Living an active lifestyle or spending long hours on your feet can lead to minor aches and pains that we often brush off, assuming they will resolve on their own. However, certain signs indicate that knee pain should not be ignored, and seeking medical attention is crucial. If you experience any of the following 10 indications, it's time to consult a doctor or orthopedist about your knee pain:
1. Joint deformity
Take a moment to observe your knees side by side. If the affected knee looks noticeably different from the healthy one, you might be dealing with a fracture, knee cap dislocation, or an injured patella. A visible joint deformity is a clear sign that professional evaluation is necessary.
2. Trouble walking
When knee pain worsens to the extent that it alters your gait or hinders your ability to walk normally, it's time to see a doctor. Such severe pain may indicate a bone injury or degenerative disease, which requires prompt attention.
3. Trouble bearing weight
Do you find yourself instinctively shifting your weight away from the painful knee when standing? If your damaged knee is unable to bear your body weight, seeking medical attention is essential. This symptom can signal various knee problems, all of which necessitate professional care.
4. Instability
Experiencing a sensation of wobbling or feeling like your knee might give way demands medical treatment. Joint instability often points to a ligament issue, which may worsen with normal knee use.
5. Loss of sensation
While knee pain is a typical indicator of knee disorders, it can sometimes be a sign of more significant concerns. If applying pressure to your knee does not exacerbate the discomfort in your leg or knee, it might be related to sciatica or another non-knee problem that requires evaluation.
6. Persistent symptoms
If you wait for your knee pain to subside but it persists, consulting a doctor is essential. Athletes should seek medical assistance if their symptoms persist for more than 48 hours, and others should do the same after three weeks of no improvement.
7. Pain that affects your quality of life
Medical specialists advise scheduling a consultation as soon as you notice that knee pain is affecting your quality of life. If knee pain hampers your job performance, makes your daily workouts uncomfortable, or complicates your daily commute, it's time to seek medical attention.
8. Symptoms that disrupt your sleep
For many individuals with knee issues, falling asleep or staying asleep can be challenging due to pain. If knee pain is keeping you awake at night, seeking assistance from a healthcare professional is necessary.
9. Redness or swelling
Noticing any redness or swelling around the knee joint may indicate more serious problems. Touch the area to check for warmth or pain, as these symptoms could be signs of an infection.
10. Reduced mobility
Internal swelling in the knee, often caused by an injury, can restrict your range of motion, making it difficult to fully straighten or bend your leg. If your range of motion remains limited for longer than a day, consulting a doctor is advisable.
The bottom line
Avoid ignoring knee pain and seek medical attention if you experience any of the aforementioned symptoms or a combination of them. For minor or occasional symptoms, start by consulting your healthcare professional, who can refer you to a specialist if necessary. If your symptoms suddenly change or intensify, especially if you are an athlete, make an appointment with a knee specialist for assessment. In the case of severe symptoms or a high temperature, seek emergency medical attention promptly. Taking proactive steps to address knee pain can lead to proper treatment and improved quality of life.