What Could Be The Cause of My Knee Pain?

Knee Pain Doctor

Knee pain can be very disruptive to a person’s daily routine and overall wellness. A person impacted by knee pain may have trouble with walking too far of distances, and are unable to participate in the same hobbies they used to. Rest assured, those who struggle with knee pain can meet with a reputable knee doctor in their area about treatment options. Here are some of the most common questions asked by patients when meeting with a knee doctor about their condition: How is my knee pain going to be diagnosed?

Your doctor may diagnose the root cause of your knee pain through evaluating your medical history, lifestyle, risk factors, and other symptoms. Tests such as examinations, imaging, and blood samples may be performed if more information is needed. It isn’t uncommon for knee doctors to ask their patients questions similar to the following:

  • When did the knee pain begin?
  • Have you ever injured your knee before?
  • Is the pain relentless, or come and go?
  • Do you experience numbness?
  • What have you tried so far to alleviate the pain?
  • Have these approaches worked?
  • What other symptoms are you struggling with?
  • What happened when the knee pain first began?

What is arthroscopy and can it help me?

Arthroscopy is a surgical technique used to help treat pain associated with the knee. After a small incision is made, a small tool with a camera is inserted into the knee, enabling the surgeon to look inside and continue with the procedure. Those who can benefit the most from this procedure are those who have severe osteoarthritis or arthritis of the knee. Your knee doctor can repair cartilage and damaged components of the knee with more precision through arthroscopy. 

Is it true that the weather can impact knee pain?

Yes, knee pain that is due to arthritis can flare up during extreme weather. Based on studies, there is a correlation between weather and an increase of arthritis pain. Cold weather can impact joints because the tissue expands, causing more pressure on joints. For more information about how outdoor temperature and knee pain are related and strategies for decreasing pain during inclement weather, consult with a reputable knee doctor in your area. 

What are the main causes of knee pain?

Knee pain is caused through either injury or illness, with the most common contributor of knee pain being arthritis. There are six categories of arthritis that your knee pain doctor in Frederick, MD, such as from the Pain & Spine Specialist of Maryland, LLC, may diagnose you with:

  • Osteoarthritis: joint tissues become deteriorated, resulting in bones to rub against the other. 
  • Infectious Arthritis: arthritis that stems from an infection in the joint.
  • Rheumatoid Arthritis: develops due to an inflammatory disease, where the immune system attacks joints. 
  • Juvenile Arthritis: arthritis that is diagnosed in patients who are 16 years of age or younger.
  • Reactive Arthritis: chronic disease that stems from a urinary, genital, or gastrointestinal infection. 
  • Psoriatic Arthritis: arthritis that is related to psoriasis (disease of the skin). 

In addition to these conditions listed here, Lyme disease, gout, and lupus can also cause knee pain.