Over time, the knee joint is subject to frequent wear and tear that can damage the cartilage that gives cushion to the knee, according to the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons. While this is a painful occurrence, it can be difficult to tell the difference between pain that will lessen with time and pain that requires a physician's evaluation.
Significance
An estimated one in three Americans suffers from some form of knee pain, according to the Mayo Clinic website. Knee pain can be due to a number of malfunctions of the knee, including a degenerative condition or an injury to the knee joint or surrounding structures.
Symptoms
Knee pain due to an injury, such as trauma to the knee caused by a sporting or vehicular accident, requires immediate physician attention, especially if the knee is deformed, according to the American Academy of Family Physicians. However, some types of knee pain are more subtle. If your kneecap is swollen, red and painful when you are active, you should talk to your doctor. A fever accompanied by painful knee symptoms also can indicate a more serious condition. Joint stiffness that worsens with time can be an indicator of osteoarthritis, a condition that might improve with anti-inflammatory medications.
Conservative Treatments
Providing your knee pain is bearable on a daily basis, you might want to try conservative treatment methods--such as resting the knee and keeping it iced and elevated--to determine if the pain will improve. Wearing a supportive bandage can help to provide stability to the joint and reduce pain. An over-the-counter anti-inflammatory medication such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen also can help with pain and swelling. If you treat the knee at home for three days and the pain does not subside, see your physician, according to the Medline Plus website.
Diagnosis
When seeing your physician, your doctor will first discuss your medical history, such as when you first began experiencing pain, your current level of pain and when the pain is more noticeable. He will perform a physical examination of the knee, checking for swelling or dislocation. He also might use imaging scans, such as an X-ray or MRI, to show damage.
Treatment
The treatment for your knee depends upon the severity of your knee condition, according to the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons. Your physician might recommend additional conservative treatments, such as physical therapy or injections to reduce inflammation. She might recommend follow-up visits and outline reasons for additional medical interventions. In severe cases, she might recommend surgery.
