Knee pain—it’s one of the most common complaints among people of various ages and activity levels. This fact isn’t surprising, as the knees are the largest and arguably most complex joints in the body. Their intricate anatomy and near-constant use leaves them vulnerable to a wide range of injuries as well as degenerative and chronic conditions. That’s why it’s very possible to experience knee pain without having an obvious injury.
Some possible causes of knee pain that don’t involve a clear injury—such as a sprain, ligament tear, or broken bone—include:
- Arthritis – An extremely common degenerative condition characterized by the wearing down of cushioning joint cartilage.
- Iliotibial band syndrome – The tightening of the thick band of tissue that runs from the outside of the hip to the outside of the knee.
- Loose cartilage or bone – Loosened pieces of cartilage or bone fragments in the joint space that interfere with movement.
- Dislocated kneecap – The displacement of the patella, or the triangle-shaped bone that covers the knee joint.
- Patellofemoral pain syndrome – A broad term that refers to pain between the kneecap and thighbone as a result of activity.
- Patellar tendinitis — The inflammation or irritation of tendons in the knee joint from frequent use.
- Bursitis – A condition characterized by the infection or inflammation of the small fluid sacs (bursae) that surround the knee joint.
When to See an Orthopedic Doctor for Knee Pain
The good news is that many cases of knee pain can be remedied at home with periodic rest, stretching, and over-the-counter medications. However, self-care measures don’t always do the trick. It’s important to seek professional care from an orthopedic doctor if your knee pain:
- Prevents you from putting weight on the affected leg
- Is severe in nature
- Causes your knee to feel unstable
- Prevents you from fully extending or flexing your leg
- Is accompanied by significant swelling, redness, fever, or visible deformity
Our Approach to Knee Pain Treatment
Tampa Orthopaedic & Sports Medicine Group is a premier provider of knee pain treatment and musculoskeletal care for adolescents, adults, and seniors in the Tampa Bay area. A division of Florida Medical Clinic, our practice has served the community since 1949. You can rely on Tampa Orthopaedic & Sports Medicine Group for many reasons; consider that:
- Our practice is led by two renowned and board-certified specialists: orthopedic sports medicine surgeon Dr. Daniel Murphy and sports medicine physician Dr. Arnold Ramirez.
- Our treatment options include the latest advancements in musculoskeletal care, including regenerative medicines like PRP treatment and stem cell therapy.
- We take a conservative approach to treatment to avoid unnecessary surgical intervention, and design care plans around each patient’s individual needs and lifestyle to ensure optimal results.
Get back on the move! Contact Tampa Orthopaedic & Sports Medicine Group today to learn more about our approach to knee pain treatment or to schedule an appointment with a specialist on our team.
