If you live an active lifestyle or spend the bulk of your day on your feet, you may experience minor aches and pains on a regular basis. You probably opt to postpone seeing a doctor to treat these symptoms because you believe they will go away entirely on their own.
The following are the top 10 indications that you should see a doctor or orthopedist about your knee pain:
1. Joint deformity
Look at your knees positioned side by side. You could have a fracture, knee cap dislocation, or injured patella if the affected knee looks different from a healthy one.
2. Trouble walking
Consult a doctor if your knee pain worsens to the point where your gait changes or you start having trouble walking normally. An injury to the bone or a degenerative disease can both be indicated by the pain of this severity.
3. Trouble bearing weight
When you stand up, are you tempted to shift your weight away from your hurting knee? If your damaged knee cannot hold your weight, get medical attention. This symptom might signal a variety of knee problems, all of which require professional care.
4. Instability
If you notice any wobbling or feel like your knee is ready to give way, get medical treatment. Joint instability frequently indicates a ligament problem, which may worsen if you use your knee normally.
5. Loss of sensation
While pain is a typical indicator of knee disorders, it can also indicate more significant concerns. If pressure on your knee does not aggravate your leg or knee discomfort, sciatica or another non-knee problem may be at fault.
6. Persistent symptoms:
If you wait out your pain but it doesn't appear to go away, consult a doctor. In general, athletes should seek medical assistance if their symptoms persist for more than 48 hours, and others should do the same if their symptoms do not improve after three weeks.
7. Pain that affects your quality of life
Medical specialists suggest that you schedule a consultation as soon as you become aware that your symptoms are affecting your quality of life. Consult a doctor if knee pain makes your job more difficult, your daily workout uncomfortable, or your commute more challenging.
8. Symptoms that disrupt your sleep
Many people who have knee issues find it challenging to fall asleep or stay asleep as a result. Get assistance if your knee pain is keeping you up at night.
9. Redness or swelling
If your knees look different, such as if the knee joint is deformed, it might indicate more serious problems. If the area seems swollen or red, touch it to feel for any warmth or pain. These symptoms may indicate an infection.
10. Reduced mobility
An injury can result in internal swelling in your knee. Your range of motion may be restricted by this swelling, making it challenging to straighten or bend your leg fully. Consult a doctor if you have a reduction in range of motion that persists for longer than a day.
The bottom line
Avoid trying to ignore knee pain. Seek medical attention if you suffer even one of the aforementioned symptoms or a combination of them. Consult your healthcare professional first if your symptoms appear to be minor or occasional. They can refer you to an appropriate specialist if needed.
Make an appointment with a knee specialist for an assessment if your symptoms change suddenly or become more intense, particularly if you are an athlete. Seek emergency medical attention right away if you develop serious symptoms, such as a high temperature.