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Knee Pain

Summit Primary Care Our Services Knee Pain
Summit Primary Care - - Family Medicine

Summit Primary Care

Family Medicine located in Denver, CO, Colorado Springs, CO, Pueblo, CO & La Junta, CO

Your knees bear the stress of movement and the pressure of your body weight. Is it any wonder that 25% of adults live with daily knee pain? The experienced physicians at Summit Primary Care offer comprehensive care for patients with knee pain. They combine multidisciplinary treatments to ease your pain while helping you rehabilitate and regain optimal knee function. If you have questions about knee pain or would like to schedule an appointment, call one of the offices in Denver, Colorado Springs, La Junta, or Pueblo, Colorado, or book online today.

Knee Pain Q & A

What causes knee pain?

The top causes of knee pain include:

Osteoarthritis

Osteoarthritis is the most common knee problem. Repetitive movement plus the stress of carrying your body weight causes the cartilage inside the knee joint to degenerate. As the cartilage wears away, movement becomes painful, and inflammation and stiffness develop.

Fractures and dislocations

Knee fractures and dislocations occur due to high-energy trauma experienced during contact sports, a fall, or a car accident.

Anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury

Nearly half of all ACL injuries result in a completely ruptured ligament. It’s also not uncommon for other structures in the knee to sustain damage with the ACL injury.

You’re most likely to tear the ACL during certain movements. Examples include pivoting, sidestepping, suddenly stopping or changing your direction while running, and landing a jump incorrectly.

Other ligament injuries

The ACL is one of four ligaments supporting your knee joint. The others most often sustain damage during a direct blow to the front or side of your knee.

Meniscus tears

The meniscus refers to two pieces of cartilage on top of each shinbone. You can end up with a torn meniscus when you perform movements that twist your knee.

As you get older, degenerative changes wear down the meniscus. Then the cartilage can tear during normal daily activities.

Tendon tears

It usually takes a strong force to tear the tendons associated with your knee joint. However, chronic inflammation can weaken tendons and make them susceptible to injuries from even minimal force.

Will I have other symptoms along with knee pain?

The problems responsible for your knee pain often cause additional symptoms. You may experience:

  • Swelling
  • Bruising
  • Stiffness and limited movement
  • Clicking or popping
  • Locked joint
  • Inability to straighten your knee
  • Inability to put weight on your knee

You may also develop joint instability.

How is knee pain treated?

Your provider at Summit Primary Care begins by determining the reason for your knee pain, which may require diagnostic imaging. A ruptured ACL and some meniscus tears and fractures may need surgery. 

In most cases, knee pain responds well to conservative treatments. Your personalized treatment plan may include any of the following:

  • Rest
  • Ice and heat
  • Temporary immobilization
  • Bracing and splinting
  • Activity modification
  • Anti-inflammatory medications
  • Hyaluronic acid injections
  • Steroid injections
  • Physical medicine

If you need expert medical care for knee pain, call Summit Primary Care or book an appointment online today.