Knee Pain Management in Phoenix

One of the top complaints for patients with pain comes from knee pain. While you may think that this is more commonly found in older individuals, think again! Lots of young people are seeking knee pain management in Phoenix as well. Your knees perform a variety of functions on a daily basis, that it is easy to see why they can cause so many problems. They are susceptible to injury, trauma and a number of medical conditions like gout, arthritis and more.

When you get down in the thick of the knee, it is not a hinge joint. In fact, the thigh bone rotates on the leg bone to produce the bend in the knee. For this rotation to occur, the bones must be free to move by the surrounding connective tissue. A piece of cartilage found in the knee is called the meniscus and this is where the thigh bone rotates. Any injury to the meniscus or surrounding connectors will leave you in pain. Ligaments are also found in the knee and can be injured as well. We often think of the ACL, but this injury is far less common for the average person. Lastly, the kneecap or patella can become painful when the cartilage found underneath begins to wear.

Depending on the source of your pain, injury, etc. you may either need treatment or pain management options. Here is a list of options that may help your knees stay strong and healthy. For knee pain management in Phoenix, check these out:

1. Treatment

Oftentimes, pain medication is prescribed to help with the immediate pain. However, this is only a temporary fix. You must find the source of the pain and address this to create a more permanent fix. You can expect anti-inflammatory to help alleviate symptoms. Additionally, the knee often responds well to topical agents that absorb through the skin to reduce the inflammatory response and ease pain also.

Injections can also be an excellent treatment option. A corticosteroid drug may be injected into the ligaments or into your knee to help reduce your symptoms. Platelet Rich Plasma and stem cells, newer regenerative treatment techniques, have been shown to help more advanced problems such as meniscus tears, cartilage erosion, and arthritis.

However, if arthritis is the cause and it is severe enough, pain can be reduced by radio frequency ablation of the nerves that go to the joint. This becomes a valuable technique if you are not a good surgical candidate or when you need relief while you wait for your surgical procedure.

2. Resting

Believe it or not, resting too much is not good for your knees. Resting too much can weaken your muscles and ultimately worsen joint pain. Oftentimes, a pain doctor can help manage your knee pain in Phoenix by providing an appropriate exercise program to follow.

3. Exercise

If you are worried about putting too much pressure or weight on your knees, you might be best suited to get into a water exercise program. In addition, weight training, stretching and cardio can all make a difference for your knees.

4. RICE

When the pain intensifies, use the R.I.C.E. method to help soothe the inflammation. This means rest, ice, compression and elevation. While you do not want to rest too often, there are times when R.I.C.E. does come into play.

5. Healthy Weight

Being as close to your ideal weight as possible is going to save a lot of stress on your knees. If that is a big goal for you, start with small steps. As you continue to lose weight, you will notice big changes every step of the way.

6. Acupuncture

A form of traditional Chinese medicine, acupuncture could be a difference maker. This involves a professional inserting thin needles into certain points of your body. It has been known to relieve many different types of pain.

7. Shoes

Do not overlook what shoes you are wearing. Having shoes with the proper cushion and soles can help support your knees. You may even need a special insole to keep your knees strong and healthy.

8. Get Expert Advice

When in doubt, get advice from the experts. Make an appointment with Dr. Pannozzo, a knee pain expert, to ensure you are receiving the proper treatment for your knee pain.

Bottom Line

There are plenty of ways to help your knee pain management in Phoenix. It will depend on the source of your knee pain and the extent of it. You might be able to make some minor changes or you might need more serious recommendations. It is important to see a pain specialist to have all your needs met.

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