Knee Pain Causes, Diagnosis & Treatment in New Haven
What are some common knee pain causes?
Knee pain is one of the most common reasons for visiting a doctor and the cause of the pain can range from acute injuries to chronic, degenerative conditions. In some cases, knee pain goes away with conservative treatments, such as rest and physical therapy, and in other cases, the pain may require surgical treatment to relieve discomfort and restore knee function.
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Some of the most common reasons for knee pain include:
Knee Arthritis
Knee arthritis can occur in many different forms, but the most common form is osteoarthritis (OA) of the knee. Knee arthritis is a degenerative disease that causes inflammation and pain in the knee joint as a result of wear and tear to the cartilage. Over time, the disease can be debilitating and may require surgical intervention.
Knee Fractures
Fractures, or breaks, in the knee can cause extreme pain and inability to walk, stand, or move the knee. Because bones can become weaker as you age, sometimes knee fractures can occur with very small movements, such as stepping wrong.
Tendonitis
Irritation and swelling of the tendons within the knee is known as knee tendonitis. It is common in runners and athletes who participate in high-impact sports.
ACL Injuries
The anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) is one of the ligaments that attaches your shin and thigh bone. The ligament can tear with small movements that are sudden, like a quick change in direction. ACL injuries tend to occur during sports.
Torn Meniscus
The hard, rubbery cartilage that provides a cushion between your shin and thigh bone is known as the meniscus. It can tear and cause intense knee pain and debilitation if the knee is twisted suddenly, often occurring during sports.
In addition, knee pain may also be caused by:
- Knee sprain
- Internal derangement of the knee
- Knee dislocation
- Patellofemoral pain syndrome
- Runner’s knee
- Failed joint replacement
Hear From Real Patients About Their Experience
“I suffered from osteoarthritis of both knees as well as being severely bow-legged. Met Dr. Rubin and he worked within my schedule to repair both my knees. I couldn’t be happier with the results. I could and have recomended Dr.Rubin to family and friends. Also, every member of his office and nursing staff went above and beyond my expectations. I believe my experience could not have been better.” – Anon
“Excellent! Dr. Rubin is a wonderful and highly skilled surgeon and very caring physician! I now have a beautiful knee and leg that functions so very well. Looking forward to having Dr. Rubin replace my right hip. I have already been referring my friends to see Dr. Rubin.” – Anon
“Dr. Rubin is the best at what he does. Great experience.” – Anon
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When should I visit a doctor for knee pain symptoms?
It is important to see an orthopedic knee specialist to evaluate your condition if you are suffering from:
- Severe knee pain
- Redness, inflammation, or fever in conjunction with knee pain
- Inability to put weight on the knee
- A knee that “gives out”
- Lowered range of motion / inability to flex or bend the knee fully
- Inability to stand or walk
- Knee deformity (e.g. large bump or twist in the knee)
What are the risk factors for knee pain?
While anyone can experience knee pain for a number of reasons, you may have a higher risk of suffering from knee pain if you:
- Play sports that place excess stress on the knees
- Are older in age
- Have family members with knee arthritis
- Have suffered a knee injury or trauma in the past
- Are overweight or obese
- Have undergone knee surgery in the past
Where can I get a knee pain diagnosis?
If you are suffering from chronic or severe knee pain, visiting an orthopedic specialist can help you determine the underlying condition causing your pain. While there is no specific test for knee pain, your doctor may conduct one or more imaging tests, including x-ray or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), combined with a thorough physical examination to determine the cause of your pain.
What are my knee pain treatment options?
Depending on the cause and severity of your knee pain, your doctor may recommend one or more of the following conservative treatment options for knee pain:
- Rest
- Anti-inflammatory medications
- Lifestyle modifications
- Physical therapy
- Knee injections
When conservative methods are ineffective or if knee pain is recurring, knee surgery may be recommended. Dr. Rubin is a board-certified knee surgeon with expertise in performing advanced knee surgeries. If necessary, Dr. Rubin can provide the following procedures to help reduce or eliminate knee pain and get you back to your everyday life:
If you’re suffering from knee pain, the first step to feeling better is scheduling an evaluation with Dr. Lee Rubin, an expert in joint replacement surgery. To request an appointment, call (203) 785-2579 or fill out the form on this page.