How to handle crippling new pain

Chronic knee pain can be prevented and treated. Learn more about symptoms & treatment . . .

Knee pain is one of the most common musculoskeletal complaints that bring people to their doctors. Pain can be acute (immediate) or chronic (long term). Here is an overview of the causes, symptoms and treatment of acute knee pain.

Fractures are typically caused by traumatic injury. Symptoms: Swelling or bruising along with severe pain and tenderness. Treatment: Immobilization and possibly surgery to correctly set the bones.

Sprained/torn collateral ligaments. The medial collateral ligament (MCL) is the most commonly injured ligament. A sprained ligament may be partially ruptured; a torn ligament is completely ruptured.

Symptoms: Tearing or ripping sensation along the inner joint line of the knee, with knee instability and swelling. Treatment: For a mild sprain — compression, ice, elevation, anti-inflammatory medication, pain medicine and exercise program or physical therapy. Complex tears may require surgery.

Sprained/torn cruciate ligaments. The anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury is a common sports injury caused by a hard stop or violent twisting of the knee.

Symptoms: You may hear a pop. The knee gives way or becomes unstable and the pain is severe and is followed by marked knee swelling. Treatment: Surgical repair is an option for athletes who need optimal outcomes. Knee braces may be sufficient for those who are not avid athletes.

Tendon ruptures. Both the quadriceps and patellar tendons may rupture either partially or completely. A quadriceps tendon rupture usually occurs in recreational athletes over age 40. A patellar tendon rupture occurs in younger people who have previous tendonitis or steroid injections in the knee.

Symptoms: Pain. With a complete rupture, you cannot extend the knee. The patella (knee cap) is also often out of place. Treatment: Ruptures generally require surgical repair, although a partial rupture may be treated with splinting alone.

Meniscal (cartilage) injuries. These are typically traumatic injuries, but can also be due to overuse. Symptoms: The knee locks in a particular position or you hear either a click or grinding through its range of motion. Swelling occurs, but is usually much less severe than an ACL injury. Treatment: Often requires surgical repair.

Dislocated knee cap (patella). This is a common injury caused by direct trauma or forceful straightening of the leg. It is more common in women and the obese.

Symptoms: The patella is out of place, causing difficulty flexing or extending the knee. Treatment: The doctor will reduce the dislocation and usually splint the knee for three weeks to allow the soft tissues to heal. Strengthening exercises help keep the patella in line.

While I’ve focused on what occurs after you feel knee pain, you can prevent knee injury and pain by following a few simple rules:

• Keep your weight under control.

• Keep limber and fit. Strengthening and stretching can help prevent knee pain.

• Exercise wisely and listen to your body. Stop if it hurts.

• Protect your knees by using knee pads and wearing your seatbelt.

If knee pain is affecting your quality of life, call Healthnetwork for a referral to the best orthopedic centers in the country.

Susan Locke, MD, is Healthnetwork Foundation’s medical director.

Healthnetwork is a Legatus membership benefit, a health care “concierge service” that provides members and their families access to some of the most respected hospitals in the world. One Call Starts It All: (866) 968-2467 or (440) 893-0830. Email: [email protected]