Unlocking Pain-Free Movement: How an Knee Specialist Can Help You Overcome Knee Pain

Knee pain affects millions of people in different age groups worldwide. It can range from mild discomfort to severe, debilitating pain that negatively impacts daily life. This blog post will discuss how a knee specialist in Hong Kong can help you overcome knee pain and unlock pain-free movement. 

How a specialist can help 

Causes of knee pain

• Injuries: Knee injuries, such as a meniscus tear, ligament sprain, or fracture, can lead to knee pain.   
• Osteoarthritis: This degenerative joint disease causes the cartilage in the knee joint to wear off over time, leading to pain and stiffness.   
• Rheumatoid arthritis: This autoimmune disease can cause joint inflammation, including the knee.   
• Patellofemoral pain syndrome: this condition causes pain in the front of the knee, often due to overuse of the muscles/ knee 
• Bursitis: is an inflammation of the bursa, a fluid-filled sac cushions the knee joint.   
• Tendinitis: this is an inflammation of the tendons around the knee.   
• Gout: is arthritis caused by a buildup of uric acid crystals in the joints, including the knee.   
• Baker's cyst: this fluid-filled sac develops behind the knee, often due to an underlying condition such as arthritis.  
• Obesity: carrying excess weight puts extra strain on the knee joint, leading to pain and inflammation.   
• Infection: in rare cases, knee pain may be caused by an infection in the knee joint.   

Symptoms of knee pain 

• Pain: Pain in and around the knee joint. The pain can be sharp, dull, or throbbing and may be constant or intermittent 
• Swelling: Swelling around the knee joint. The knee may feel warm to touch, and the swelling may make it difficult to move or bend the knee 
• Stiffness: Stiffness in the joint makes it difficult to extend or flex the knee fully 
• Weakness: Knee pain can cause weakness in the leg, making it difficult to bear weight on the affected knee 
• Clicking or popping: Some people may experience clicking or popping sounds when they move their knees. This can signify a joint problem, such as a meniscus tear 
• Redness and warmth: In some cases, knee pain can cause the skin around the knee to become red and warm to the touch. This can be a sign of inflammation or infection 
• Limited range of motion: Knee pain can make it difficult to fully straighten or bend the knee, leading to a limited range of motion 

Medical ways to determine if you have knee problems  

• Physical examination: A doctor or medical professional can examine your knee by looking for signs of swelling, tenderness, or redness. They may also check your range of motion and ask you to perform certain movements to assess the function of your knee joint 

• Imaging tests: X-rays, MRIs, and CT scans can provide detailed images of the knee joint, allowing doctors to see any abnormalities or damage to the bones, cartilage, or soft tissues 

• Blood tests: Blood tests can help doctors determine if there is an underlying condition causing your knee pain, such as arthritis or an infection 
• Arthroscopy: In some cases, doctors may need to perform arthroscopy, a minimally invasive surgical procedure, to visualise and evaluate the knee joint directly 

Self-tips for preventing knee pain

Preventing knee pain is essential for maintaining good knee health. There are several things you can do to help prevent knee pain:

• Maintain a healthy weight: Being overweight can put extra stress on your knees, leading to pain and other problems. Maintaining a healthy weight can help reduce the strain on your knees 
• Exercise regularly: Regular exercise can help strengthen the muscles around your knees, which can help support the joints and reduce the risk of injury 
• Wear proper footwear: Wearing shoes with appropriate support can help reduce the impact on your knees when you walk or run 
• Warm up before exercise: Before starting any exercise, it's important to warm up to help prepare your muscles and joints for the activity 
• Take breaks: If you have a job or hobby requiring you to be on your feet for extended periods, rest your knees and reduce the risk of overuse injuries  
• Stretch regularly: Regular stretching can help improve flexibility and reduce the risk of muscle spasm leading to knee pain 
• Avoid high-impact activities: If you have a history of knee problems or are at risk for knee pain, avoid high-impact activities like running or jumping 
• Use knee pads: If you participate in activities that put your knees at risk for injury, such as sports or gardening, consider using knee pads to help protect your joints

Knee pain can be debilitating, but it must not be a permanent part of your life. Seeking treatment from a knee specialist can help you overcome knee pain and regain pain-free movement. By taking preventative measures, you can also reduce your risk of developing knee pain. We encourage you to prioritize your knee health and seek help from a knee specialist if you experience any knee pain.

Read more

• How to Protect Yourself From Runner’s Knee
• Orthopaedics & Traumatology Service

References

1. Mayo Clinic. Knee pain. Retrieved 18 July, 2023, from https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/knee-pain/symptoms-causes/syc-20350849 

2. Medline Plus. Knee pain. Retrieved 18 July, 2023, from https://medlineplus.gov/ency/article/003187.htm   

3. Healthline. 8 Natural Home Remedies for Knee Pain. Retrieved 18 July, 2023, from https://www.healthline.com/health/pain-relief/knee-pain-home-remedies#rice   

4. Johns Hopkins Medicine. Knee Pain and Problems. Retrieved 18 July, 2023, from https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/conditions-and-diseases/knee-pain-and-problems   

5. PennMedicine. Knee Pain. Retrieved 18 July, 2023, from https://www.pennmedicine.org/for-patients-and-visitors/patient-information/conditions-treated-a-to-z/knee-pain