Knee Pain Treatment Specialist in Austin, Texas
Knee problems and pain can be the result of several injuries or conditions. To get help with knee pain, patients in and around Central Austin, Texas can visit ATX Orthopedics. Here, Dr. Sean Gallagher can diagnose and treat a number of conditions which can cause knee problems and discomfort.
Knee Q&A
What causes knee pain?
Knee pain is unfortunately a common problem for many individuals. It is usually associated with the bony structures which make up the knee joint, such as the femur, tibia, fibula, and patella, or it can be caused by an injury or as a result of interior deterioration of the ligaments and cartilage. Three categories are usually used to describe knee pain which include: acute injury, medical conditions, and chronic use/overuse conditions. Acute injuries can include:
- Fractures
- Ligament injuries including ACL tears
- Meniscus injuries, the shock-absorbing cartilage is damaged
- Joint dislocation
Medical conditions include:
- Rheumatoid arthritis causing deterioration of the joints
- Gout arthritis
- Septic arthritis, infection of the knee joint
Chronic Use/Overuse conditions include:
- Patellar tendinitis, inflammation of the tendons which branch the kneecap to the lower leg
- Osteoarthritis caused by wear and tear
When should I go to a doctor for knee pain?
Any pain which is not getting better with rest or recede within a few days should be evaluated by the doctor. In addition, if the symptoms and signs given below are occurring the doctor will need to examine the patient’s knee:
- Cannot bend the joint
- Cannot walk without discomfort or cannot walk at all
- Inflammation
- Deformity
- Extreme pain
How are knee problems treated?
When the pain is minimal or just starting, care will typically begin with medications and physical therapy. When these methods are not found to provide satisfactory results, injections into the joint can alleviate pain and work as a diagnostic tool. Here, the medication, most often anti-inflammatories and corticosteroids, is inserted directly into the joint space. When a fracture, rip of the tendons or ligaments, or deterioration of cartilage are the underlying cause of the knee discomfort or if the pain is especially severe, surgery is typically performed. This can include a partial or total knee joint replacement.