Importance of Orthopedic Evaluation for Knee Pain
Your knee is a complex and vital joint that allows you to perform tasks that are easy to take for granted until an injury occurs. Even if your pain is manageable, it may benefit from a visit with an orthopedic doctor. When left untreated, a minor injury can become a significant issue. A medical evaluation allows your doctor to assess the full extent of your injury and create an appropriate treatment plan to get you back on your feet.
When Should I See an Orthopedic Knee Specialist in Bartlett, Elgin, Schaumburg, &, Chicago, IL?
Occasional knee pain is common, as are minor injuries. Home remedies such as rest, ice, elevation, and anti-inflammatory medication can be enough to relieve pain in some cases. If you’ve suffered an acute injury or sudden increased pain from a chronic condition, our orthopedic urgent care walk-in clinics are available Monday through Friday with no appointment required. Symptoms of knee pain that require medical care include the following.
Severe or Persistent Pain
Pain is a sign from your body that something is wrong with your knee. Severe pain can impact your ability to complete daily tasks or to get a good night’s sleep and decrease your quality of life. It can also be a sign of significant damage to your knee.
Even mild pain that lasts longer than a few weeks is a sign your knee needs a medical evaluation. Pain in the absence of trauma often arises from injury to the ligaments or tendons. While minor injuries to these tissues can heal over time, significant injuries require medical intervention and even surgery to heal correctly.
Instability or Weakness
If your leg gives out or feels wobbly, it is time to see one of the specialists at Suburban Orthopaedics in Chicago, IL. These are symptoms of a significant knee injury to the tendons or ligaments that will not improve without medical intervention. Surgery or bracing is required to prevent further injury to the joint.
Swelling
An injury to the knee cartilage or ligament is usually responsible for swelling around the knee. While minimal swelling may respond to ice and rest, excessive swelling should be checked by a knee pain specialist. Swelling that comes on quickly or is accompanied by a fever can be a sign of infection and requires immediate care.
Audible Pop During Injury
If you’ve suffered from a traumatic injury and heard a pop from your knee, this is likely a sign of an ACL, PCL, or MCL injury. The sound comes from the ligament or cartilage tearing, and these injuries are often accompanied by intense pain, swelling, and instability. Depending on the severity of your issue, our orthopedic specialists may recommend bracing or surgery.
Expert Orthopedic Knee Surgeons in Bartlett, Elgin, Schaumburg, &, Chicago, IL
There’s no need to live with knee pain. The specialists at Suburban Orthopaedics in Illinois are experienced in diagnosing and treating knee pain and injury. From minor degenerative changes to traumatic injuries, we’re here to help you get back on your feet and back to the activities you love. Book an appointment today at any of our convenient locations in Bartlett, IL, Elgin, IL, Schaumburg, IL, and Chicago, IL.