Debilitating knee pain is an issue that many will face in their lifetime. Understanding the cause of your severe knee pain can help you to seek proper treatment, find relief of symptoms, and regain your mobility. The knee bones and joints provide stability and support the weight of the body. Without our knees' support, activities such as walking, jumping, running, and turning are compromised. The knee's muscles, tendons, ligaments, bones, and cartilage are all susceptible to injury and wear and tear.
Doctors diagnose arthritis and other knee problems using X-rays and a physical evaluation. You will be asked about your pain level, knee flexibility and function, activity levels, past injuries or conditions, and your family's health history. CAT scans and MRI scans produce more detailed images of the bones and soft tissues. They are used more to diagnose injuries and unexplained swelling or if a torn ligament is suspected.
Here are some of the most common causes and symptoms that cause severe knee pain.
- Meniscus Tear: a rupture in one or more of the cartilage in the knee. It is common to experience a popping sensation with a tear in the meniscus and then swelling and pain in the knee.
- Torn Ligament: the most commonly injured ligament in the knee is the anterior cruciate ligament or the ACL. Rapid swelling and a popping sensation in the knee are common with an ACL injury. This injury will cause a loss of mobility and will make bearing weight difficult or impossible.
- Dislocation: dislocation of the kneecap occurs most often due to trauma. A popping sensation followed by swelling and severe knee pain, and lack of ability to extend the knee is common with a dislocation of the kneecap.
- Osteoarthritis: pain, inflammation, and joint deterioration caused by degeneration of the joint are signs of osteoarthritis of the knee.
- Knee Bursitis: inflammation caused by repeated use or injury of the knee. The knee may be warm, tender, and swollen when you put pressure on it. You might also have pain when you move or even when resting.
Regardless of your knee's type of pain or severity, the first step towards healing is to receive an examination. Please book an appointment with us for an in-depth evaluation of your knee pain and determine a treatment plan to get you out of pain and back to being active.
Dr. Daneca DiPaolo is a highly-skilled, board-certified orthopedic surgeon and hand specialist located in Grenada, Mississippi. She offers the newest orthopedic techniques, and she provides quality, compassionate, state of the art orthopedic care. For all appointments and inquiries, please call (662) 227-7794.
