Diagnosing the cause of knee pain involves a comprehensive evaluation by a medical professional to pinpoint the exact source of discomfort. Here’s what you can expect during the process:

1. Medical History and Symptom Discussion: The first step involves a detailed conversation about your symptoms, daily activities, and any previous knee injuries or medical conditions. Your doctor will ask about the onset, location, and intensity of your pain, as well as any factors that worsen or relieve it, to gather crucial clues about the underlying issue.

2. Physical Examination: A thorough physical exam is conducted to assess your knee’s range of motion, stability, and strength. Your doctor may perform specific manoeuvres, like bending or rotating the knee, to identify any pain points, swelling, or signs of ligament damage. They may also check for tenderness or warmth, which could indicate inflammation or infection.

3. Imaging Tests: A doctor may order imaging tests such as X-rays, MRI, or ultrasound. X-rays can reveal fractures, dislocations, or signs of arthritis, while an MRI provides detailed images of soft tissues, like ligaments, tendons, and cartilage, helping to identify tears or other damage.

4. Laboratory Tests: In some cases, blood tests may be performed to detect infections, inflammation, or autoimmune markers that could be contributing to your knee pain. Joint aspiration, where fluid is removed from the knee for analysis, may also be done to check for infections or gout.

5. Specialised Assessments: Depending on your condition, you may be referred to an orthopaedic specialist, rheumatologist, or physical therapist for further evaluation. These experts may perform additional assessments to determine the most effective treatment plan for your specific needs.

Accurate diagnosis is essential for developing a targeted treatment strategy that addresses the root cause of your knee pain.

Managing knee pain involves a range of treatment options tailored to address the specific cause of your discomfort and restore your knee’s function. Here’s how medical professionals approach treating knee issues:

1. Conservative Treatments: Initial management often includes non-surgical methods to relieve pain and improve mobility. This may involve physical therapy to strengthen the muscles around the knee, reduce swelling with ice packs, and use anti-inflammatory medications or corticosteroid injections to alleviate pain and inflammation.

2. Arthroscopy: For conditions requiring a more detailed intervention, arthroscopy is a minimally invasive procedure where a small camera is inserted into the knee joint through tiny incisions. This allows the surgeon to diagnose and treat various issues such as meniscus tears, ligament damage, or cartilage wear, often leading to quicker recovery times and less postoperative discomfort compared to traditional surgery.

3. Cartilage Restoration: If cartilage damage is the primary issue, specialised procedures like autologous chondrocyte implantation (ACI) or osteochondral grafting may be recommended. These techniques aim to repair or replace damaged cartilage, promoting joint health and reducing pain. ACI involves growing cartilage cells from the patient’s own body and re-implanting them, while osteochondral grafting replaces damaged cartilage with healthy bone and cartilage from a donor site or the patient’s own body.

4. Arthroplasty: For severe cases where joint damage is extensive, knee arthroplasty (or knee replacement surgery) may be necessary. This procedure involves removing the damaged parts of the knee joint and replacing them with artificial components. Arthroplasty can significantly relieve pain, improve function, and enhance overall quality of life, especially for patients with advanced arthritis or joint degeneration.

With these diverse treatment options, your healthcare professional can create a personalised plan that effectively addresses your knee pain, helping you return to a pain-free and active lifestyle.