If you are experiencing knee pain, join the club! The knee is the largest and arguably most complex joint in the body, leaving it vulnerable to a wide range of injuries and degenerative conditions. Knee pain commonly affects people of all ages and lifestyles, from young athletes to seniors and everyone in between.
So, how can you tell if your knee pain can be managed at home or if it needs to be promptly treated by a doctor? Every person is different, but generally, you should schedule an appointment with an orthopedic doctor if your knee pain:
- Interferes with your ability to perform basic movements, like standing up or walking
- Is severe in nature
- Worsens over time
- Is accompanied by marked swelling, redness, or tenderness
It is especially important to promptly seek medical care if you are unable to put weight on the affected leg, or if you heard an audible “popping” noise at the time of the injury.
How can I reduce my knee pain at home?
While you are waiting for your appointment with an orthopedic doctor – or if you believe you can manage your symptoms on your own – there are several steps you can take to help relieve your knee pain at home. Try:
- Taking an over-the-counter nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) to reduce inflammation and pain (be sure to carefully follow dosage instructions and be mindful of product warnings)
- Getting enough rest and avoid putting weight on your affected leg as much as possible
- Using cold therapy – place an ice pack on your knee for about 15 minutes a few times a day to help reduce pain and swelling
- Elevating your knee with a few pillows while you sleep
- Wrapping your knee with an elastic bandage to help minimize swelling
Knee pain treatment at Tampa Orthopaedic & Sports Medicine Group
Tampa Orthopaedic & Sports Medicine Group offers a full spectrum of specialized care to patients with knee pain at our center in South Tampa. A division of Florida Medical Clinic, our practice caters to adolescents, adults, and seniors with knee pain from a variety of sources, such as osteoarthritis, ligament tears, fractures, bursitis, sprains, and more.
Our practice is led by sports medicine physician Dr. Arnold Ramirez and orthopedic sports medicine surgeon Dr. Daniel Murphy – two board-certified specialists who collaborate with an experienced team to achieve optimal outcomes for our patients. We utilize some of the latest advances in musculoskeletal therapies, including:
- Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) therapy
- Stem cell therapy
- Viscosupplementation (hyaluronic acid)
- Pharmacologic therapy
- Corticosteroid injections
Furthermore, when surgery is clinically appropriate, Dr. Murphy excels in performing minimally invasive arthroscopic procedures as well as more complex operations like total knee replacement.
Don’t delay the knee pain treatment you need any longer. Contact Tampa Orthopaedic & Sports Medicine Group today! One of our professionals will be happy to schedule you an appointment, or you can reserve one online at your convenience.
