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Understanding Knee Pain and How Southeast Orthopedic Specialists Can Help

Knee Pain Treatment Specialist Exam's Orthopedic Patient

Knee pain is a common issue that affects individuals of all ages. Whether it’s caused by injury, arthritis, or overuse, knee pain can significantly impact your daily life and activities. In St. Augustine, many individuals are seeking expert treatment to alleviate their knee pain and improve their quality of life. 

Knee Pain Treatment Specialist Exam's Orthopedic Patient

The good news is that Southeast Orthopedic Specialists, with its specialized team of knee pain specialists, offers a variety of treatment options to help you keep life in motion.

What Causes Knee Pain?

Knee pain can result from several factors, including injury, chronic conditions like arthritis, or wear and tear from age or sports activities. Some of the most common causes include:

  • Arthritis: Both osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis can lead to knee pain and stiffness, making movement difficult.
  • Sports Injuries: ACL tears, meniscus injuries, and patellar tendinitis are common among athletes.
  • Overuse: Repetitive movements or prolonged activity can lead to knee pain, especially in those who engage in physical labor or sports.
  • Bursitis: Inflammation of the small fluid-filled sacs in the knee can cause swelling and discomfort.

Knee Pain Treatment Options at Southeast Orthopedic Specialists

At Southeast Orthopedic Specialists, we understand that knee pain can be debilitating, which is why we offer comprehensive, customized treatment plans tailored to your unique needs. Our team of knee pain specialists in St. Augustine is dedicated to providing advanced care that focuses on long-term relief and recovery.

Non-Surgical Knee Pain Treatments
We offer a variety of non-invasive treatments for knee pain, including:

  • Physical Therapy for Knee Pain: Our physical therapists work with you to develop personalized exercise programs designed to strengthen the muscles around the knee and improve mobility.
  • PRP Therapy for Knee Pain: Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) therapy utilizes your body’s own healing properties to promote tissue repair and reduce inflammation, especially in cases of arthritis or soft tissue injuries.
  • Knee Braces: Custom knee braces provide support and stability, helping alleviate pain and protect the joint during daily activities.
  • Pain Management Solutions: From injections to targeted therapies, we offer treatments that focus on reducing inflammation and managing chronic knee pain.

Surgical Options
For more severe cases, our orthopedic knee surgeons are skilled in minimally invasive procedures such as knee arthroscopy and joint replacement, ensuring a swift recovery with optimal results.

Why Choose Southeast Orthopedic Specialists for Knee Pain Relief in St. Augustine?

Southeast Orthopedic Specialists stands out as a leading provider of orthopedic care in St. Augustine, offering specialized knee pain treatment that helps patients get back to their active lifestyles. Our comprehensive approach includes:

  • Expert Specialists: We have some of the top knee specialists in St. Augustine, with extensive experience in diagnosing and treating all forms of knee pain.
  • Cutting-Edge Treatments: We offer advanced treatment options like PRP therapy and custom knee braces to give you the best chance at a full recovery.
  • Personalized Care: At [Southeast Orthopedic Specialists], we focus on delivering one-on-one attention to ensure you receive the best care tailored to your needs.

Preventing Knee Pain: Tips for a Healthy, Active Life

Prevention is key when it comes to knee pain. By following these simple tips, you can reduce your risk of developing knee issues:

  1. Maintain a Healthy Weight: Excess weight can put additional stress on your knees, leading to pain and joint damage.
  2. Strengthen Leg Muscles: Regular exercise to strengthen the quadriceps and hamstrings can help stabilize the knee joint and prevent injuries.
  3. Avoid Overuse: Rest and recovery are important, especially if you engage in repetitive activities or sports.
  4. Use Proper Footwear: Shoes that provide proper support can help prevent knee stress, especially if you’re involved in physical activities.

Southeast Orthopedic Specialists: Your Partner in Knee Pain Relief

If you’re experiencing knee pain or want to prevent injury, Southeast Orthopedic Specialists is here to help. We specialize in Orthopedics, Sports Medicine, Joint Replacement, Spine, Neurology, and Physical Therapy. Look to the physicians at [Southeast Orthopedic Specialists] for one-on-one attention, with a focus on helping you Keep Life In Motion.

Schedule an appointment online or call 904-634-0640 today to take the first step toward knee pain relief and improved mobility.

Knee Pain When Bending Down? Here’s What You Can Do About It

Experiencing knee pain can significantly restrict your daily activities, making even simple motions like bending your leg an ordeal.

Whether it’s a sharp pain in your knee when kneeling or a dull ache when straightening your leg after sitting, understanding the root causes is the first step towards finding relief.

The knee, a complex joint that supports much of our body weight, is vulnerable to a variety of injuries and conditions.

This article will guide you through the causes of knee pain when bending, explore effective treatments, and offer tips for prevention.

Keep reading to discover how to maintain healthy knees and return to your favorite activities.

Why Does My Knee Hurt When I Bend It?

Experiencing knee pain when bending your leg can manifest in various forms and locations, each potentially pointing to a different underlying issue.

Feeling pain behind the knee when bending might signal a problem such as a Baker’s cyst, while a very sharp pain in the knee when bending could be indicative of conditions like meniscus tears or patellar tendinitis.

If the discomfort is situated above the kneecap, this might suggest quadriceps tendinopathy, whereas pain under the kneecap when bending often points towards patellofemoral pain syndrome.

Identifying the specifics of your pain is a crucial step towards pinpointing its cause and guiding effective treatment routes.

Pain Behind Knee When Bending

Experiencing pain behind your knee when you bend your leg can often feel like a catch or intense pressure, leaving you uncomfortable or even immobile in severe cases. This type of discomfort might be attributed to conditions such as Baker’s cyst, characterized by a buildup of fluid behind the knee. This situation stresses the tissues around the knee, resulting in pain that intensifies upon bending.

Another common cause of pain behind the knee when bending is a meniscus tear. This injury involves the tearing of the meniscus, which is a fibrocartilage crescent shaped structure on either side of the knee, that acts as a shock absorber between your thighbone and shinbone. A meniscus tear not only causes pain but often leads to swelling, restricted movement, and an unsettling feeling of instability in the knee, complicating simple actions like bending and straightening the leg. Immediate and appropriate attention from a health professional is vital to manage the symptoms and prevent further damage.

Very Sharp Pain in the Front of the Knee When Bending

Encountering a very sharp pain in the front of the knee while bending can be a frightening experience, often leaving you wary of moving your leg at all. This type of pain is frequently related to patellar tendinitis, where the tendon connecting your kneecap to your shinbone becomes inflamed. The discomfort is typically sharp and localized, intensifying with movement, especially when bending the knee during activities such as squatting or climbing stairs.

Additionally, a very sharp pain in your knee when bending could indicate a problem with the patellar tendon, such as a rupture or severe strain. Such conditions are less common but can result from a sudden, forceful impact or excessive strain on the knee, common in sports or physically demanding activities. Early diagnosis and treatment are crucial to prevent long-term damage and restore knee function, highlighting the importance of seeking medical advice if experiencing this type of knee pain.

Pain Above Kneecap When Bending

Encountering pain just above the kneecap when you bend your leg can be indicative of quadriceps tendinopathy, a condition characterized by inflammation and injury to the tendon that attaches your quadriceps muscle to the patella. This type of pain is often a result of repetitive stress or sudden increases in physical activity, leading to soreness and discomfort that manifests most acutely during movements involving the knee, such as bending or jumping.

Pain under the Kneecap When Bending

When you feel pain in front of the kneecap while bending, you could be dealing with patellofemoral pain syndrome, often accentuated by movements that increase pressure on the knee, such as squatting or descending stairs. This ailment arises from the misalignment or excessive stress on the patella, leading to discomfort and aggravation during knee flexion activities.

Another condition associated with pain in this area is chondromalacia patellae, characterized by the thinning and breakdown of the cartilage beneath the kneecap. The degeneration of this cartilage typically occurs as we age and can result in pain and discomfort under the kneecap, becoming more prominent with bending motions that press the patella against the thigh bone.

Knee Exercises

Incorporating knee exercises into your daily routine stands out as an effective measure for alleviating pain when bending your leg. These exercises mainly focus on strengthening the muscles surrounding the knee, such as the quadriceps and hamstrings, to improve alignment and reduce stress on the knee joint. By enhancing muscle strength and flexibility, you contribute to a more stable and less painful knee movement.

Starting with gentle stretching exercises can gradually improve the flexibility and range of motion of your knee, decreasing the likelihood of pain during bending activities. Progressing to strength training exercises, specifically tailored to your condition and fitness level, further fortifies the knee against injury and discomfort. It’s advisable to seek guidance from a physical therapist to ensure that you’re performing these exercises correctly and safely, optimizing their benefits while minimizing the risk of further injury.

Medical Treatment

Exploring professional medical interventions is imperative if your knee continues to ache despite home remedies and lifestyle adjustments.

These treatments can range from less invasive options like physical therapy, which targets strengthening and flexibility, to more invasive treatments such as injections.

In certain cases, immobilization with a brace might be necessary to allow your knee the rest it needs to heal properly.

Surgery, although considered a last resort, typically is an option when other treatments fail to relieve your symptoms, particularly in severe injuries or chronic conditions that impair your knee’s functionality.

Each of these medical interventions offers a tailored approach to effectively address your specific knee issues, fostering recovery and enhancing your mobility.

Physical Therapy

Physical therapy presents a cornerstone in the management of knee pain when bending, offering a personalized approach to rehabilitation. Through a blend of exercises designed to strengthen the muscles around your knee and improve flexibility, physical therapists work to enhance your knee’s stability, aiming to reduce pain and improve overall function.

During your sessions, a physical therapist might also employ manual therapy techniques to reduce stiffness and increase joint mobility, directly addressing the discomfort you experience when bending your knee. This hands-on approach, coupled with an exercise regimen you can follow at home, equips you with the tools to manage your knee pain and fosters long-term knee health.

Knee Injections

When it comes to managing knee pain and inflammation, knee injections can be a highly effective treatment option. These injections typically contain corticosteroids, and hyaluronic acid, and are administered directly into the knee joint by a healthcare professional. Corticosteroid injections work by reducing inflammation and providing pain relief, while hyaluronic acid injections help lubricate the joint and improve mobility.

Knee injections are often recommended for individuals who have not experienced relief from other conservative treatments such as medications or physical therapy. They can provide significant pain relief and improve joint function, allowing individuals to engage in daily activities with greater ease. However, it is important to consult with a healthcare provider to determine the most appropriate type of knee injection. Overall, knee injections can be a valuable tool in managing knee pain and restoring mobility for individuals looking to regain their quality of life.

Surgery

If your journey to overcome knee pain when bending has led you through various treatments without relief, surgery might be the suggestion from your healthcare provider. This intervention is generally reserved for severe cases where other methods have not improved your condition, such as significant injuries to the ligaments, tendons or meniscus, or chronic conditions like arthritis that severely limit your mobility and quality of life.

Surgical options vary depending on the underlying cause of your knee pain but can include procedures like arthroscopy for less invasive corrections, reconstructive surgeries to repair damaged ligaments, or even knee replacement for advanced arthritis. Your surgeon will guide you through the decision-making process, ensuring you understand the benefits and risks associated with surgical treatment for your specific knee issues.

When to See a Doctor

Recognizing when to seek medical advice is crucial if you’re experiencing knee pain when bending your leg. If your knee pain persists despite trying home remedies or if the discomfort significantly limits your day-to-day activities, it’s time to consult a health care provider. Severe or sustained pain warrants prompt attention to avoid further complications.

Pay attention to symptoms that accompany your knee pain, such as swelling, redness, or a sensation of warmth around the joint. These signs could indicate an underlying condition that requires professional medical intervention..

If you hear a popping noise followed by immediate knee pain when bending, this can be a sign of a serious injury, such as an anterior cruciate ligament tear. This type of injury is common in sports and requires a thorough examination by a healthcare professional. Delaying evaluation and treatment can lead to instability and potential long-term joint damage.

Lastly, experiences of locking or an inability to fully straighten the knee are signals that should prompt a visit to a physician. This could be indicative of a mechanical issue within the knee, such as a meniscus tear or loose body within the joint, which may require advanced treatments like surgery to resolve. Consulting with a healthcare provider can elucidate the nature of your knee issue and guide the most effective treatment plan.

Diagnosing the Causes of Knee Pain

Identifying the root cause of your knee pain necessitates a thorough examination by a healthcare professional. They will commence with a detailed medical history and a physical examination to evaluate the specific characteristics of your pain. This meticulous approach helps pinpoint whether the issue stems from the tendons, ligaments, cartilage, bones, or a combination of these structures within or surrounding your knee.

Advanced imaging tests play a pivotal role in diagnosing the precise cause of knee pain. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is especially beneficial as it provides detailed images of the knee’s internal structures. This allows clinicians to assess for injuries or abnormalities in the bone, cartilage, tendons, and ligaments, offering invaluable information for a definitive diagnosis.

In certain cases, your physician might recommend a CT scan to get a more detailed view of the bone structure of your knee. This is particularly useful for evaluating bone fractures or more complex structural issues. The goal is to obtain a comprehensive understanding of your knee pain’s etiology, guiding the development of an effective treatment plan tailored to your specific condition.

For some specific conditions, such as gout or infection, drawing and analyzing fluid from your knee joint might be necessary. This procedure not only aids in diagnosing conditions caused by issues like uric acid crystals or bacteria but also helps in relieving pressure and discomfort in the knee. By understanding what’s happening inside your knee joint, your healthcare provider can more accurately determine the cause of your pain and the best course of action for treatment.

Treatment Options and Management

Once a diagnosis is made, various treatment options may be recommended based on the specific condition identified. For instance, if you’re diagnosed with patellofemoral pain syndrome or arthritis, the orthopedic surgeon may prescribe medications such as ibuprofen or corticosteroid injections to manage pain and inflammation. In cases of severe degenerative disease, joint replacement surgery, including knee replacement, may be necessary to restore function and alleviate pain. Additionally, physical therapy and strength training exercises are often prescribed to improve muscle strength and flexibility, promoting better joint stability and overall mobility.

Preventive Measures and Lifestyle Modifications

Incorporating preventive measures and lifestyle modifications can play a significant role in managing knee pain and reducing the risk of future injuries. Maintaining a healthy body weight through proper diet and exercise is essential, as excess weight can contribute to added stress on the knee joints. Furthermore, wearing appropriate footwear and using shoe inserts can help provide better support and shock absorption during physical activities like running or basketball, reducing the likelihood of injury. Engaging in low-impact exercises such as water aerobics or cycling can also help improve joint flexibility and strengthen surrounding muscles without placing excessive strain on the knees.

Recovery

Recovery from knee pain, particularly when it intensifies with bending, often hinges on a combination of rest, targeted therapy, and gradual re-introduction to physical activity. Your body signals the pace at which you can advance, urging a cautious approach to prevent re-injury or exacerbation of pain. Adhering to the guidance of your health care provider ensures a balanced route back to wellness.

Engaging in physical therapy plays a substantial role in your recovery process. By focusing on strengthening and increasing flexibility around your knee, you contribute significantly to stabilizing the joint and alleviating discomfort. Consistent participation in prescribed exercises expedites your journey towards regaining full knee function.

Takeaway

Navigating through the complexities of knee pain when bending your leg requires a multifaceted approach, from understanding its various causes to exploring effective treatments.

The journey towards finding relief is underscored by the wealth of information and the range of solutions available.

As we distill insights from various credible sources, the emphasis has been placed on delivering content that empowers you to take informed steps towards managing your condition.

Conclusion

Understanding the causes of knee pain when bending your leg and exploring treatments is crucial for effective management and relief.

Various conditions, from Baker’s cyst to patellar tendinitis, can cause pain in different areas of the knee, highlighting the importance of accurately diagnosing the root cause.

Home remedies like the ice application, and OTC medications offer initial relief, while specific exercises can strengthen the knee and improve mobility.

For more persistent or severe pain, medical treatments such as physical therapy, injections, or in severe cases, surgery, may be necessary.

Knowing when to seek medical advice is essential to prevent further complications.

Ultimately, a multifaceted approach to understanding and treating knee pain when bending can lead to better outcomes, empowering individuals with the knowledge and treatments to manage their condition effectively.

Three Common Reasons for Knee Pain and How to Fix Them

Physiotherapy patients receive expert care by our specialists at Southeast Orthopedics Specialists.

According to the CDC, knee pain is something that affects one in four Americans. Whether you have experienced an acute injury or find yourself with chronic pain, your quality of life can be seriously altered. The knee is a complicated joint with several different muscles and ligaments found throughout it. Therefore, it is hard to pinpoint what the reason behind your pain might be. We have gathered three of the most common reasons that Americans experience knee pain and some helpful tips on how to hopefully find relief from your discomfort.

Osteoarthritis

There are hundreds of different types of arthritis, but Osteoarthritis is one of the most common to affect the knee. Found mostly in those 50 years of age and older, this is seen as a degenerative arthritis due to wear-and-tear. When you have Osteoarthritis, the cartilage in the knee joint wears away, painfully exposing the bones to one another.

Unfortunately, Osteoarthritis cannot be reversed, but there are various treatment methods to reduce your pain. There are conservative methods such as implementing physical therapy to strengthen your muscles, increase flexibility and manage pain. If the conservative route isn’t working, viscosupplementation injections are an option that aids in pain relief by supplementing your joints with necessary cushion.

Excess weight

Having extra weight on your body adds unnecessary stress to your knee joints and is a major cause for pain in the joints. Being just 10 pounds overweight increases the force on your knees by 30 to 40 pounds with each step you take. Although losing weight and keeping it off is not an easy feat, any little bit helps when it comes to reducing your discomfort in your knees.

If you find yourself to be carrying excess weight, set realistic goals for yourself in lowering your weight by 5% at first. Eating healthy and exercising are the obvious ways to cut pounds, but sometimes exercising with knee pain seems impossible. Whereas running can add strain to your knee joints; swimming, walking and light resistance exercises are much more suitable.

Injuries

A knee injury can affect the ligaments, tendons, bones or cartilage of the joint. The types of injuries that you can sustain to the knee seem endless. Some of the more common knee injuries are ACL tears, knee fractures, meniscus tears, knee bursitis and patellar tendinitis.

The solutions for each knee injury vary depending on the severity, your age, general health and activity level, but your physician can offer you the most practical non-surgical or surgical options for your unique injury. When you are initially injured, the RICE method (rest, ice, compression and elevation) can assist you until you are able to get professional advice.

The physicians and specialists at Southeast Orthopedic Specialists are experts in all aspects of orthopedic and spine care. No matter the type of treatment you require, the team at Southeast Orthopedic Specialists is ready to serve you at one of their six locations across Duval, St. Johns and Clay counties. If you find yourself experiencing any type of pain related to an orthopedic or spine condition, call Southeast Orthopedic Specialists at 904.634.0640 or schedule an appointment online.

Non-Surgical Options for Knee Pain

Non Surgical Knee Pain Treatments

Those who suffer from knee pain may be reluctant to see an orthopedic specialist because they feel as though surgery may be their only solution. This is not always the case, and there are various ways in which your discomfort can be alleviated without surgical intervention.

According to the CDC, bone and joint disorders are the leading cause of disability in America, with knee pain being the second most common chronic type of pain. With millions of Americans experiencing knee pain, there are numerous alternatives to knee surgery that can help to reduce or eliminate your discomfort. We have gathered some of the most common non-surgical treatments below:

Cortisone Injections.

A cortisone shot is a type of steroid injection where a version of the cortisone hormone is injected into the affected joint. This specific type of steroid will help to relieve discomfort and inflammation to the knee, which then reduces pain. These injections are seen as one of the most effective ways of treating inflammatory arthritis. On average, a patient would receive no more than three to four injections a year and the results can last up to several months.

Viscosupplementation.

Sometimes referred to as a “Rooster Shot”, this injection directly addresses the root cause of knee pain by supplementing the joint. A natural gel lubricant is injected into the knee to make up for lost cartilage. As a result, joint motion and function are increased. Not to be confused with a cortisone shot which is seen to be a more generalized treatment than viscosupplementation. However, both injections aid in reducing inflammation to help those with arthritis.

Physical Therapy.

Rehabilitative medicine is extremely beneficial for improving flexibility and joint support. When the muscles and soft tissues of the knee joint are stretched and strengthened, the results can go a long way in offsetting your knee pain.

PRP Therapy.

This is another type of injection, but one in which platelet-rich plasma is injected into the knee joint to help alleviate pain. The platelets in your blood contain growth factors that, when injected into an injured area, are believed to help the tissues repair themselves by assisting in the formation of new cells.

Knee braces provide external stability to the knee and can aid in managing your discomfort. The goal of a knee brace is to shift your weight off the most damaged part of your knee. This means you should be able to get around much more comfortably.

Schedule Your Appointment for Knee Pain Treatments

The physicians and specialists at Southeast Orthopedic Specialists are experts in all aspects of orthopedic and spine care. No matter the type of treatment you require, the team at Southeast Orthopedic Specialists is ready to serve you at one of their eleven locations across Duval, St. Johns and Clay counties. If you find yourself experiencing any type of pain related to an orthopedic or spine condition, call Southeast Orthopedic Specialists at 904.634.0640 or schedule an appointment online.

 

What’s Causing the Pain in My Knee?

Knee pain shows no preference in a person’s age or who it affects. People of all age ranges can experience mild to severe discomfort in their knees and it is the most common orthopedic complaint that patients bring to their doctors.  The real question is, why is this pain happening?

Discomfort in the knees can come from a variety of injuries or even an underlying medical condition.  Depending on the type of injury that you have sustained, the symptoms and signs that you notice may vary.  We have listed some of the most common symptoms that those with a knee injury might have:

  • Swelling and stiffness
  • Redness or warmth to the touch
  • Weakness or the feeling of instability
  • Popping or crunching noises
  • Struggle to fully straighten your leg

Being active is a part of human nature and is essential to leading a fulfilling life, but injuries happen and often they affect the knees. The most common causes of knee pain are related to aging, injury or repeated stress on the knee. This means that athletes are often more susceptible to experiencing knee pain due to the increased demand on the joint due to running, jumping or quick pivoting. Daily activities such as walking, bending and lifting can also cause general wear and tear to the joints. Some common knee problems include the following:

  • An ACL Injury. The anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) is a ligament in the knee that connects the femur to the tibia. A tear in this ligament is most often seen in those who play sports that require sudden changes in direction such as basketball and soccer.
  • This is the most common type of arthritis seen in the knee. Osteoarthritis is a degenerative process where the cartilage in the joint gradually wears away. Middle-aged and older people are most affected by this problem. Joints that are affected by osteoarthritis may ache or swell while you’re active or be stiff early in the day.
  • Sprained or Strained Knee Ligaments. This is normally caused by a blow to the knee or a sudden twist involving the knee. Symptoms of a sprained or strained knee ligament can include pain, swelling, or difficulty when walking.
  • Torn Meniscus. Sometimes, a knee injury can cause the cartilage within the knee (the meniscus) to tear. The edges of those tears can get stuck in the joint and result in pain, stiffness and swelling. When your meniscus is torn, a common indicator is a “catching” sensation in the joint while you are active.
  • Knee Bursitis. Bursa are small liquid-filled sacs found in between bones and soft tissues that help to reduce frictions. Overuse, falls, or repeated bending and kneeling can irritate the bursa that is on top of your kneecap. This pain and swelling are known as Bursitis.
  • Patellar Tendinitis. When there is an inflammation in the tendon that connects the kneecap to the shin bone, you have patellar tendinitis. When you overdo an exercise, the tendons can become inflamed and sore. This is seen most in athletes, such as basketball players, whose force of hitting the ground after a jump strains their tendon.

Implementing some preventative measures such as giving yourself extra time to warm up and cool down between your exercise can save you from painful injuries.  However, knee pain can sometimes be unpredictable and unpreventable. If you are experiencing knee pain or discomfort, Dr. Sina Kasraeian at Southeast Orthopedic Specialists is dedicated to finding the right solution for you.  Schedule your appointment online today!

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