Knee pain affects people of all ages. It may come from arthritis, an old injury, extra body weight or overuse.
Get your knee checked if
- Pain lasts more than a few weeks
- There is swelling or morning stiffness
- Climbing stairs is painful
- The knee gives way or locks
- You cannot bear weight after an injury
Simple steps that help
Keep a healthy weight, avoid sitting cross-legged for long hours, do gentle strengthening exercises as advised and avoid taking painkillers for long without medical advice.
Treatment options
Treatment ranges from medicines and physiotherapy to injections, arthroscopy (keyhole bone and joint surgery) and joint replacement for severe arthritis. The plan depends on examination and X-rays.
Common causes of knee pain
Osteoarthritis, where the cartilage that cushions the joint wears down, is the most common cause in people above 40. Other causes include meniscus or ligament injuries, kneecap problems, tendon inflammation, gout and rheumatoid arthritis. Extra body weight places a large load on the knees, and each kilo lost reduces that load several times over when walking.
Self-care that helps
- Keep active with low-impact exercise such as walking on flat ground, swimming or cycling
- Strengthen the thigh muscles with exercises taught by a physiotherapist
- Maintain a healthy weight
- Use supportive footwear and avoid sitting cross-legged or squatting for long periods
- Apply heat for stiffness and ice for swelling after activity
When should you see an orthopaedic doctor?
See a doctor if pain lasts more than a few weeks, the knee swells, locks or gives way, you cannot straighten it, you have night pain, or you had a twisting injury. Do not keep taking painkillers without advice, as long-term use can harm the stomach and kidneys.
How knee pain is treated
After an examination and X-ray (and an MRI when needed), treatment may include medicines, physiotherapy, braces, injections and, for severe arthritis or injuries, surgery such as arthroscopy or knee replacement. Orthopaedic surgeon Dr. Y. Srinivas Rao consults at Swastha Clinic, Vanasthalipuram, Monday to Saturday.
Simple measures that help at home
Rest the knee from activities that cause pain, apply a cold pack for swelling in the first days, and use a warm compress for stiffness. Gentle quadriceps and hamstring strengthening exercises protect the knee, and losing even a few kilograms reduces the load on it. Avoid sitting cross-legged for long hours and climbing too many stairs while the knee is painful.
When tests are needed
An X-ray shows bone changes and cartilage thinning. An MRI is advised when a ligament or meniscus injury is suspected. Blood tests help when other bone and joint conditions such as gout or rheumatoid arthritis are possible.
Treatment options
- Medicines and physiotherapy for most early cases
- Intra-articular injections, including PRP, in selected patients
- Arthroscopy for meniscus and ligament problems
- Knee replacement when advanced arthritis stops daily activity
Dr. Y. Srinivas Rao, our orthopaedic and bone and joint specialist, explains each option so you can choose with confidence.
Frequently asked questions
Does knee pain always mean arthritis?
No. Ligament, cartilage or muscle problems can also cause pain.
When is knee replacement considered?
When severe arthritis causes constant pain and difficulty walking and other treatment no longer helps.
This is general information and does not replace an examination. Consult Dr. Y. Srinivas Rao at Swastha Multispeciality Clinic, Vaidehi Nagar, Vanasthalipuram.
Read more: Paediatrician in Vanasthalipuram | Our doctors
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Learn more about our knee pain and arthritis treatment in Vanasthalipuram, or call 83417 94993 to book a consultation.
