Knee Pain

Knee Pain Treatment in Hyderabad

The knee joint is one of the most vulnerable joints in the body, prone to injury and damage due to its weight-bearing function. It is a hinge joint formed by the patella (knee cap), tibia (leg bone), and femur (thigh bone). Knee pain is a common orthopedic issue affecting people of all ages, with causes ranging from acute injuries to chronic medical conditions that can lead to progressive pain.

The knee joint consists of various structures including ligaments, muscles, bursae (fluid-filled sacs), soft tissues, and cartilage. An injury to any of these components can be a source of discomfort. When the knee joint is not functioning optimally, it can result in difficulty sitting, lying down, walking, or climbing stairs, significantly impacting daily life.

Knee Pain Treatment

Knee pain is a common problem that can affect individuals of all ages, often caused by a variety of factors including injuries, arthritis, and mechanical conditions. As one of the most important and complex joints in the body, the knee is highly vulnerable to damage due to its weight-bearing nature.

Signs and Symptoms of Knee Pain

Knee pain may be accompanied by various symptoms, including:

• Weakness or instability
• Popping or crunching noises
• Inability to bend or fully straighten the knee
• Swelling and stiffness
• Limping due to discomfort
• Redness and warmth around the joint
• Tenderness along the joint line
• Associated hip and ankle pain

Risk Factors for Knee Pain

• Old age
• Obesity
• Previous sports injuries
• Genetics

Causes of Knee Pain

Several factors contribute to knee pain, such as:

• Acute knee injuries (e.g., torn meniscus, ligament injuries like ACL, PCL)
• Arthritis (e.g., osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, psoriatic arthritis)
• Mechanical conditions (e.g., dislocated kneecap, hip or foot pain)
• Bursitis (e.g., housemaid’s knee, Pes Anserina bursitis)
• Fractures (e.g., knee cap fractures, stress fractures in old age)
• Bone tumors

Diagnosis of Knee Pain

To diagnose knee pain accurately, physical examinations and imaging tests are conducted, such as:

• X-rays
• MRI scans
• CT scans
• Dynamic Ultrasound – Gold standard for identifying the pain generator and assessing the stage of arthritis

Treatment Modalities for Knee Pain

1. Self-care measures: Rest, elevation, and the application of heat or cold packs can alleviate knee pain.

2. Medications: Painkillers, anti-inflammatory drugs, muscle relaxants, and opioids may help control pain, but long-term use should be avoided due to side effects like gastrointestinal or kidney problems.

3. Physiotherapy: Exercises can restore knee range of motion, strength, and stability, though physiotherapy is most effective when pain is reduced.

4. Arthroscopic surgery: Minimally invasive surgery using an arthroscope may be required for some knee issues.

5. Intra-articular injections: Corticosteroid or hyaluronic acid injections can manage pain and improve knee function.

6. Radiofrequency Ablation: This procedure targets the genicular nerves to relieve pain in patients with knee osteoarthritis, particularly those who do not respond to traditional treatments or surgery.