A knee doctor in San Antonio can accurately diagnose the cause of your knee pain and create a personalized treatment plan. Knee pain is a common complaint that affects people of all ages. It can result from an injury, such as a ruptured ligament or torn cartilage, or medical conditions like arthritis and infections.
Consulting a specialized knee doctor in San Antonio is crucial for a proper diagnosis and effective treatment.
Here is what you need to know about the causes of knee pain:
- Common injuries. Ligament tears, fractures, and torn meniscus are frequent causes of knee pain.
- Medical conditions. Arthritis, specifically osteoarthritis, is a leading reason for chronic knee issues.
- Mechanical problems. Issues like an unstable kneecap can lead to significant discomfort and functional problems.
What Are the Most Common Knee Injuries?
Injuries can affect any of the ligaments, tendons, or fluid-filled sacs (bursae) that surround your knee joint, as well as the bones, cartilage, and ligaments that form the joint itself.
ACL Injury
An anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury is the tearing of one of the four ligaments connecting your shinbone to your thighbone. ACL injuries are particularly common in people who play sports that require sudden changes in direction, such as basketball or soccer.
Fractures
Similar to any other bone in your body, bones located in or around the knee can be broken through accidents or stress. People whose bones have been weakened by osteoporosis can sometimes sustain a knee fracture simply by stepping the wrong way.
Torn Meniscus
The meniscus is a tough, rubbery cartilage that acts as a shock absorber between your shinbone and thighbone. It can be torn if you suddenly twist your knee while bearing weight on it.
What Medical Conditions Cause Knee Pain?
A variety of medical conditions can contribute to knee pain. An experienced knee doctor in San Antonio can determine if one of these is the source of your discomfort.
Arthritis
Among the over 100 types of arthritis are the following most common ones:
- Sometimes called degenerative arthritis, osteoarthritis is the most common type of arthritis. It is a wear-and-tear condition that occurs when the cartilage in your knee deteriorates with use and age.
- Rheumatoid arthritis. Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune condition that typically impacts multiple joints at the same time.
- This type of arthritis occurs when uric acid crystals build up in the joint. While gout most commonly affects the big toe, it can also occur in the knee.
- Septic arthritis. Sometimes your knee joint can become infected, leading to swelling, pain, and fever. Septic arthritis can quickly cause extensive damage to the knee cartilage.
What Mechanical Problems Lead to Knee Pain?
Mechanical issues can also be a source of persistent knee pain. These problems affect the way the knee joint moves and functions.
Unstable Kneecap
An unstable kneecap, or patellar instability, occurs when the kneecap slips out of its groove at the end of the thighbone. This can cause significant pain and a feeling of the knee “giving way.”
Iliotibial Band Syndrome
This condition occurs when the tough band of tissue that extends from the outside of the hip to the outside of the knee (iliotibial band) becomes tight and rubs against the outer portion of the femur.
Hip or Foot Pain
If you have hip or foot pain, you might change the way you walk to spare these painful joints. However, this altered gait can place more stress on your knee joint and cause knee pain.
When to See a Knee Doctor in San Antonio
You should make an appointment with a knee doctor in San Antonio if you are experiencing persistent knee pain that does not improve with rest, or if you notice significant swelling, redness, or tenderness around the joint.
A specialist can provide an accurate diagnosis and recommend the most appropriate treatment plan for your specific condition.
How Can a Knee Doctor in San Antonio Help You?
A knee doctor in San Antonio can offer a range of treatments, from conservative therapies to surgical interventions. They will work with you to develop a plan that helps reduce pain, improve function, and get you back to your daily activities.
At the Center for Orthopaedic Surgery and Sports Medicine, our knee specialists are highly trained and experienced in diagnosing and treating various knee conditions. They use the latest techniques and technologies to provide personalized care for each patient, ensuring the best possible outcomes.
To learn more about us or make an appointment with our knee doctor in San Antonio, TX, call (210) 692-7400 or fill out our appointment request form. We look forward to serving you!
