Is Your Knee Pain Serious? Pay Attention to These Warning Signs

Some aches and pains are nothing more than a passing annoyance; they may be due to very mild injuries that will resolve on their own. In other cases, pain is a big red flag that indicates the need for professional medical care. How can you tell the difference? This blog post aims to help. Specifically, it discusses warning signs that your knee pain should be taken seriously.

Pain That Interferes with Daily Activities

Can you still stand up and sit down relatively easily? How do you feel when you walk or climb stairs? If such activities are difficult for you, do not ignore your symptoms; if you continue to push yourself, the damage to the joint might worsen, or you may end up missing out on important moments due to pain.

Prolonged Pain

If your pain does not go away within a reasonable period of time, it is important to consult a doctor. For obvious injuries, such as if you fell or moved incorrectly, seek help if you do not feel better within a day or two (for severe and sudden pain, head to the ER right away). If you have a dull ache in the joint, visit a doctor if symptoms persist for more than a few weeks.

Visible Deformity

Does your knee look different than it used to? If it seems deformed in any way, that could indicate a serious injury, such as a dislocation or fracture. Even something like significant swelling, which can make your joint look unusually large, is something to be taken seriously.

Instability

Do your knees feel strong even when there is mild pain, or do you notice a wobbling or unsteady sensation? Instability could indicate an injury to knee ligaments, your meniscus, or your patella. It can also be a sign of arthritis.

Limited Range of Motion

You should be able to straighten and bend your legs easily. Reduced range of motion can point to a number of serious conditions, so if it lasts more than a day or so, call your medical provider for advice.

Still Not Sure if Your Knee Pain Is Serious?

Even after learning about common signs that knee pain is serious, you might still be on the fence about whether your condition indicates the need for professional medical care. If you are in doubt, err on the side of caution! An orthopedic doctor will ask about your symptoms, such as when they started, how severe they are, and how they have changed since they began. They can also perform a thorough examination. Then, they can help you understand the problem and take appropriate steps to protect your knee’s long-term health and function.

Meet the Practice

The Institute for Non-Surgical Orthopedics focuses on providing minimally invasive care for individuals with a range of musculoskeletal problems, including knee arthritis and various types of injuries. We focus on pain management with a goal of healing or managing the underlying cause of symptoms. If you would like to request an appointment, contact our Fort Lauderdale location at 954-563-2707.