Don't Walk It Off
Knee Pain Can Indicate a More Serious Condition

When you're assessing your overall health, do you think about your knees? Millions of Americans battle knee ailments and pain each year – some take their symptoms seriously and seek help, while others think they can simply "walk it off."

"The pain you feel in one or both of your knees is a signal given by your body that something is not working properly," states Dr. Paul Sauer, Orthopedic Surgeon. If not treated, the condition could worsen. Your knees play a big role in helping you walk, so it's important to keep them in working order.

Annoyance vs. Injury
The knees help absorb the shock of your movements as you walk, run, kneel and stretch. As knees age, they become less sturdy and can't support everyday movements as easily. The pain may become chronic, especially if you have a condition such as arthritis or gout.

"Knee pain can also be caused by injury," adds Dr. Sauer. "Many people strain or injure a knee while playing sports or participating in other high-impact activities. The pain caused by an injury is often acute, meaning that the discomfort is severe but may only last a short time.” Examples of acute knee injuries are ligament tears, dislocated kneecaps and tendonitis.

Getting a “Bad” Knee Back into Shape
Home remedies, such as PRICE (protection, rest, ice, compression and elevation), can help alleviate minor knee pain and stiffness. If you are overweight, losing those extra pounds can remedy knee pain, or your doctor may recommend specific exercises.

Keep in mind, however, that even minor pain can be an indication of a more serious problem. As a general rule, you should consult a doctor if your knee pain hasn’t responded to home treatment or if the discomfort has worsened. You should seek emergency care if your knee has fractured or if it’s been severely wounded or punctured.

"For some, a knee condition may require surgery," Dr. Sauer comments. “A doctor can tell you if surgery is an option, and if so, what type of procedure should be performed. There are several non-surgical options available, as well. The decision is dependent upon a set of circumstances, including the extent of damage to the knee, the patient’s lifestyle and his or her rehabilitation goals."

Non-operative options. Many patients respond well to non-steroidal or cortisone injections, which may be effective, but not long-lasting.

Arthroscopic surgery. This procedure, which uses tiny incisions, is often performed on patients with torn ligaments, arthritic knees or sports-related injuries. A benefit of this surgery is that it often requires less rehabilitation time.

Total knee replacement surgery. A prosthesis is used to replace the entire knee. This type of surgery often requires long-term rehabilitation.

Take Steps to Prevent Knee Damage
In many cases, knee damage can be prevented by following correct exercise techniques, protecting knees when participating in sports, losing extra weight and seeking help early if pain persists.