When Does Knee Pain Warrant a Visit to the Doctor?

While it may seem like knee pain is a common complaint among adults, it’s important to know when it’s time to seek medical care. Many people like to wait it out and see if the problem improves on its own. However, in a lot of cases, this doesn’t help.

Here, we talk about when it’s time to see a doctor for knee pain and get treatment.

Your Knee Pain Has Been Present for Over a Week

Knee pain is not normal, and your first instinct is likely to apply home treatments, such as resting the knee, applying ice, wearing a compression bandage, and keeping it elevated. If the knee pain still persists, it’s time to get it checked out by a doctor.

There’s Swelling and Redness Around the Knee Joint

Applying ice to the knee and keeping it elevated should help with the swelling. However, if the swelling worsens or doesn’t get better, it’s time to see a doctor. Persistent swelling could be due to an infection or an underlying disease, such as arthritis.

You Have Difficulty Walking

If you experience difficulty walking due to knee pain, it could indicate something more serious, like a torn ligament or cartilage damage, which will require professional treatment from your doctor in order for you to recover properly and prevent further injury down the line. Torn ligaments or cartilage may require arthroscopic surgery to repair.

There are Popping Sounds When Moving Your Knee

Popping sounds coming from your knee can be indicative of some underlying issues, such as loose cartilage or meniscus tears, which need to be addressed by an orthopedic specialist. Knees can make popping sounds from time to time, especially with age, however, since you are experiencing pain along with the popping noise, it warrants an investigation by a doctor.

You Are Unable To Put Weight On Your Knee

If you find yourself unable to put weight on one leg due to severe knee pain, you have a mobility issue, which may indicate that there is damage within the knee. It could be a fracture, a ligament tear, a cartilage injury, or knee arthritis. A doctor can look inside the knee through medical imaging and find the problem.

If you have any of these symptoms present, it’s best not to wait too long before seeing an orthopedist who specializes in treating conditions related to the knee.

Top Orthopedist in Baltimore, MD

The orthopedic surgeons at Orthopaedic Associates of Central Maryland are highly trained in the treatment of problems of the knee. With our experience, we can quickly diagnose the cause of your knee pain and recommend the right course of treatment for you. Our doctors usually recommend physical therapy to help with rehabilitating the knee – and this service is available at several of our locations.

Use our convenient appointment request form to schedule an appointment with one of our orthopedists or call our office today at (410) 644-1880. Orthopaedic Associates of Central Maryland has locations in Catonsville, Columbia, Eldersburg, and Fulton, and physical therapy clinics in Clarksville, Ellicott City, Jessup, and Westminster.