What are the causes of knee pain?
Knee pain may be due to acute trauma or chronic damage or deterioration of the joint. Leading causes of knee pain include:
- Arthritis
- Anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) tear
- Medial collateral ligament (MCL) tear
- Meniscus tear
- Bursitis
- Patellar tendinitis (runner's knee)
- Patellofemoral syndrome
- Iliotibial band syndrome
- Articular cartilage injuries
Acute injuries like fractures, sprains, and strains may occur at home, at work, or in auto accidents, but they’re often sports injuries.
The strain your knees bear as you run and jump — especially when you twist or stop suddenly — can be extreme. These forces make your knees vulnerable to injury.
Arthritis is the leading cause of chronic joint pain, particularly osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis.
Osteoarthritis is more likely to develop in older age from years of wear-and-tear on your joints. Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disorder in which your body attacks healthy cells in your joints.
What are the best treatments for knee pain?
The treatments Dr. Rottinghaus recommends for your knee pain depend on the cause of your pain, its severity, and how important it is for you to regain full use of the joint.
For example, an athlete could benefit from ACL or MCL reconstruction surgery, whereas someone less physically active might not require surgical intervention.
In most cases, Dr. Rottinghaus uses conservative treatments to address the causes of knee pain. Physical therapy is a vital aspect of most rehabilitation plans, complemented by activity modification, use of a knee brace where appropriate, and medication to reduce pain and relieve inflammation.
For most causes of knee pain, these treatments are sufficient. However, if they aren't delivering results, Dr. Rottinghaus can inject your knee with cortisone, which has powerful anti-inflammatory properties.
Would I need surgery for knee pain?
There are times when surgery may be the best option for knee pain. A fracture where the bones are out of alignment might require open reduction (realigning the bones after exposing the joint) and the use of pins, plates, or screws.
Ligaments and tendons that tear completely or suffer extensive damage that makes them impossible to repair might require reconstructive surgery using a graft to reattach the tissue.
Dr. Rottinghaus often performs these and other procedures like meniscal tear repair using minimally invasive arthroscopic techniques.
Surgery is also an effective solution for patients with advanced arthritis when nothing else is relieving their symptoms.
Dr. Rottinghaus performs total and partial knee replacement using Smith & Nephew NAVIO® and CORI® robotic technology and Journey® II implants. He also uses the DePuy Synthes ATTUNE® rotating platform for total knee replacements.
To find the right treatment for your knee pain, call Brian Rottinghaus, MD, today or book an appointment online.
