)
• Baker’s cyst
• Joint infections
• Bursitis
• Torn cartilage
• Strains and sprains

Each of these conditions can produce different types of pain, from sharp and localized to dull and widespread. The severity and duration of knee pain can also vary significantly, influencing the choice of medication and treatment strategy.

Over-the-Counter Medications for Knee Pain Relief

For mild to moderate knee pain, over-the-counter (OTC) medications often serve as the first line of defense. These accessible options can provide significant relief without the need for a prescription.

Nonsteroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs)

NSAIDs are among the most commonly used OTC medications for knee pain. They work by reducing inflammation and alleviating pain.

• Ibuprofen (e.g., Motrin, Advil)
• Naproxen sodium (e.g., Aleve)

Dosage recommendations for adults typically range from 800-1,200 mg per day for ibuprofen and up to 1,375 mg daily for naproxen sodium. It’s crucial to adhere to the recommended dosages and not exceed them without medical supervision.

Acetaminophen: An Alternative Pain Reliever

Acetaminophen, known by brand names such as Tylenol, is another popular OTC option for knee pain relief. Unlike NSAIDs, it doesn’t reduce inflammation but can effectively alleviate pain and reduce fever.

The maximum recommended dose for acetaminophen is 1,000 mg per dose, with a daily limit of 4,000 mg. Adhering to these guidelines is crucial to prevent potential liver damage associated with acetaminophen overuse.

Prescription Medications for Severe Knee Pain

When OTC medications prove insufficient, healthcare providers may prescribe stronger options to manage more severe or persistent knee pain.

Prescription-Strength NSAIDs

Higher doses of NSAIDs available by prescription include:

• High-dose ibuprofen
• High-dose naproxen
• Diclofenac (Voltaren)

COX-2 Inhibitors (Coxibs)

COX-2 inhibitors are a specialized class of NSAIDs that may offer pain relief with a potentially lower risk of gastrointestinal side effects compared to traditional NSAIDs.

• Celecoxib (Celebrex)
• Etoricoxib

These medications are available in oral tablet form or as topical gels and creams for direct application to the knee.

Comparing the Efficacy of Different Knee Pain Medications

The effectiveness of knee pain medications can vary depending on the individual and the underlying cause of the pain. How do different options compare in terms of pain relief and anti-inflammatory effects?

NSAIDs vs. Acetaminophen

NSAIDs generally offer dual benefits of pain relief and inflammation reduction, making them particularly effective for conditions involving swelling and inflammation. Acetaminophen, while effective for pain relief, does not address inflammation directly. For conditions like osteoarthritis, some studies suggest that NSAIDs may provide superior relief compared to acetaminophen, especially in cases of moderate to severe pain.

OTC vs. Prescription NSAIDs

Prescription-strength NSAIDs can offer more potent pain relief than their OTC counterparts, but they also come with an increased risk of side effects. The choice between OTC and prescription options often depends on the severity of pain and the individual’s response to treatment.

Traditional NSAIDs vs. COX-2 Inhibitors

COX-2 inhibitors were developed to provide the pain-relieving benefits of traditional NSAIDs with a reduced risk of gastrointestinal side effects. While they may be easier on the stomach for some patients, they don’t necessarily offer superior pain relief compared to traditional NSAIDs.

Understanding the Side Effects and Risks of Knee Pain Medications

While knee pain medications can provide significant relief, they also come with potential risks and side effects that patients should be aware of.

Common Side Effects of NSAIDs

• Stomach upset and indigestion
• Gastrointestinal bleeding or ulcers
• Increased risk of heart attack or stroke
• Kidney problems
• Increased blood pressure

The risk of these side effects may be higher in certain populations, including older adults, those with a history of gastrointestinal issues, and individuals with cardiovascular risk factors.

Acetaminophen Risks

While generally considered safer than NSAIDs for many people, acetaminophen carries its own risks, primarily related to liver function. Exceeding the recommended dose can lead to severe liver damage, which can be life-threatening in extreme cases.

Special Considerations for Long-Term Use

Long-term use of any pain medication requires careful monitoring by a healthcare provider. Chronic use of NSAIDs, in particular, may increase the risk of cardiovascular events and gastrointestinal complications. Regular check-ups and potential adjustments to medication regimens are essential for patients managing chronic knee pain.

Tailoring Knee Pain Treatment to Individual Needs

The most effective approach to treating knee pain often involves a personalized strategy that takes into account the individual’s specific condition, overall health, and lifestyle factors.

Factors Influencing Medication Choice

• Severity and type of knee pain
• Presence of inflammation
• Individual medical history
• Potential drug interactions
• Patient preferences and tolerance

Healthcare providers may need to try different medications or combinations to find the most effective treatment plan for each patient. This process often involves balancing pain relief with minimizing side effects and considering any coexisting health conditions.

Combining Medications with Other Therapies

Medication is often just one component of a comprehensive knee pain management strategy. How can patients maximize the benefits of their medication while incorporating other treatments?

• Physical therapy to improve strength and flexibility
• Weight management to reduce stress on the knees
• Topical treatments like creams or patches
• Hot and cold therapy
• Assistive devices such as braces or canes

Integrating these approaches with appropriate medication can often provide more comprehensive relief and potentially reduce the need for higher doses of pain medications.

Emerging Treatments and Future Directions in Knee Pain Management

As research in pain management continues to advance, new treatments and approaches for knee pain are emerging. What innovative options might become available to patients in the near future?

Novel Pharmaceutical Approaches

Researchers are exploring new drug formulations that could offer more targeted pain relief with fewer side effects. These include:

• Nerve growth factor inhibitors
• Improved topical formulations for deeper penetration
• Novel anti-inflammatory compounds

Regenerative Medicine

Regenerative therapies aim to repair or replace damaged tissue in the knee, potentially offering long-term solutions beyond symptomatic relief. Some promising areas include:

• Stem cell therapy
• Platelet-rich plasma injections
• Tissue engineering approaches

While many of these treatments are still in experimental stages, they represent exciting possibilities for future knee pain management.

When to Seek Medical Attention for Knee Pain

While many cases of knee pain can be managed with over-the-counter medications and home remedies, certain situations warrant prompt medical attention. When should patients consult a healthcare provider about their knee pain?

Red Flags for Immediate Medical Evaluation

• Severe pain or swelling that doesn’t improve with rest and OTC medications
• Inability to bear weight on the affected leg
• Visible deformity of the knee joint
• Signs of infection, such as fever, redness, and warmth around the knee
• Pain that persists for more than a few weeks despite conservative treatment

In these cases, prompt medical evaluation can help identify underlying conditions that may require more aggressive treatment or specialized care.

The Importance of Professional Diagnosis

While self-management can be effective for minor knee pain, a professional diagnosis is crucial for developing an appropriate long-term treatment plan. Healthcare providers can offer:

• Accurate diagnosis through physical examination and imaging studies
• Tailored treatment plans based on the specific cause of pain
• Guidance on appropriate medication use and potential alternatives
• Referrals to specialists if needed, such as orthopedic surgeons or rheumatologists

By seeking professional care when appropriate, patients can ensure they’re addressing the root cause of their knee pain and minimizing the risk of long-term complications.

Best medication for knee pain: Types and side effects

Several medication options are available to treat knee pain, including over-the-counter drugs, prescription options, and injections.

Knee pain can start slowly and gradually worsen over time. The medication a person takes to treat knee pain will depend on the cause and severity of the pain.

There are many potential causes of knee pain, including:

• overuse
• arthritis
• Baker’s cyst
• infection in the joint
• bursitis
• torn cartilage
• strain or sprain

This article looks at the best medication for knee pain, home remedies, prevention of knee pain, and when to contact a doctor.

People may treat mild to moderate knee pain with over-the-counter (OTC) medications, such as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) or acetaminophen.

NSAIDs relieve inflammation and help with pain management. Some types of NSAIDs are available OTC to treat mild to moderate pain.

OTC NSAIDs includeibuprofen, available under brand names such as Motrin and Advil, and naproxen sodium, available under the brand name Aleve.

Dosage

An adult can take ibuprofen at 800–1,200 milligrams (mg) per day. For naproxen sodium, the daily dose should not be more than 1,375 mg.

A person should follow the instructions on the medication guide and never exceed the recommended daily dose.

Precautions

NSAIDs may increase the risk of stroke or heart attack, which may occur suddenly. These risks may be even higher in people who:

• smoke
• have previously had a heart attack or stroke
• have diabetes or high cholesterol

Doctors also associate NSAIDs with a risk of ulcers and holes and bleeding in the intestine and stomach. These risks may be higher for people who drink alcohol frequently, are older adults, or have other health conditions.

The risks associated with NSAIDs may increase for people who take the medication for a long time.

NSAIDs may also interact with certain medications, including:

• other NSAIDs
• anticoagulants, such as warfarin
• oral steroids, such as prednisone
• selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), such as fluoxetine and citalopram
• serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs), such as duloxetine

Read on for the differences between SSRIs and SNRIs.

Potential side effects

NSAIDs such as naproxen may cause side effects, which can include:

• diarrhea
• bloating and gas
• constipation
• ringing in the ears
• dizziness
• drowsiness
• nervousness

People should speak with a medical professional to discuss the potential side effects of NSAIDs.

Acetaminophen is an analgesic or pain reliever that also reduces fever. Some people take acetaminophen to reduce pain caused by osteoarthritis, a type of arthritis that affects the joints, including the knee. People also take acetaminophen to relieve other mild to moderate pain.

Examples of medications that contain acetaminophen include:

• Panadol
• Tylenol
• Actamin
• FeverAll

Dosage

The maximum amount of acetaminophen a person should take in one dose is 1,000 mg. A person should not take more than 4,000 mg per day.

Precautions

If a person takes too much acetaminophen, there is a risk of liver damage. This may be severe, require a liver transplant, or be fatal.

Potential side effects

Possible side effects include:

• rash
• itching
• hives
• swelling in the:
  • tongue
  • face
  • throat
  • ankles
  • feet
  • legs
• blistering or peeling skin
• difficulty swallowing or breathing
• hoarseness

People should speak with a doctor if they experience these symptoms after taking acetaminophen.

A person may require stronger medication for more severe pain, which a doctor can prescribe. These may include higher dosage NSAIDs and COX-2 inhibitors, also called coxibs.

Examples of prescribed NSAIDs include:

• high dose ibuprofen
• high dose naproxen
• diclofenac (Voltaren)

Examples of coxibs include celecoxib (Celebrex) and etoricoxib. A person can take these medications as tablets orally or apply them to the knee as a gel or cream.

Dosage

According to the National Library of Medicine, the maximum daily dose of each medication is:

• ibuprofen: 2,400 mg
• naproxen: 1,000 mg
• naproxen sodium: 1,375 mg
• diclofenac: 150 mg
• celecoxib: 400 mg
• etoricoxib: 60 mg

Precautions

People who take NSAIDs or coxibs are at risk of gastrointestinal problems. There is a greater risk of complications if a person:

• drinks alcohol frequently
• takes corticosteroids
• takes SSRIs
• takes blood thinning medication
• takes several anti-inflammatory pain relief medications together
• has had stomach bleeding or gastritis
• has gastrointestinal conditions, such as Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis
• has a bacterial infection with Helicobacter pylori, which can cause ulcers
• is 65 years or older

Potential side effects

Side effects of prescription NSAIDs and coxibs may include:

• indigestion and stomach pain
• gas and bloating
• ulcers
• constipation
• gastritis
• sore throat
• dizziness
• cold symptoms

If a person experiences any of these symptoms and is at high risk, they should consult a medical professional.

If a person has severe pain from injury or illness, such as arthritis, a doctor may administer an injection to treat the pain. Doctors may recommend hydrocortisone or hyaluronic acid injections.

Hydrocortisone injection

This type of injection is a corticosteroid. A doctor may administer a hydrocortisone injection directly into the knee joint.

This medication can treat knee pain from various causes, including injury, arthritis, and bursitis. The injection helps reduce swelling and pain and makes movement easier.

Dosage

A person may be able to have injections in the knee up to four times a year. The dosage can vary between 5 mg and 50 mg of hydrocortisone.

Precautions

Hydrocortisone may not be suitable for people who:

• have an infection
• have or have had depression
• have been in recent contact with a person who has:
  • measles
  • shingles
  • chickenpox
• have recently had vaccinations or are having vaccinations soon
• are pregnant, breastfeeding, or trying to become pregnant

Hydrocortisone may also cause complications in people who have:

• high blood pressure
• diabetes
• osteoporosis
• glaucoma
• unhealed wounds

People should speak with a doctor about the injections’ potential risk factors and complications.

Potential side effects

Side effects of hydrocortisone injections may include pain and swelling at the injection site and bruising.

Serious side effects include:

• signs of infection such as:
  • fever
  • chills
  • sore throat
  • ear or sinus pain
• depression or mood swings
• puffy face or weight gain in the upper belly or back
• swelling and throbbing in the legs or arms
• chest pain
• confusion and sleepiness
• changes to vision

A person can speak with a medical professional if experiencing any of the side effects described above.

Hyaluronic acid

A doctor may inject hyaluronic acid into the knee to increase the supply of the acid. This can help relieve pain and may improve other symptoms of conditions that affect the knee joint, such as osteoarthritis.

Dosage

Depending on which hyaluronic acid a doctor uses, they may administer one to five injections over several weeks.

Precautions

If a person is pregnant or breastfeeding, they should let a doctor know before starting this medication. People should also inform a doctor if they develop an infection in the knee or a skin problem.

Potential side effects

Side effects of hyaluronic acid injection may include pain and swelling at the injection site and difficulty moving the knee immediately after the injection. These symptoms are usually temporary, and applying ice helps ease the pain.

Less common side effects include:

• bleeding
• blistering
• burning or coldness
• discoloration of skin
• hives or rash
• joint infection
• inflammation
• itching or stinging
• lumps
• numbness and tingling
• redness, soreness, and tenderness
• ulceration and warmth at the injection site

People should seek medical attention if they experience mild or more severe reactions.

Knee pain may sometimes go away on its own. If the pain is not severe, a person may be able to treat it at home by:

• putting as little weight as possible on the knee
• avoiding standing for a long time
• using an ice pack on the knee for up to 20 minutes every 2–3 hours
• taking acetaminophen

Learn more about the home remedies for knee pain.

To help prevent knee pain, a person can:

• balance rest and exercise
• maintain a moderate body weight
• wear suitable footwear with arch supports

A person should contact a doctor about knee pain if:

• the pain is severe
• there is swelling in the knee
• there is no improvement after a week
• there is no movement
• the knee cannot bear weight
• the knee locks or buckles

The medication a person receives for knee pain can depend on the cause and severity of the pain.

A person may take OTC medication for mild to moderate pain, such as ibuprofen or naproxen. If the pain is more severe, a person may require medication prescribed by a doctor, such as a higher dose of NSAID or COX-2 inhibitors. A doctor may sometimes administer injections and inject hydrocortisone or hyaluronic acid into the affected area.

A person can also treat knee pain at home by resting, raising the knee, and applying ice.

Best medication for knee pain: Types and side effects

Several medication options are available to treat knee pain, including over-the-counter drugs, prescription options, and injections.

Knee pain can start slowly and gradually worsen over time. The medication a person takes to treat knee pain will depend on the cause and severity of the pain.

There are many potential causes of knee pain, including:

• overuse
• arthritis
• Baker’s cyst
• infection in the joint
• bursitis
• torn cartilage
• strain or sprain

This article looks at the best medication for knee pain, home remedies, prevention of knee pain, and when to contact a doctor.

People may treat mild to moderate knee pain with over-the-counter (OTC) medications, such as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) or acetaminophen.

NSAIDs relieve inflammation and help with pain management. Some types of NSAIDs are available OTC to treat mild to moderate pain.

OTC NSAIDs includeibuprofen, available under brand names such as Motrin and Advil, and naproxen sodium, available under the brand name Aleve.

Dosage

An adult can take ibuprofen at 800–1,200 milligrams (mg) per day. For naproxen sodium, the daily dose should not be more than 1,375 mg.

A person should follow the instructions on the medication guide and never exceed the recommended daily dose.

Precautions

NSAIDs may increase the risk of stroke or heart attack, which may occur suddenly. These risks may be even higher in people who:

• smoke
• have previously had a heart attack or stroke
• have diabetes or high cholesterol

Doctors also associate NSAIDs with a risk of ulcers and holes and bleeding in the intestine and stomach. These risks may be higher for people who drink alcohol frequently, are older adults, or have other health conditions.

The risks associated with NSAIDs may increase for people who take the medication for a long time.

NSAIDs may also interact with certain medications, including:

• other NSAIDs
• anticoagulants, such as warfarin
• oral steroids, such as prednisone
• selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), such as fluoxetine and citalopram
• serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs), such as duloxetine

Read on for the differences between SSRIs and SNRIs.

Potential side effects

NSAIDs such as naproxen may cause side effects, which can include:

• diarrhea
• bloating and gas
• constipation
• ringing in the ears
• dizziness
• drowsiness
• nervousness

People should speak with a medical professional to discuss the potential side effects of NSAIDs.

Acetaminophen is an analgesic or pain reliever that also reduces fever. Some people take acetaminophen to reduce pain caused by osteoarthritis, a type of arthritis that affects the joints, including the knee. People also take acetaminophen to relieve other mild to moderate pain.

Examples of medications that contain acetaminophen include:

• Panadol
• Tylenol
• Actamin
• FeverAll

Dosage

The maximum amount of acetaminophen a person should take in one dose is 1,000 mg. A person should not take more than 4,000 mg per day.

Precautions

If a person takes too much acetaminophen, there is a risk of liver damage. This may be severe, require a liver transplant, or be fatal.

Potential side effects

Possible side effects include:

• rash
• itching
• hives
• swelling in the:
  • tongue
  • face
  • throat
  • ankles
  • feet
  • legs
• blistering or peeling skin
• difficulty swallowing or breathing
• hoarseness

People should speak with a doctor if they experience these symptoms after taking acetaminophen.

A person may require stronger medication for more severe pain, which a doctor can prescribe. These may include higher dosage NSAIDs and COX-2 inhibitors, also called coxibs.

Examples of prescribed NSAIDs include:

• high dose ibuprofen
• high dose naproxen
• diclofenac (Voltaren)

Examples of coxibs include celecoxib (Celebrex) and etoricoxib. A person can take these medications as tablets orally or apply them to the knee as a gel or cream.

Dosage

According to the National Library of Medicine, the maximum daily dose of each medication is:

• ibuprofen: 2,400 mg
• naproxen: 1,000 mg
• naproxen sodium: 1,375 mg
• diclofenac: 150 mg
• celecoxib: 400 mg
• etoricoxib: 60 mg

Precautions

People who take NSAIDs or coxibs are at risk of gastrointestinal problems. There is a greater risk of complications if a person:

• drinks alcohol frequently
• takes corticosteroids
• takes SSRIs
• takes blood thinning medication
• takes several anti-inflammatory pain relief medications together
• has had stomach bleeding or gastritis
• has gastrointestinal conditions, such as Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis
• has a bacterial infection with Helicobacter pylori, which can cause ulcers
• is 65 years or older

Potential side effects

Side effects of prescription NSAIDs and coxibs may include:

• indigestion and stomach pain
• gas and bloating
• ulcers
• constipation
• gastritis
• sore throat
• dizziness
• cold symptoms

If a person experiences any of these symptoms and is at high risk, they should consult a medical professional.

If a person has severe pain from injury or illness, such as arthritis, a doctor may administer an injection to treat the pain. Doctors may recommend hydrocortisone or hyaluronic acid injections.

Hydrocortisone injection

This type of injection is a corticosteroid. A doctor may administer a hydrocortisone injection directly into the knee joint.

This medication can treat knee pain from various causes, including injury, arthritis, and bursitis. The injection helps reduce swelling and pain and makes movement easier.

Dosage

A person may be able to have injections in the knee up to four times a year. The dosage can vary between 5 mg and 50 mg of hydrocortisone.

Precautions

Hydrocortisone may not be suitable for people who:

• have an infection
• have or have had depression
• have been in recent contact with a person who has:
  • measles
  • shingles
  • chickenpox
• have recently had vaccinations or are having vaccinations soon
• are pregnant, breastfeeding, or trying to become pregnant

Hydrocortisone may also cause complications in people who have:

• high blood pressure
• diabetes
• osteoporosis
• glaucoma
• unhealed wounds

People should speak with a doctor about the injections’ potential risk factors and complications.

Potential side effects

Side effects of hydrocortisone injections may include pain and swelling at the injection site and bruising.

Serious side effects include:

• signs of infection such as:
  • fever
  • chills
  • sore throat
  • ear or sinus pain
• depression or mood swings
• puffy face or weight gain in the upper belly or back
• swelling and throbbing in the legs or arms
• chest pain
• confusion and sleepiness
• changes to vision

A person can speak with a medical professional if experiencing any of the side effects described above.

Hyaluronic acid

A doctor may inject hyaluronic acid into the knee to increase the supply of the acid. This can help relieve pain and may improve other symptoms of conditions that affect the knee joint, such as osteoarthritis.

Dosage

Depending on which hyaluronic acid a doctor uses, they may administer one to five injections over several weeks.

Precautions

If a person is pregnant or breastfeeding, they should let a doctor know before starting this medication. People should also inform a doctor if they develop an infection in the knee or a skin problem.

Potential side effects

Side effects of hyaluronic acid injection may include pain and swelling at the injection site and difficulty moving the knee immediately after the injection. These symptoms are usually temporary, and applying ice helps ease the pain.

Less common side effects include:

• bleeding
• blistering
• burning or coldness
• discoloration of skin
• hives or rash
• joint infection
• inflammation
• itching or stinging
• lumps
• numbness and tingling
• redness, soreness, and tenderness
• ulceration and warmth at the injection site

People should seek medical attention if they experience mild or more severe reactions.

Knee pain may sometimes go away on its own. If the pain is not severe, a person may be able to treat it at home by:

• putting as little weight as possible on the knee
• avoiding standing for a long time
• using an ice pack on the knee for up to 20 minutes every 2–3 hours
• taking acetaminophen

Learn more about the home remedies for knee pain.

To help prevent knee pain, a person can:

• balance rest and exercise
• maintain a moderate body weight
• wear suitable footwear with arch supports

A person should contact a doctor about knee pain if:

• the pain is severe
• there is swelling in the knee
• there is no improvement after a week
• there is no movement
• the knee cannot bear weight
• the knee locks or buckles

The medication a person receives for knee pain can depend on the cause and severity of the pain.

A person may take OTC medication for mild to moderate pain, such as ibuprofen or naproxen. If the pain is more severe, a person may require medication prescribed by a doctor, such as a higher dose of NSAID or COX-2 inhibitors. A doctor may sometimes administer injections and inject hydrocortisone or hyaluronic acid into the affected area.

A person can also treat knee pain at home by resting, raising the knee, and applying ice.

Knee pain: causes, treatment, which doctor to consult

According to statistics, about 80% of people have experienced knee pain. Moreover, a pronounced pain syndrome may be accompanied by other symptoms: a feeling of weakness (as if the legs give way), clicking when moving, stiffness, inability to straighten the leg.

What causes pain in or under the knee? Is there an effective treatment? Which doctor deals with this problem?

Causes of knee pain

The most common reason for knee pain is an injury:

• A fracture of the knee joint is accompanied by very strong, sharp pain. It becomes more intense if you press on the damaged area. With a fracture, the joint swells, so you won’t be able to bend your knee.

• A dislocation is a displacement of bones. Accompanied by swelling of the knee, severe pain syndrome. A dislocation is not as harmless as it might seem. With an injury of this type, the joint capsule is often torn, tendons, nerves, and ligaments are damaged. If you do not turn to an orthopedic traumatologist in time or completely ignore a visit to a specialist, a habitual dislocation may develop. In this case, the joints and bones can move even with a slight load.

• When ligaments and tendons are torn, a crunch is heard, clicks are clearly distinguished during movement. The joint becomes too mobile. The pain is sharp, as if “shooting”. Theoretically, a person can move around, but when walking, the pain in the knee will be more intense.

• A meniscus tear most often involves a strong blow, as a result of which the knee joint begins to hurt, lose mobility, and swell. A torn meniscus often does not act as an independent injury: it is diagnosed in 75% of cases of knee joint injuries. A torn meniscus often occurs in athletes, dancers, and ballet dancers. But such damage also occurs in everyday life – for example, with a sharp movement, heavy physical exertion or a fall.

By the way, about sports. Runners’ knees often hurt – there is even such a thing as runner’s knee syndrome. Runner’s knee syndrome is a common sports injury in which the cartilage tissue of the patella softens and deforms. The injury occurs as a result of high loads on the knees. By the way, it affects not only runners, but also cyclists, fans of hiking, football players.

Which doctor treats knee pain?

If you are worried about knee pain, the logical question is: which doctor to make an appointment with. In case of pain caused by an injury, you should contact an orthopedic traumatologist as soon as possible.

The doctor will conduct a survey and examination of the patient, to clarify the diagnosis, he will send for examination. By the way, with knee injuries, only x-rays are not always prescribed. For example, when a meniscus is torn, it is not informative, so the patient is referred for an ultrasound of the joint or an MRI of the joints. An MRI will allow you to fully “see” the joint and assess its condition. In case of a fracture and dislocation of the knee, an x-ray is recommended (usually in several projections), in some cases an MRI is prescribed.

In addition, to clarify the diagnosis, the results of laboratory tests are required – most often this is a general and biochemical blood test.

Treatment of knee pain

To prescribe effective treatment, you must first identify the cause of the pain syndrome. For example, when a meniscus is torn, anti-inflammatory drugs are prescribed, the knee is fixed with a bandage. Please note that in the treatment of any knee injury, it is important to ensure that the injured area has complete rest. Splints and splints, which are needed for immobilization, will help reduce the load on the joint. Taping is also actively used – the so-called fixation of the joint with adhesive tapes-teips.

Additionally, the patient is prescribed painkillers that stop the pain syndrome. It can be tablets, ointments or gels.

In some cases, surgery is required. So, with a complete rupture of the ligaments of the knee joint, a low-traumatic operation is performed – arthroscopy.

Massage, reflexology, therapeutic exercises also help to cope with pain, strengthen the knee joint, speed up recovery. These methods “work” due to the fact that they help improve muscle tone, activate blood circulation in the knee joint.

The complex of services in the field of traumatology and orthopedics is provided by experienced specialists of the Scandinavian Health Center. The doctors of our multidisciplinary medical center treat injuries and post-traumatic complications, arthrosis, dislocations, bursitis, etc. In our clinic, you can undergo the necessary examinations, visit a physiotherapist, masseur. We offer affordable prices for services, regularly hold profitable promotions.

To make an appointment with a traumatologist, fill out the online form or contact our representatives by phone +7 (495) 645-00-54. You can also use the feedback form.

Knee pain – RZD-Medicine, Orsk

Symptoms The localization and intensity of knee pain may vary depending on the cause of the knee pain. stiffness

– Redness in the knee joint

– Weakness or instability in the knee joint

– Clicking or cracking in the joint

If symptoms are present, it is essential to seek medical attention.

Causes

Knee pain is a fairly common complaint in people and occurs at any age. Pain can be the result of an injury, such as a torn ligament or a damaged meniscus. Knee pain can also be caused by a variety of conditions, including various types of arthritis, gout, and infections, but the most common cause is trauma.

Trauma can damage any of the ligaments, tendons, or fluid-filled sacs that surround the joint, as well as the bones, cartilage, and ligaments that make up the joint itself.

Risk factors

A number of factors can increase the risk of knee problems and pain, including:

– Being overweight. Being overweight or obese puts more stress on the knee joints, even when performing normal physical activities such as walking or climbing or descending stairs.

– Biomechanical problems. Flat feet can significantly increase the risk of knee problems.

– Lack of muscle strength and elasticity. Lack of muscle strength and flexibility are among the leading causes of injury.

– Some sports. When practicing some sports, there is an accentuated load on the knee joint. Alpine skiing with rigid ski boot bindings and a high risk of falls, jumping and turning when playing basketball, and sprinting with frequent dropping of the knee all increase the risk of injury.

– Presence of previous injuries. If there is a history of previous injuries, the likelihood of a knee injury is much higher.

Diagnostics

As a rule, orthopedic or traumatologists deal with these problems. The doctor, first of all, at the consultation is interested in answers to the following questions:

– When did the symptoms appear and how intense are they?

– Does the patient go in for sports and what kind?

– Has the patient noticed pain in the knee before, what was the reason?

After receiving information about the symptoms and medical history, the doctor examines the knee joint.

As a rule, the doctor makes a preliminary diagnosis based on the initial examination. But to confirm the diagnosis, it is often necessary to connect instrumental research methods.

Imaging methods:

– X-ray is the first choice, especially if it is necessary to rule out bone fractures.

– Computed tomography is more informative than radiography and allows diagnosing both bone pathology and changes in soft tissues.

– Ultrasound is a fairly informative method for studying the pathology of muscle and ligament tissue and functional disorders.

– Magnetic resonance imaging – allows very high quality visualization of changes in the soft tissue structures of the knee joint (ligaments, tendons, cartilage and muscles).

Treatment

Conservative treatment:

With minor pain in the knee, a good effect of conservative treatment is possible, which includes various methods of physiotherapy, therapeutic physical culture (exercise therapy), wearing an orthosis, unloading the joint, applying pressure dressings and local application of cold (for acute knee injuries), drug treatment. But in some cases, knee pain can lead to the need for surgical treatment.

Surgical treatment:

In the presence of a knee injury, surgery is often required, but as a rule, it is not always necessary to perform an urgent operation, unless it is a fracture.