Knee pain is one of the most common types of pains that affect an adult. It affects not only the athletes and sports enthusiasts, but it is estimated to affect 25% of the adult population globally. Moreover, it is one of the most common chronic pains experienced by people over 50 years.
Even though knee pain is the second most commonly diagnosed pain worldwide, most people believe that the condition pain will subside on its own. Unfortunately, that is not always the case, and there are situations where you need to see a doctor.
Find out five conditions where you should get your knees checked as soon as possible.
When the Pain Lasts for Weeks
In most cases, knee pain may be treated at home using the RICE method – rest, ice, compression, and elevation. Moreover, over the counter medications can also be used to relieve pain and discomfort. However, in case the pain lasts longer than four weeks and does not subside with the use of RICE method and pain-relieving medications, it is best to consult a doctor.
Difficulty in Walking
Do you have trouble walking? Or do you experience discomfort while climbing the stairs? If the answer is yes, then you should see a doctor as soon as possible. Moreover, if you feel that your knees are unstable and unable to support your body, immediately contact a doctor.
Swelling, Redness and Warm Feeling on or Around the Knees
Often, conditions of the knee do not always resonate in the form of pain. You have to watch out for other symptoms such as inflammation on or around the knees, redness, and an increase in the skin's temperature around your knees. All these symptoms may be an indication of an infection in the joint. So it is best to see a doctor as soon as possible.
Change in Sensation
It is possible that the reason for pain in the knee is not the knee joint itself, but it is some other part of the body that is causing pain in and around your knee. For example, sciatica, a prevalent nerve condition, can be a potential cause of pain in knee or change in sensation in or around knees. Moreover, various types of hip injuries can also cause knee pain and modify sensation in the region. If you feel that you experience numbness or increased sensitivity in or around your knee, you need to see a doctor.
Changes in the Physical Appearance of Your Knees
Does your aching knee look different from the other pain-free knee? Does it look deformed? The changes in the physical appearance of your knees may be an indication of some internal fractures or a dislocated kneecap. An urgent trip to the doctor’s office is required in that case.
Get your knees checked!
Knee pain is one of the most common types of pains experienced by people around the world. While it is true that knee pain can be managed with over-the-counter pain-relieving medications and the RICE method, identifying the root cause of the problem is still essential. And you can't do so unless you see a doctor. Therefore, you need to ensure that you get your knees checked from a registered and experienced orthopedic surgeon. To know more about living a life with knee pain, visit the website.