Did you know that one in four American adults suffer from chronic knee pain? If you’re one of them, you know how agonizing knee pain can be. Plus, it can severely limit your mobility and daily life. But what causes so many people to suffer from knee pain, and what can you do about it? Read on to learn more:
Sprained or strained ligaments and/or muscles
The most common, everyday knee injury is a sprained or strained ligament/muscle. This is usually caused by a blow or sudden twist of the knee. While sprains and strains can heal on their own, they can also lead to long-term damage and pain.
Torn cartilage
Another common knee injury is torn cartilage. When trauma occurs to the knee, it can tear the menisci (the connective tissue around the knee that act as shock absorbers). These injuries often occur with sprains and may result in an individual wearing a brace for an extended period of time. In severe cases, surgery is needed to repair the cartilage.
Tendonitis
Tendonitis occurs when the tendons in a particular area become inflamed due to overuse. Overuse can involve excessive running, jumping, or cycling, and is most common with athletes, especially those in basketball.
Arthritis
Finally, there’s arthritis. Arthritis can happen in almost any area of the body, but is most common in the knees. It most often affects middle-aged and older adults as the cartilage of the knee gradually wears away. There is also rheumatoid arthritis which can affect younger adults.
Knee pain can be debilitating, but there’s hope. Dr. Kirit Kothari offers PRP therapy for knees, hips, and ankles. Contact him today to learn more!
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