Knee Pain: Causes and Treatment

Your knee is made up of bones, tendons and ligaments that can be injured or inflamed by overuse, aging or accidental injury. In good working order, the knee joint has smooth movement and stability. Age and injuries can place stress on the knees and cause symptoms ranging from minor pain to immobility. The orthopedic surgeons at Beaufort Memorial offer a range of treatments that can improve mobility and ease pain.

Ready to address your knee pain? Request an appointment with an orthopedic knee specialist or attend our Solving Hip and Knee Pain seminar.

Common Causes of Knee Pain

The knee is the largest joint in the body and a meeting place for bones, ligaments, tendons and muscles. Injury to any of these can lead to pain. A number of injuries and conditions can lead to knee pain, but some of the more common causes are listed below:

• Arthritis: In osteoarthritis, the cartilage in your knee joint wears away, leading to bone rubbing against bone. Rheumatoid arthritis causes inflammation that leads to pain in the joint. Gout, a type of arthritis caused by a buildup of uric acid, can also cause pain in the knee joint.
• Knee injuries: Anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) or posterior cruciate ligament (PCL) tears often occur during sports, when a direct impact or sudden twist damages the ligaments that keep the joint stable. Tendonitis can develop as a result of age, being overweight, tight muscles and overuse.
• Meniscus tear: Your knee has two menisci, wedges of cartilage that cushion and stabilize the joint. Age, arthritis, and sudden twists or turns can cause one or both menisci to tear.

Treatments for Knee Pain

Minimally Invasive Knee Replacement Surgery

Although joint replacement may sound extreme, knee surgery is one of the most effective procedures for alleviating joint pain.

During a partial knee replacement, one side of the joint is resurfaced, leaving the healthy side intact. In a total knee replacement, an entirely new joint is created. The type of surgery you require depends on your age, joint shape and other factors. Orthopedic surgeons at the Beaufort Memorial Joint Replacement Center can advise you about which of the following minimally invasive knee replacements may work for you:

• Attune^® Knee System, which improves range of motion and stability after surgery
• Mako Robotic-Arm Assisted Surgery, which uses 3D technology that allows for personalized, precise knee replacements
• Oxford^® Partial Knee, in which only worn-out areas of the knee are replaced
• Persona^® custom-fit knee replacement, which are implants designed to match your existing knee joint
• Vanguard^® Knee System with Signature^TM Personalized Patient Care, which customizes surgery to the patient’s unique anatomy

Nonsurgical Treatments

Inflamed tendons or ligaments frequently bring minor pain or discomfort, which can be alleviated with rest, ice (not heat), compression and elevation. Lifestyle changes, medication and supportive devices, such as braces or canes, are often enough to help those with early-stage arthritis. If a ligament tears, the severity of the tear will dictate treatment. Always see a physician if you have persistent knee or joint pain. He or she may recommend:

• Corticosteroid injections, which can reduce inflammation associated with conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis
• Hyaluronic acid injections, which help alleviate pain and stiffness from osteoarthritis
• Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications
• Physical therapy to strengthen surrounding muscles, improve flexibility and correct imbalances that lead to pain