Chronic knee pain is any long-term pain. This can also include unpleasant sensations, like swelling or sensitivity in the knees. Other symptoms of chronic pain may be determined by the symptoms you are experiencing. Chronic pain varies greatly from person to person, but many treatments exist that can bring you relief.
Causes of Chronic Knee Pain
Chronic knee pain is not the same as experiencing temporary knee pain (also known as acute pain), which is usually the result of an injury. Chronic pain is long-lasting pain that typically does not go away on its own with time, and will need treatment. It is not always the cause of one incident, in fact oftentimes being the result of several conditions.
Physical conditions that can cause or contribute to chronic knee pain include the following:
- Osteoarthritis
- Tendinitis
- Bursitis
- Gout
- Baker’s Cyst
- Dislocation
- Torn Ligament
- Bone Tumors
Other factors that may worsen your chronic knee pain:
- Injuries to the structure of the knee
- Sprains or strains
- Overuse
- Infection
- Bad posture
- Not warming up or cooling down during physical activity
- Improper stretching of the muscles
Anyone can develop chronic knee pain, but the following factors increase your risk:
- Obesity
- Older age
- Injuries or trauma
- Athletic activity
- Symptoms of Chronic Knee Pain
- Symptoms vary between people, especially depending on the cause of your chronic knee pain. That said, chronic pain symptoms often include:
Chronic aches - Sharp or shooting pain
- Dull or burning pain
- Chronic swelling
- Pain when the knee is touched
What can I do for chronic knee pain?
There are lots of treatments for chronic knee pain, which may work with varying levels of success depending on the person and the cause of the pain. Treatments can include:
- Medication
- Ketamine infusions
- Physical therapy
- Surgery
There are other general lifestyle changes you can make that can improve your symptoms, as well.
Once your pain starts to kick in, your body will likely tense up. Take this time to breathe deeply and visualize your breath reaching the part of your knee in pain. You might also try breathing exercises or meditation.
You should reach out for support from your family and friends. Chronic knee pain is isolating, and can oftentimes also bring on a depressive episode. If you have loved ones you can lean on, you may feel better about your outlook.
Try to set realistic goals for yourself across your treatment process – chronic pain is not a condition that can be “cured” in the conventional sense. Set helpful expectations for yourself that push you out of your comfort zone from time to time.
Most importantly, there is no shame in seeking treatment for your condition. If your pain is greatly affecting your day to day life or has lasted for months at a time, you deserve to get some relief and there are lots of helpful options for treatment available. Contact us today to learn about our innovative new treatment options.
