Knee pain is an ailment that can affect both children and adults. Often times in children, it is related to a sports injury. However, there are many causes of knee pain. Some examples include:

• Sudden injuries (car accident, sports accident, a fall)
• Overuse injuries (making the same movements repeatedly because of sport or occupation requirements)
• Diseases and conditions (osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, osteoporosis)

One of the most difficult things to do is find relief for your knee pain. The best way to do this is through the advice and care of a doctor. Here are the most common ways knee pain is treated:

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Conditions that cause knee pain such as sprains and strains, bursitis, and tendonitis usually respond well to rest. Avoiding the activity that caused the pain in the first place is important. Being careful not to extend or bend the knee and keeping it elevated is usually recommended.

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Along with rest, ice and heat therapy are also common treatments for knee pain. The cooling works to reduce swelling and inflammation and numbs the area, which relieves pain. The heat relaxes your muscles, which can also relieve pain. Alternating the two is sometimes recommended, however some injuries will only benefit from either ice or heat therapy. Ask your doctor before trying either of them.

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Pain relieving medication can help relieve pain symptoms while your body heals. This treatment can be used for almost all types of knee pain. Medications can be prescribed or be purchased over the counter, such as acetaminophen, ibuprofen, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, and naproxen.

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A comprehensive knee pain treatment will likely include physical therapy exercises that won’t aggravate your knee pain. Low-impact physical therapy exercises can strengthen the knee, improve flexibility, and restore function and range of motion. They also help reduce pain, as exercise triggers a release of endorphins, which are the body’s natural painkillers.

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If knee pain remains unresponsive to early treatment methods, doctors may recommend steroid injections to reduce pain and inflammation. For knee pain that is caused by osteoarthritis, the pain is due to the lack of lubrication for a smooth movement of the joints. Viscosupplementation involves injecting hyaluronic acid for lubrication. Injections are usually combined with other treatments for knee pain such as physical therapy.

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Finding the right treatment for your knee pain involves finding its root cause and having access to the right treatments for it. At OUCH Orthopedics, our areas of expertise include pediatric orthopedics for children and adolescents, pediatric sports medicine, and musculoskeletal and congenital orthopedic treatment for children.

We are experienced in treating injuries and conditions in children that affect the knee joints, bones, cartilage, ligaments, muscles, and tendons. We see to it that your child can return quickly to the activities they love. Our compassionate orthopedic team will provide you with everything you need to know about what’s causing that knee pain and the options for treatment.

To schedule a consultation with our providers, call us today at (800) 682-4220 any time. Give us a call today and let us help you move through life with ease and comfort.

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