Chronic knee pain refers to long-term discomfort and swelling in the knees, and it can disrupt your daily activities. You should learn as much as you can about this condition, so you know how to treat and prevent it.

Causes

Continuous pain in the knee is often the result of trauma. Trauma may occur if you fell on your knee, made a sudden change in direction, or received a direct hit to the area. As a result, you may experience dislocated kneecaps, torn ligaments, and bone fractures.

Additionally, several medical conditions can cause chronic knee pain, such as osteoarthritis. This joint disorder is common in people over 50 and causes pain or swelling in the knee when active. Other medical conditions that can cause chronic knee pain include gout, bursitis, obesity, and tendinitis.

Treatments

The type of treatment you receive for chronic knee pain will depend on the underlying cause. For instance, if the condition is due to a blow to the knee while playing sports, your doctor may recommend physical therapy to strengthen the muscles. If your pain is caused by a medical reason, like arthritis, your doctor may prescribe medication for the discomfort and direct treatment to the underlying condition.

There are also several steps you can take at home to alleviate your pain. Rest as much as possible and avoid activities that may strain the knee, like driving, until your condition improves. You can also find relief by keeping your knee elevated and applying a cold compress for 15 minutes several times a day.

If you’re experiencing chronic knee pain, turn to Peter A. Matsuura, M.D., in Hilo, HI. Dr. Matsuura has over 25 years of experience in the orthopedic field and assists with injuries of the knee, shoulder, hip, elbow, wrist, hand, and foot. He’ll take the time to walk you through your non-surgical and surgical options, ensuring you’re comfortable with the treatment and results. For more information about his services, visit his website or call (808) 969-3331.