Knee pain is a condition that affects people of all ages. The pain can be caused by injuries, mechanical problems, overuse, infection, and medical conditions like arthritis. Generally, knee pain can be treated at home, but there are instances where you will need to seek medical attention. It is important to be familiar with the common symptoms of knee pain and what each of them means to make it easy for you to manage the pain and visit a doctor at the right time.

Here is what to know:

Common Symptoms of Knee Pain

There are several signs that normally accompany knee pain. These include redness and swelling, inability to extend the knee, locking of the knee, and limping. Depending on the nature of the problem, the condition may be characterized by grinding, aching, or popping.

Below are three symptoms and what they actually mean:

Grinding

Knee crepitus is a common noise from the knee. The rough grinding from the knee can be both felt and heard. This crunching sound is usually caused by the cartilage of the knee becoming rough, making it difficult for the bones in the joint to slide as they would normally do. When you place your hand on the kneecap and bend it back and forth, you will feel like you have sandpaper in the joint.

Although this condition is often harmless, it may need medical attention if it occurs following a trauma. You should also visit a doctor if the sound is accompanied by pain and swelling.

Aching

A dull ache in the knee may be caused by damage to the tendons, ligaments, cartilage, or other muscles, which can be due to a strain, misstep, or a twist. However, there are times when patients will suffer such pains without injury, making it difficult to determine the source of the discomfort.

Not all knee pain is serious. However, when the ache is accompanied by swelling, stiffness, warmth to the touch, difficulty flexing the knee, and inability to bear weight on the knee, you should visit a doctor. If left untreated, the condition can cause more pain, joint damage, or even disability.

Popping

Popping knee sounds are usually more audible than grinding sounds but occur less often. Some of the causes of this noise are meniscus tears, loose pieces of cartilage within the joint, or more serious damage to the surface of the knee joint. The noise may also be due to a buildup in air bubbles caused by changes in joint pressure.

Generally, popping and cracking sounds are not a sign of anything serious. However, you should be concerned in case of persistent popping, pain, swelling, or when the knee gives way.

How ViscoGen™ Can Help

When you suffer knee pain, you will need to find a qualified doctor to make an accurate diagnosis and administer the right treatment. At ViscoGen™, we focus on nonsurgical knee and joint pain treatments. Our doctors used to do surgery but have shifted their focus to nonsurgical solutions for pain management. Through injections or our proprietary Joint Visc and Knee Visc5® treatment plans, patients can get pain relief faster. The treatments help you avoid surgery, do not require the use of anesthesia, and are associated with less downtime, meaning you can return to your active life faster.

When you have acute and chronic joint problems, ViscoGen™ will be happy to offer our nonsurgical knee pain program to help relieve the pain. We have highly trained staff and use advanced imaging technology to provide treatment. Contact us today to learn more about Knee Visc5® and schedule your consultation.