Knee Pains Problems and Their Diagnosis

March 15 2021

Knee pains are fairly common among adults. However, they can be bothersome and even leave people immobile. It is commonly caused by normal wear and tear of regular activities such as walking, bending, and running.

Common Knee Problems

Most common knee problems are the result of aging and wear and tear of everyday use. However, injuries and sudden jerk movements can also cause injuries. Below are some of the common knee problems:

Arthritis: Rheumatoid arthritis causes inflammation of the knee, which destroys the cartilage causing the bones to grind on each other. Osteoarthritis is one of the most common types of arthritis and typically affects middle-aged to older people. It features a degenerative process that gradually destroys the cartilage; as a result, bones grind on each other when moving.
Sprained knees: This occurs when there is a sudden blow to the knee's need or twisting. This would usually present as pain or swelling of the knee. If you have a sprained knee, you should visit the emergency room near you as quickly as possible.
Tendonitis: is the inflammation of the tendon, usually caused by overuse, for example, in sports.
Torn cartilage: This is a tear in the connective tissue that connects the bones of the knee. If this happens during an accident, you are advised to visit the ER in Waxahachie for immediate treatment.

Knee Problem Diagnosis

Radionuclide bone scan: This involves injecting a small amount of radioactive material into the patient's circulatory system. This helps the physicians get a clear picture of the patient's bones.
X-rays: Using electromagnetic waves, a radiologist can get a good picture of the patient's knees. Most 24-hour emergency care facilities can perform an X-ray.
CAT scans: This method is a lot more detailed when compared with X-rays. They can be used to show very detailed images of the internal organs, including the knees.
Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI): Through the use of magnets and radio frequencies, this technology can be used to produce high-quality images of the knees and the surrounding areas in the process of identifying potential infections.
Arthroscopy: This method involves making a small slit on the patient's knee and inserting a small camera. Through a screen, a feed of the patient's knee can be seen and the cause of the pain identified.

Knee Treatments

If you experience frequent knee pain, you should visit the Waxahachie emergency room for treatments. In the case of an injury, patients should visit the emergency clinic as soon as possible.

If the damage to the knee is severe enough, they might recommend a total knee replacement.