The constant stress and strain on your knees means it’s likely you’ll experience knee pain at some point in your life. Dr. James Nassiri and the team at Westside Pain Specialists know and understand the reasons behind knee pain, and they can quickly identify why you’re suffering.
More importantly, they can help you cope with the condition, whether it’s due to an acute injury or a long-term degenerative disease like arthritis. In most cases, there’s no reason why knee pain should slow you down.
Though at first glance the knee seems to be a simple hinge joint, it’s capable of other, more subtle movements that support and balance your body. The joint consists of three bones: the femur (thigh bone), the tibia (longest of the shin bones), and the patella (kneecap).
Two muscle groups, the quadriceps and hamstrings, control movement of the knee joint. Tendons connect muscles to bone, ligaments connect bone to bone, and cartilage protects the ends of bones at a joint. When any of these components has an issue, knee pain may result.
Because of its important role in simple movement, any knee pain has the potential to curtail everyday activities.
You’ll likely experience other symptoms along with the pain, including swelling, stiffness, and skin that’s red and warm to the touch, signs that your body is attempting to deal with the injury.
You may feel that your knee joint is unstable or weak, “giving out” on you in an unnatural way. You might not be able to fully straighten your leg at the knee, or motion could bring grinding, popping, or crunching sensations and noises.
You need prompt medical attention if:
One of the most common causes of knee pain is osteoarthritis, the wear-and-tear degenerative condition that often develops in older adults. It can be accelerated by certain activities that add strain, or by being overweight, scenarios that place more pressure on the knees than normal.
Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disorder that can attack any joint, including the knee, and can affect patients of any age.
Strains and sprains are also common, resulting from sudden twists or impact injuries. The most serious of these types of injury may also include cartilage tears. Meniscus pads, tissue that absorbs shock and stabilizes the knee, can also be damaged or torn.
Tendonitis and bursitis typically occur when overuse causes these tissues to inflame. Often, these are brought on by sports participation, but any repeating motion of the knee might serve to irritate parts of the knee structure.
Relief is likely your first priority when knee pain strikes. Contact Westside Pain Specialists by phone at their Beverly Hills or Rancho Cucamonga office to arrange an evaluation.
Dr. Nassiri develops a treatment plan that keeps you pain-free throughout your recovery. Call now, or send him and the team a message here on the website.
We offer treatment for neck pain, back pain, sports injuries, along with hyperbaric oxygen therapy. Call us to book your appointment today.
