Frequently Asked Knee Pain Questions
in West Des Moines IA

Knee pain can be caused by various factors, including injuries such as ligament tears (e.g., ACL tear), meniscus tears, fractures, overuse injuries (e.g., runner's knee), arthritis (e.g., osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis), bursitis, tendonitis, and conditions like patellofemoral pain syndrome.

Serious knee pain may be indicated by symptoms such as severe pain, swelling, inability to bear weight on the affected knee, instability, locking or catching sensation in the knee joint, or if the pain persists despite rest and home treatments. It's essential to seek medical evaluation if you experience these symptoms.

Home remedies for knee pain may include rest, ice therapy, compression (with a bandage or brace), elevation, over-the-counter pain relievers (such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen), gentle stretching and strengthening exercises, and using supportive footwear or orthotic devices.

You should consider seeing a doctor for knee pain if it is severe, persists for more than a few days, is accompanied by swelling or redness, affects your ability to perform daily activities, or if you have a history of knee injuries or underlying medical conditions.

While some causes of knee pain are not preventable, certain measures can help reduce the risk of knee injuries and pain. These include maintaining a healthy weight, staying physically active with low-impact exercises, using proper techniques during physical activities, wearing supportive footwear, and avoiding sudden increases in activity intensity.

Exercises that can help relieve knee pain include low-impact activities such as swimming, cycling, and walking, as well as stretching and strengthening exercises focused on the muscles around the knee joint, such as quadriceps, hamstrings, and calf muscles. Physical therapy can also be beneficial in managing knee pain.

Yes, knee pain can be a symptom of arthritis, particularly osteoarthritis (the most common form of arthritis affecting the knee joint) and rheumatoid arthritis. Arthritis-related knee pain may be accompanied by stiffness, swelling, warmth, and reduced range of motion in the joint.

Treatment for knee pain depends on the underlying cause and severity of the condition but may include rest, ice therapy, physical therapy, medications (such as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs or corticosteroid injections), supportive devices (e.g., braces), and in some severe cases, surgery (e.g., for severe injuries or advanced arthritis).

Yes, muscle weakness, particularly in the muscles surrounding the knee joint (such as quadriceps and hamstrings), can contribute to knee pain and instability. Strengthening exercises targeting these muscles can help improve knee function and reduce pain.

Not necessarily. Knee pain can be caused by various factors, some of which may not be serious or require extensive treatment. However, persistent or severe knee pain, especially if accompanied by other symptoms or limitations in function, should be evaluated by a healthcare professional to determine the underlying cause and appropriate management.