Chronic knee pain can have various causes, and its treatment and management depend on the underlying reason for the pain. If your knee always hurts, book an appointment with an orthopedic knee surgeon for diagnosis and personalized treatment. Here are some potential causes of constant knee pain, diagnosis, and treatment:
Causes of Knee Pain
Knee pain can be accompanied by some symptoms, such as the inability to straighten your knee fully. You could also experience popping or crunching noises, stiffness, and swelling. The knee may become warm to the touch and become reddened. If your knee hurts all the time, the following issues could be contributing to the pain and inflammation:
Osteoarthritis
Osteoarthritis is a degenerative joint disease that commonly causes chronic knee pain, particularly in older individuals. This knee issue occurs due to the gradual breakdown of the protective cartilage in the knee joint. Osteoarthritis can lead to symptoms like persistent pain, reduced range of motion, and difficulty with activities that involve the knee. When you have osteoarthritis, bony projections can form around the joint causing discomfort when they press against adjacent nerves.
Rheumatoid Arthritis
Rheumatoid arthritis is a chronic autoimmune disease affecting multiple joints throughout the body, including the knee joint. With this knee problem, the immune system attacks the lining of the membranes that surround the joints, causing intense inflammation in the knee.
If left untreated, rheumatoid arthritis can cause joint damage, including damage to the cartilage, bone erosion, and deformities. Rheumatoid arthritis often affects multiple joints on both sides of the body, which means if one knee is affected, the other may also be affected.
Patellar Tendinitis
The patellar tendon connects the kneecap to the tibia. This is the tendon that helps straighten the knee and is used when jumping, kicking, and running. Patellar tendinitis, also known as jumper’s knee, results when the knee is being overused. Basketball players commonly experience this injury. Knee pain is the main symptom of this issue and it will gradually get worse if untreated. At first you may only feel pain during a workout. Later on, your knee can hurt just from climbing stairs or getting out of a chair.
Baker’s Cyst
A popliteal cyst, also called a baker’s cyst, is when fluid collects in the area behind the knee. Sometimes this cyst can go away on its own, but other times it may grow large and become very painful. Baker’s cysts usually arise because of arthritis. Heavy use of the knee, like when squatting or kneeling, can also encourage the growth of a cyst.
Diagnosis
An orthopedic knee surgeon performs a physical examination to evaluate the range of motion, swelling intensity, pain level, and joint stability. The professional can also discuss the patient’s medical history, including prior knee injuries, surgeries, and family history of knee problems. X-rays can help provide a detailed view of the bones, joint spaces, and any abnormalities, such as bone spurs or joint alignment issues.
An experienced knee surgeon can also use an MRI to assess ligament tears, meniscus injuries, and rheumatoid arthritis, and the extent of joint inflammation and damage. They can also order a blood test to check for the presence of rheumatoid factor, an antibody often elevated in patients with rheumatoid arthritis. Sometimes, a surgeon can use ultrasound imaging to check soft tissues and fluid accumulation in the knee joint.
Treatment Options
Based on the diagnosis, a knee specialist can discuss various treatment options with the patient. Treatment can depend on the severity of the condition and the patient’s health. An experienced surgeon can suggest conservative methods or surgical interventions to manage chronic knee pain. Here are some possible treatment options for persistent knee pain:
At Home Treatments
Some knee pain can be treated at home. The R.I.C.E. method (rest, ice, compression, and elevation) is good for treating knee pain caused by tendinitis, bursitis, or injuries. You can also use support wear like compression wraps or braces. This allows movement while reducing pain. Canes or crutches are useful to avoid putting your full weight on your knees until other solutions are available. Light exercises combined with short rest periods can also be done to help alleviate pain.
Pain Medication
Anti-inflammatory medications such as ibuprofen and naproxen can be effective in alleviating knee pain. In some cases, corticosteroids may be prescribed for short-term relief of pain and inflammation. A knee surgeon can administer corticosteroids orally or through injections directly into the knee joint. In cases of more severe pain or when over-the-counter nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are insufficient, a healthcare provider may prescribe stronger prescription NSAIDs to manage pain and inflammation.
Physical Therapy
Physical therapists design exercise programs to improve joint function, reduce pain, and increase mobility. These exercises can include stretching, balance, gait training, and strength training. Physical therapists may use various modalities, such as heat or ice therapy, ultrasound, or electrical stimulation, to alleviate pain and reduce inflammation in the knee joint. Many physical therapists will also suggest exercises you can do at home to continue treatment. As long as they are done safely and not more often than is suggested, at-home exercises can decrease necessary recovery time.
Surgery
Surgery can be a viable option when the knee condition is causing significant pain, mobility limitations, or joint damage. The surgeon uses arthroscopy to diagnose and treat various knee problems, such as meniscus tears and ligament injuries. They can suggest a partial knee replacement, whereby only the damaged part of the knee joint is replaced with an artificial joint. Total knee replacement involves replacing the entire knee joint with an artificial joint.
Sometimes cysts can progress until they need surgery. A surgeon may drain some of the fluid from the cyst through needle aspiration. If the cyst is caused by a cartilage tear, a surgeon will repair or remove the torn cartilage at the same time as draining the fluid.
Find a Reputable Orthopedic Knee Surgeon Today
If your knee hurts constantly, book an appointment with an orthopedic knee surgeon for help. The professional can evaluate the extent of the knee damage and recommend suitable treatment options. If surgery is the treatment option, they can walk you through the entire process and answer any of your questions along the way.