If you lead an active lifestyle or work while standing, you might regularly experience minor pains and aches. However, more often than not, you likely delay visiting a physician because you think the discomfort will subside after some time. In some circumstances, this hypothesis holds true, but what about when it does not? Here are six warning indications that highlight a more severe injury, which justifies a visit to an orthopedic knee doctor. Continue reading to find out more.
i. The Discomfort Persists For Weeks
Most doctors will advise using the RICE approach- rest, ice, compression, and elevation therapy- to treat injuries such as bruises or knee sprains at home. In addition, over-the-counter drugs could also be utilized to assist with discomfort and pain. However, if this treatment does not relieve your symptoms and pain after several weeks, you should consult a doctor. A hurting knee that will not go away might signal damaged cartilage, torn meniscus, or pulled muscle, requiring medical attention.
ii. You Experience Knee Instability
Ligament damage is commonly indicated by knee instability or the sensation that your knee would buckle if you exert strain on it. When one or more knee ligaments, the components that link the bones, are injured, the bones may not be kept in position firmly enough. Instability is one of the most apparent warning indicators if they have been stretched or ripped due to an injury. Whereas persons can develop instability symptoms from less serious knee injuries, the only way to distinguish is to have your knee evaluated by a specialist.
iii. Drastic Onset Of Other Symptoms
Whenever your knee is bothering you, give heed to your overall health. Signs to watch out for include rapid redness, chills, inflammation, nausea, fever, or a warm sensation in your knee. These signs and symptoms could suggest a joint infection, often referred to as septic arthritis. If bacteria affect your joint, waiting too long to address it might result in perpetual impairment or septic shock. Therefore, consult a doctor right away.
iv. Pain That Interferes With Your Day-To-Day Activities
Most healthcare experts advise that you make an appointment immediately when you find that your symptoms interfere with your daily life. If knee discomfort makes your commute more tedious, your exercise routine uncomfortable, or your job tougher, have a professional assess the joint.
v. You Have Reduced Sensation In Your Knee
If you are not experiencing increased discomfort by pushing on or touching your knee, the reason for the pain might be triggered by discomfort in another body part. Sciatica, for instance, is a condition wherein a disc in the lower back compresses on a nerve, resulting in pain extending down the leg and into the knee. Hip injuries could also trigger knee discomfort. Therefore, if you press about in your knee and it does not hurt, see a physician to find out what is wrong.
vi. Your Hurting Knee Appears Different
If your hurting knee appears distorted or different from the other knee, you must consult a specialist. Often, this might indicate a displaced kneecap, fracture, or patella tracking damage.
Do not try to wait it out if you have knee pain. If you have any of the symptoms described above, you should pursue expert help. For expert diagnosis and care for your knee, orthopedic surgeon Dr. Pavel Muradov and his staff can provide various care options, ranging from physical therapy and anti-inflammatory drugs to steroid injections and more. To explore your options and determine what is appropriate for you, make an appointment through mobile or book online.