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Knee Pain Q&A

Knee Injury services offered in Belle Meade, Nashville, TN

The knees endure more stress than nearly any joint in the body. At Advanced Sports Medicine in Nashville, Tennessee, Jim Johnson, MD, diagnoses and treats all causes of knee pain. Dr. Johnson performs comprehensive testing to pinpoint the underlying cause of your pain before creating your personalized treatment plan. No matter your injury, Advanced Sports Medicine has a nonsurgical treatment to target your knee pain. Call or schedule an appointment online today to learn more.

What causes knee pain?

The knees sustain the weight of your entire body and enable movement. Therefore, the knee is prone to damage and injury. Knee pain affects children and adults of all ages. Whether you’re a marathon runner or have a degenerative joint disease, Dr. Johnson treats all causes of knee pain, including:

Meniscus tear

The meniscus is a shock-absorbing type of cartilage that acts as a barrier between your shinbone and thighbone. When you twist or turn at an awkward angle, the meniscus can tear and cause severe pain.

Osteoarthritis

Osteoarthritis (OA) is a form of arthritis that causes cartilage damage. Cartilage is a flexible type of tissue that protects your joints. If cartilage in the knee deteriorates, it can cause friction between bones that leads to inflammation, stiffness, and pain.

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA)

RA is an autoimmune disease that causes swelling inside the lining of the joints. While RA often affects your small joints, it can damage the knees over time.

Gout

Gout is a type of arthritis that causes sudden and severe attacks of pain, swelling, and redness. A buildup of urate crystals in the affected joint causes gout. Gout tends to affect one joint at a time and most commonly develops in the knees or toes.

Bursitis

The bursae are fluid-filled sacs on the outside of your knee joints. They cushion the joint and allow the tendons to move over the knee. When the bursae become inflamed, you can experience chronic knee pain.

ACL injury

The anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) joins your shinbone and thighbone. Sudden movements, twisting motions, or collisions can damage the ACL and diminish your mobility. ACL injuries are common in individuals who play sports that involve running, like basketball or soccer.

How is knee pain diagnosed?

To accurately diagnose the cause of your knee pain, Dr. Johnson performs a thorough physical exam. He may assess your gait, stance, posture, and walking patterns. In addition, he may order imaging tests, such as X-rays, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and ultrasound scans. 

What are the treatments for knee pain?

Once Dr. Johnson uncovers the source of your knee pain, he can customize a nonsurgical treatment plan that may include:

 

  • Corticosteroid injections
  • Physical therapy
  • Stretching and strengthening exercises
  • Water aerobics
  • Stationary biking
  • Anti-inflammatory medications

 

Dr. Johnson can restore function and relieve pain in your knee without surgery or invasive treatments. To learn more, call Advanced Sports Medicine or schedule an appointment online today.