Knee pain is discomfort or tenderness felt in or around the knee joint. Knee pain is an outcome of several factors, such as injury, overuse of joints, arthritis, or a structural problem with the knee.

Symptoms of knee pain can include stiffness, swelling, redness, and weakness.

Elderly man sitting on a sofa at home and touching his painful knee. people, health care and problem concept - unhappy senior man suffering from knee ache at home

How to diagnose knee pain?

Diagnosing knee pain typically involves a physical examination and a medical history done by a physician. During the physical examination, the healthcare provider will check for signs of swelling, redness, and warmth around the knee joint. They may also test the range of motion and balance and look for any signs of deformity.

Additionally, the healthcare provider may ask for imaging tests such as X-rays, MRIs or ultrasounds to look at the structures inside the knee. They may also ask for blood tests to check for conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis or gout.

How to know whether the knee pain is osteoarthritis?

Osteoarthritis (OA) is a common cause of knee pain, especially in elders. Osteoarthritis refers to the degenerative changes in the cartilage that cushions the joint. The followings are some signs and symptoms that may suggest that osteoarthritis has caused knee pain.

  • Pain: Pain in the knee joint that worsens with activity and improves with rest.
  • Stiffness: Stiffness in the knee joint, particularly in the morning or after sitting for long periods.
  • Swelling: Swelling in the knee joint with redness and warmth.
  • Crepitus: Joint makes a typical grating or crackling on movement.
  • Limited range of motion: Difficulty moving the knee joint through its full range of motion.
  • Bone spurs: Bony growths that develop around the knee joint.
  • X-ray: Osteoarthritis is visible on X-ray as loss of cartilage, bone spurs, and narrowing of joint spaces.

It is worth mentioning here that these symptoms may be present in other conditions. A proper diagnosis is achieved only after a physical examination and imaging tests. Dr Jyotiraditya is a knee pain doctor in Mohali who treats pains with Ayurveda and panchkarma.

Presentation of knee pain.

The presentation of knee pain can vary depending on the underlying cause. A few knee pain presentations include:

  • Acute knee pain: Acute means just now. Acute knee pains occur suddenly. It occurs due to an injury like a ligament sprain or a fracture, along with swelling, redness, and warmth.
  • Chronic knee pain: Chronic means prolonged. Chronic Knee pain is a pain that persists for more than three months. It is caused by several health conditions, like osteoarthritis or rheumatoid arthritis. There may be stiffness and difficulty moving the knee through its full range of motion.
  • Mechanical knee pain: This is pain that occurs with movement and is due to the problems with the alignment of the knee joint, such as a meniscus tear or patellofemoral pain syndrome. One may experience crepitus (a grating or crackling sound) while moving.
  • Referral knee pain: In referral knee pain, the pain radiates from one part to another part of the body. Sciatica pain is a typical example wherein nerve compression at the lumbar region causes pain in the hip and leg.

It is essential to visit a knee pain doctor in Mohali for a proper diagnosis. Dr Jyotiraditya of Nidanam Wellness Clinic is an ayurvedic doctor who treats Knee pain with ayurvedic methodology.

FAQ's

Should I go to a doctor for knee pain?

Yes. A visit to a healthcare provider is a must if one experiences persistent knee pain with swelling, redness, warmth, stiffness, difficulty moving the knee joint, or deformity. A healthcare provider can help determine the cause of the pain and provide appropriate treatment.

Is it OK to walk with knee pain?

It depends on the cause of the knee pain and the severity of the pain. One must rest and avoid rigorous activities that exacerbate the pain. Low-impact exercises such as walking or cycling can be beneficial in reducing knee pain and improving joint mobility under the guidance of a healthcare provider.

Dr. Jyotiraditya Agarwal

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