Knee pain, stiffness and instability are some of the conditions associated with knee conditions that require you to see a knee specialist.
The complex anatomy of the knee makes it crucial to work with a knee specialist for any lingering knee pain or other issues. Knee injuries and conditions come in two categories;
Overuse injuries
Overuse injuries are common among sports personalities and extended physical activity and should be assessed by a knee specialist. Common overuse injuries include;
- Patellar tendonitis – Injury to the tendon connecting your kneecap to your shinbone. This type of knee injury is common among runners and cyclists.
- IT band pain – Caused by an inflamed tendon that runs down the outside of the thigh. It is also a common knee injury among runners.
- Knee bursitis – Caused by an inflammation of a fluid-filled sac called the bursa near the knee joint.
Sudden knee injuries
Sudden knee pain comes without warning, and the pain level can vary, but if it prevents you from walking, it requires medical attention. Some sudden knee injuries include a broken bone, a sprained or torn ligament, a meniscus tear or a knee dislocation. You should seek medical care if your knee shows signs of heat, swelling or redness because it could indicate an infection.
Diagnosing Your Knee Pain and Possible Treatments
Appropriate medical attention should start with a proper diagnosis to determine the cause of the discomfort and pain.
The diagnosis will most likely begin with a physical exam during which the doctor is likely to;
- Inspect the knee for swelling, pain, warmth, tenderness and visible bruising.
- Check to see how far you can move your lower leg in different directions
- Push on or pull the knee to evaluate the integrity of the structure within the joint
After the physical exam, the doctor might request some imaging tests, most of which you can find at The Scan Clinic. The doctor might suggest tests such as;
- X-ray is among the first imaging tests requested when diagnosing knee discomfort. It can help detect bone fractures and degenerative joint disease.
- CT Scan – Your doctor might also ask for a computerised tomography or a CT scan. It combines X-rays taken from any angle to create cross-sectional images of the inside of the body. The scan can help diagnose bone problems and subtle fractures. It can also identify gout even when the joint is not inflamed.
- Ultrasound – Another commonly requested test for diagnosis of knee pain and discomfort. Ultrasound uses sound waves to produce real-time images of the soft tissue structures within and around your knee. During the knee scan, your knee might be moved into different positions to check for specific problems. At The Scan Clinic, you can get your knee ultrasound or have it combined with a musculoskeletal assessment with one of our specialists.
- MRI – An MRI creates 3D images of the inside of your knee using a powerful magnet. The test is instrumental in revealing injuries to soft tissues such as ligaments, tendons, cartilage and muscles.
- Lab tests – Depending on your present symptoms, the doctor might request some lab tests. This is if the doctor suspects an infection. An arthrocentesis is the most common lab test requested. It involves draining a small amount of fluid from the knee with a needle, which is sent to the lab for analysis.
Common Knee treatments
Depending on the findings of the physical, imaging and lab tests, the treatment for your knee might vary. Some of the avenues doctors might consider when treating knee problems include;
Medications
Medications are regularly prescribed to help relieve pain and treat the condition causing knee pain, such as gout or rheumatoid arthritis.
Therapy
Therapy helps to strengthen the muscles and structures around the knee to make it more stable. Your doctor may recommend physical therapy or different strengthening exercises based on the specific condition causing your pain.
If you are physically active or practising sports, you may need exercise to correct movement patterns that may be affecting your knees and to establish good technique when participating in the sport or activity. Therapy can also help to improve balance and flexibility.
Injections
Injections can also be prescribed. The injections can inject medication or other substances directly into your joints. The injections have various roles, including pain management. Common types of injections for knee treatment include;
- Corticosteroids – Corticosteroid injections help to reduce the symptoms of an arthritis flare and provide pain relief that may last a few months. However, the injections are not effective in all cases.
- Hyaluronic acid – This is a thick fluid similar to the one that lubricates the joints in the body. The acid can be injected into your knee to improve mobility and ease pain. The effects of this injection could reportedly last up to six months.
- Platelet–rich plasma – Also known as PRP, contains many different growth factors that appear to reduce inflammation and promote healing. This injection may benefit people with osteoarthritis but requires more study.
Surgery
Some knee problems may require surgery. In some cases, surgery is not required immediately. Before deciding, you should consider the pros and cons of non-surgical and surgical rehabilitation. Some of the surgical options include;
- Arthroscopic surgery – Arthroscopic surgery involves knee repair using a fibre-optic camera and long, narrow tools inserted through small incisions around the knee. This surgery can be used to remove loose bodies from the knee, remove or repair damaged cartilage and reconstruct torn ligaments.
- Partial knee replacement surgery – A partial knee replacement surgery involves cutting away damaged bone and cartilage from your thighbone, shinbone and kneecap and replacing it with an artificial joint made of metal alloys, polymers and high-grade plastics.
- Osteotomy – This procedure involves removing bone from the thighbone or shinbone to align the knee better and relieve arthritis. This surgery may help you delay or avoid total knee replacement surgery.
Depending on your doctor’s observation and the results of the various tests and imaging you have carried out, your doctor can advise on the best treatment path for the best results.
What is a Knee Specialist?
Depending on the complexity of your knee condition, you might need to see a doctor specialising in knee conditions, otherwise called a knee specialist or orthopaedic surgeon. The specialist is extensively trained in diagnosing, treating and preventing issues related to the knee joint. This expertise extends to various conditions, such as arthritis and complex ligament injuries.
When Should You Consult A Knee Specialist?
Considering the amount of use and wear and tear on the knee, it is common for people to report regular knee pain. But not all knee pain might warrant a visit to a knee specialist. But knowing when you should visit one can save you continued pain and agony and possibly make the knee condition easier to resolve if you see the knee specialist at the right time.
Some of the indicators that show it is time to see a knee specialist include;
Persistent pain
Chronic knee pain that won’t go away is one of the signs that you should seek professional evaluation. A knee specialist will look into the root cause of the knee pain and develop comprehensive treatment plans to alleviate discomfort and enhance mobility.
Limited range of motion
Difficulty in bending or extending the knee is another sign that may indicate underlying issues requiring you to consult a knee specialist. A thorough examination can reveal the cause of the limited range of motion and provide targeted interventions that can potentially solve the problem.
Swelling and inflammation
Persistent swelling and inflammation are a potential sign of severe knee problems. You should see a specialist if the knee is swollen and feels warm to the touch, especially with no physical trauma. A proper diagnosis will identify the cause of the swelling, and the specialist will recommend suitable interventions.
Why Might You Visit a Knee Specialist in London?
You might want to see a knee specialist in London for several reasons. These are;
Specialisation
Knee specialists are extensively trained and experienced in handling various knee problems. They understand the workings and anatomy of the knee better than general doctors and can help treat the muscles, ligaments and tendons around the knee. The specialists see people of all ages and with new or existing injuries. It is the specialist’s job to diagnose your knee problem, identify what is causing it, and develop the best treatment plan for the knee or coping mechanisms.
Treatment options
If you already know the problem with your knee, a knee specialist can provide you with different treatment options to help address the problem. These options range from the least invasive procedures like physical therapy or medications to more invasive options like injections or surgery. The treatment option provided to you depends on the nature and extent of the knee problem.
Professional advice and opinion
A knee specialist can provide you with information about treatment options and help you understand the benefits and downsides of each treatment option in a way that can help you make decisions about your care. The specialist will walk you through each option and explain the kind of outcome you should expect. The specialist can also help you formulate a plan based on whether you want the treatment now or later.
Although most patients find their way to a knee specialist through a referral from their primary care provider, you don’t need to see a primary care provider before making an appointment with a knee specialist.
What are the 3 common causes of Knee Pain?
Knee pain has various causes. But the most common ones reported by patients and specialists are;
Wear and tear
Wear and tear is the leading cause of knee pain, stiffness and swelling. It is worse in the morning and common with ageing. If you’re over the age of 50, you are at higher risk of osteoarthritis, although youth doesn’t protect you from the condition. The wear and tear is worse if you are overweight, have previous knee injuries or subject the knee to repeated stress.
Injuries
Knee injuries are pretty common at all levels of sports. With the complex anatomy of the knee, injuries can turn into chronic pain. Most knee injuries occur to the ligaments and the meniscus. Contact sports such as basketball and football increase knee injury risk.
Knee bursitis
Knee bursitis is caused by an inflammation of the bursa (the front of the knee). Pain and stiffness are the main symptoms of the condition. Occasionally, the knee can lock up, and you might experience stiffness.
Does Knee Pain Ever Go Away?
Whether your knee pain goes away or stays with you depends on the cause of the pain and the treatment options you choose. Some knee conditions, like inflammation, can be effectively treated, and the pain disappears. But in others, like osteoarthritis, the pain might be with you for the long term, but treatment can help alleviate the pain.
In long-term knee pain, some interventions can help with pain management, such as our ultrasound-guided injections. The injection contains corticosteroids, which provide relief from pain and inflammation.
Knee Pain Specialist FAQs
Q: Do I need to see a knee specialist?
If you have lingering pain that is chronic or a swollen or inflamed knee, you should consider seeing a knee specialist in London. Knowing the cause of the pain or inflammation early can allow for early intervention and a better prognosis.
Q: Do I have to get a knee replacement?
Not all knee pain is treatable with knee replacement. Once you visit a knee specialist, they should advise you on the best treatment options for you. In many cases, knee replacement is the last course of action for knee pain.
Q: How soon can I book an appointment for a knee ultrasound?
You can book an appointment at any time through our online platform. We try to provide our clients with an appointment as soon as possible, prioritising emergency cases. We can try to get you a same-day appointment for an emergency, but that is subject to availability.
