OSNA's Expert Q & A - Knee Pain
Q: How common is knee pain?
A: Very common. The knee is the most common source of pain in most individuals.
Q: How do I distinguish between occasional knee pain and ongoing pain that warrants medical attention?
A: You should seek immediate medical attention if you experience excessive swelling, pain to the point that you can’t bear weight, the inability to bend or straighten the leg, redness (indicating infection) or if the pain doesn’t resolve in 3-4 days.
Q: What are the main causes of knee pain?
A: Knee pain can be caused by gout, arthritis, or injuries such as sprains or strains.
Q: What are the main treatments for knee pain?
A: The first line of treatment for any knee pain is rest, ice, elevation and a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory. If that fails to relive symptoms, you should seek medical attention. An x-ray or MRI may be ordered to determine to make a diagnosis. Depending on the diagnosis, the treatment ranges anywhere from bracing to surgery.
Q: Does knee pain mean I have osteoarthritis?
A: Not necessarily. Osteoarthritis is a gradual wearing down of the cartilage on the ends of our bones – commonly referred to as the “wear and tear disease”. It is the most common type of arthritis and affects one-third of people over 65 which is almost 30 million people in this country. A diagnosis of osteoarthritis is based on an exam, clinical symptoms and x-ray evaluation.
Q: Am I able to tell the difference between a sprain and if I tore something?
A: You will not be able to tell the difference on your own. That determination should be made by an orthopedic surgeon. Excessive swelling, pain to the point that you can’t bear weight or inability to bend or straighten the leg, or redness indicating infection could mean either a sprain or tear, warranting immediate medical attention.
Q: How common is surgery for knee pain?
A: The majority of knee injuries do not require surgery. Surgery is reserved for acute injuries or the treatment of last resort for arthritis.
Q: What is your advice for patients with knee pain?
A: Your orthopedic specialist can perform an evaluation to determine your treatment options.
