Knee Pain
What is Knee Pain?
At Comprehensive Spine & Pain, knee pain is one of the most typical complaints received by our Atlanta pain specialist that impacts every age group. The condition is often a result of injuries including torn cartilage or ruptured ligaments. Medical issues including gout, infections, and arthritis are also known to cause knee pain.
Many self-care methods can provide effective knee pain treatment to alleviate minor discomfort. Knee braces and physical therapy also help to treat pain. However, in some cases, knee surgery may be necessary.
Symptoms
According to Atlanta pain specialists, the severity and location of knee pain often varies, depending on the exact cause of the issue. Symptoms and signs that are often associated with knee pain may include the following:
- Instability or weakness
- Stiffness and swelling
- Inability to completely straighten out the knee
- Crunching or popping noises
- Redness
- Warm to the touch
Knee Injuries
Knee injuries can affect any of the tendons, ligaments, or bursae (fluid-filled sacs) that surround the knee joints along with the ligaments, cartilage, and bones that form the knee joint itself. Here are some common knee injuries:
Patellar Tendinitis
Tendinitis refers to inflammation and irritation of one or sometimes multiple tendons, which is the fibrous, thick tissues that connect bones to muscles. Cyclists, skiers, runners, and anyone who performs jumping type sports or activities are more vulnerable to patellar tendon inflammation, which joins the quadriceps muscle located on the front part of the thigh to your shinbone.
ACL Injury
As explained by Atlanta pain specialists, the ACL is one of four key ligaments that connect the thighbone to the shinbone. When there is an ACL injury, the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) tears. ACL injuries are common in those who regularly play basketball, tennis, soccer, or other sports that require the lower body to suddenly change direction.
Knee Bursitis
Some injuries of the knee cause inflammation in and around the bursae, the tiny fluid sacs that help cushion the knee joint so that ligaments and tendons glide smoothly and effortless over the knee joint.
Torn Meniscus
The meniscus is made of rubbery, tough cartilage and serves as a shock absorber between the thighbone and shinbone. It can sometimes tear if a person suddenly twists their knee while bearing down on it.
It’s Time to See an Atlanta Pain Specialist for Knee Pain Treatment if:
- You cannot stand to bear any weight on your knee
- Have profound swelling in the knee
- You cannot flex or completely extend your knee
- Notice an apparent abnormality in either your knee or leg
- You’re running a fever along with swelling, redness, and pain in the knee
- You feel unstable, like you’re knee is ready to ‘give out’
Atlanta pain specialist V. K. Puppala, M.D. sees patients at his Villa Rica, Georgia office. Patients from all over the Metro Atlanta area seek his help. As the premier Atlanta pain specialist, Dr. Puppala is genuinely concerned about his patient’s general well-being and is known for treating all his patients with respect and compassion. Dr. Puppala takes a multidisciplinary approach by incorporating a number of minimally invasive interventional methods using practical treatment and effective medication management. Call 770-627-7246 or 770-MAP-PAIN today to make an appointment.
