Ask These Questions to Help Manage Knee Pain
Courtesy Texas Health Physicians Group
No matter your age , and whether you ’ re an athlete or just a person on the go , knee pain can hinder your movement and your life . You may be suffering now and concerned about what the cause is . Knee pain can occur for a number of reasons that include arthritis , cartilage tears , joint degeneration , or any number of other issues .
At Texas Health , our goal is to get you back to doing the things you love , like jogging , tennis , or just going about your daily activities . Our network of skilled orthopedic specialists have the knowledge , experience and technology to help you return stronger from knee pain .
Below are a few important “ should ask questions ” from knowledgeable physicians who treat chronic knee pain daily . These questions may not be top of mind , but you should ask them to help you determine how to manage your knee pain better .
What symptoms should I be concerned about ? Stiffness and limited range of motion are indicators that your knees may be under physical stress . If you notice or feel physical symptoms like swelling , degeneration , and deformity , your knee may have the onset of arthritis , a sports-related or common accident .
Don ’ t wait to see your physician , as your pain can quickly be managed .
What should I avoid when treating knee pain ? Avoid heavy lifting , running , climbing flights of stairs , and any high-impact activity that puts stress on your knees . Together with your doctor and physical therapist , you can devise a game plan to help you treat your knee pain . Take caution when self-medicating for knee pain . Taking over-the-counter pain relievers long-term can also cause side effects . Make sure to get a doctor ’ s opinion before using them for extended amounts of time .
When should I stop treating myself ( and see a doctor )? See your doctor immediately . Even though your pain may be minimal , your injury or degeneration may be more severe than you expect . The earlier you receive professional treatment , the more damage you can prevent to your knee . The only way to keep it from getting worse is to be sure to get that initial diagnosis .
How do I know what to tell the doctor ? Don ’ t be shy . Tell your physician exactly what hurts , and where it feels uncomfortable . Make sure to pinpoint where the pain is . There ’ s no need to worry , as an experienced doctor will know what questions to ask , and will be able to get all the right answers to diagnose your knee issues accurately .
What is the best way to avoid knee injuries ? There are several ways you can injure your knee . Athletes do it all the time . As a matter of fact , running is a common cause of knee injuries , and organized sports see their share of issues every year . Even average people can have accidents caused by stairs , or hurt themselves by not warming up properly before exercise , or by overdoing it in the gym .
Being aware of how you can avoid knee injury is important . Here are a few tips that can help you avoid it :
• Maintain your weight . Extra pounds can put undue stress on your knees .
• Wear shoes with good support and fit , to help maintain alignment and balance .
• Make sure to warm and up and stretch before exercise or strenuous activity .
• When at the gym , choose low-impact exercises . Opt for the rowing machine instead of the treadmill .
• Swimming is a great exercise to avoid force on your knees .
• Consider physical therapy under the supervision of a professional ; he or she can help you find the right exercises specifically for you .
Take the next step in understanding your knee pain . Contact a knee specialist at www . texashipandkneecenter . com / pain .
Physicians on the medical staff practice independently and are not employees of the hospital or Texas Health Resources .
DENTON COUNTY Living Well Magazine | NOVEMBER / DECEMBER 2016
13