The knee is one of the largest joint in the body. It is one of the few joints in the body that allows for a wide range of motion, up to 150 degrees. The knee depends on a complex system of muscles, tendons, bones, cartilages, and ligaments to perform these functions. Considering that the knee is always in constant movement, it is prone to injury, causing knee pain.
In most cases, the knee pain will go away on its own. However, some types of knee pain can signal more severe underlying conditions. It’s therefore essential to know when to see a physician for your knee pain in Plano TX. In case you have the following symptoms, you should consider seeing an orthopedic physician as soon as possible to receive the necessary treatment for your knee pain.
Persistent pain that lasts for more than 48 hours
One of the surest signs you need to see a physician for knee pain in Plano TX is consistent pain that doesn’t go away after 48 hours. If you have already tried self-care methods such as ice, OTC medicine, rest, and they don’t seem to work, you could be experiencing a problem with your joint. Mostly, muscle problems will subside after a few hours of rest and self-care. However, if the pain goes for 48 hours, it’s an indication you are dealing with a bigger problem that needs professional attention.
Significant Inflammation
One of the symptoms of a severe knee injury is swelling. Inflammation is a natural mechanism by the body to protect itself from more damages. Mild swelling will subside after a few hours following a knee injury. However, if the swelling doesn’t go away after 48 hours, you need to seek urgent medical help. Inflammation is usually accompanied by redness or a feeling of warmth on the injured body part.
A swelling that doesn’t go away could be a sign of an infection on the knee or presence of a septic joint. You are prone to a knee infection, especially if you have had a knee injury. An infection in the knee can cause other symptoms such as chills, fever, and nausea.
Knee Instability
One of the functions of a knee is to provide stability to your body. Healthy knees should be strong enough to hold your body weight. However, if the knee starts feeling like it is bending or going in the wrong direction, it could be a sign that you have injured ligaments. The function of ligaments is to provide support to the knee joint. If they are torn, injured, or stretched beyond limit, it can cause instability.
Altered Sensation in Your Knee
A knee injury can also manifest in other ways, such as altered sensation in the knee or lower leg. For instance, tingling and poking sensations in the knee could be a clear indication of injured nerves. Sometimes, you can experience numbness on the knee, which also indicates wounded nerve cells.
If you notice any of these knee symptoms, you should consider seeing a doctor for thorough evaluation and treatment. Some cases of knee pain in Plano Texas may need the intervention of an orthopedic surgeon.
Call POSMC today!
To schedule an appointment with one our specialists, contact our scheduling department at 972-250-5700 or request an appointment online.
POSMC is a full-service medical facility specializing in the evaluation and treatment of orthopedic injuries. The practice is led by a group of 12 board-certified and fellowship-trained orthopedic surgeons and a physical medicine and rehabilitation physician. Contact us today!