Knee pain is a common reason why people visit orthopedic specialists . There are a wide range of conditions that may cause knee pain, including medical conditions such as arthritis and knee injuries such as torn cartilage or a ruptured ligament. The first step in diagnosing the source of your knee pain is a physical exam. During your exam, the orthopedic doctor may ask you a few questions about your pain and other symptoms.
Can You Describe Your Pain?
It’s best to be as specific as possible when describing your pain to the orthopedic doctor. The doctor will need to know exactly where it hurts, such as on the sides of the knee or underneath the kneecap. If you suffer from pain on the sides of your knee, you could have iliotibial band syndrome, whereas pain underneath the kneecap can indicate patellofemoral pain. Additionally, let the doctor know whether the pain worsens with certain activities or whether you experience pain after performing certain activities.
Can You Place Weight on the Knee?
If you have severe knee pain, it’s expected that you might shy away from placing weight on the joint whenever possible. However, the doctor will need to know whether your knee seems to give out when you exert pressure on it. If so, this could indicate a problem with a stabilizing component of the knee, such as the ligaments or menisci.
Do You Hear Popping Sounds?
The orthopedic doctor may ask you if you hear any popping noises when flexing the joint . If your knee pops or catches when flexed, it could indicate that you’ve suffered damage to the menisci. These are the plates of cartilage in the joint.
Have You Noticed Any Swelling?
Let the doctor know if you’ve experienced any swelling, particularly if the swelling occurred the day after you exercised. You might notice that you have difficulty bending the joint due to swelling. Swelling of the knee could indicate arthritis.
The orthopedic doctors of Able Orthopedic & Sports Medicine will work closely with you to develop a personalized treatment plan designed to help you meet your rehabilitation goals. If you suffer from knee pain, our orthopedic specialists can recommend non-surgical treatments, pain management techniques, and much more. Those in Forest Hills and throughout the NYC area can reach our office by calling (347) 537-2404.