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When Should I Be Concerned About Knee Pain?
Whether you’re an athlete, a gym rat, or have seen a few birthdays, chances are you’ve experienced knee pain of some kind. In some cases, it might pass if you rest or ice your knee for a few hours, or maybe it goes away if you switch to a different activity for a time.
However, there may be times when the pain doesn’t go away, or it becomes too painful to do basic activities like walking or getting up. When should you be concerned about your knee pain, and when is it a normal part of life?
Pain
Typically, it’s shouldn’t be a huge source of concern if your pain worsens with a certain activity and then feels better with a bit of rest. If your pain is sudden and seemingly unrelated to an activity, or has lasted more than 48 hours, you should consider seeing a doctor.
In addition, pay attention to what the source of the pain may be. If it’s deep within the joint, it’s a bigger cause for concern since pain there is rarely muscle related.
Swelling
With any knee pain, it’s normal to see some swelling, but if one knee becomes noticeably larger than the other, you should pay attention. In certain instances, swelling can indicate bleeding inside the knee, which would require medical attention.
Other times it may be soft tissue swelling, which can cause pain and tightness, as well as cause your knees to click as the tendons rub together. If you have any severe swelling, call your doctor.
Instability or loss of range of motion
You may find that you are unable or find it difficult to complete basic tasks that you are normally able to do, such as getting up from a chair, squatting, or even walking. A loss in range of motion can indicate serious internal swelling and if it persists for more than a day, you should get medical help.
Similarly, if you find it difficult or scary to put weight on your knee for fear it might give out, you could have a ligament injury. The ligaments in your knee are what support you as you stand and move, so you would want to get that repaired as soon as possible.
Other warning signs
Pay attention to the location of the pain and any other related sensations you feel. Pain in the knee cap might indicate patella tendinitis, while pain outside the knee might be attributed to the IT band. If your knee locks suddenly, you could have a torn meniscus, and if you hear a pop, you could have a ruptured tendon.
If you are experiencing sudden and severe pain, noticeable swelling, or a decrease in mobility, seek the help of a medical professional. For less serious injuries or if you’re recovering from one, consider giving AcuKnee a try. Using the system once a day can give you much more freedom in what you can do without pain.
