Do I need Surgery For My Knee?

No one wants to deal with constantly aching knees. While home remedies and over-the-counter medications can help bring some relief, these methods are not usually enough to fix chronic knee problems. In some cases, minor surgical procedures can be enough to do the job and give you the pain relief you need. Having your knee evaluated by a medical professional can help determine if knee surgery can be enough to get rid of nagging aches and pains finally. Here are a few signs to look for that may mean you need knee surgery and how to consult your doctor about the next steps.

Causes for Chronic Knee Pain

Aching knees can significantly impact your way of life and make it painful to do your usual business. Knee pain can have many causes, and your treatment plan depends on your symptoms and how your pain began. A significant cause of chronic knee pain comes from arthritis, a condition where the immune system begins to attack your body’s joints. This can be particularly problematic for the knees because their cartilage wears down, causing bones in the knees to grind together.

Other causes of chronic knee pain can be related to:

• a past injury, such as a fall from a height
•  a torn meniscus, 
• Playing high-impact sports 
• Torn knee cartilage
•  Or a ligament injury

How Do I Know If I Need Knee Surgery?

Not all knee injuries need surgery. The best way to determine your treatment needs is to speak with your doctor about your symptoms. After a physical exam, your doctor may use an x-ray to examine the structure of your knee and check your joints for abnormalities. Your doctor may also use an MRI to examine the muscles and tendons surrounding your knee closely.

While your need for surgery is contingent on your situation, your doctor may recommend knee surgery if you’ve experienced:

• Difficulty sleeping
• Persistent Pain
• Extreme difficulty with everyday activities
• Stiffness or Swelling

If you’ve been experiencing knee pain, our office is here to help you. Please schedule a consultation with one of our 7 locations by calling us today at 631.689.6698.