Knee Pain That Won’t Go Away? When It’s Time to Look Beyond Rest and Ice

Knee pain has a way of changing more than just the way you move. It can make you think twice about taking the stairs, going for a walk, exercising, playing with your kids or simply getting through your normal routine comfortably.

When knee pain first starts, rest, ice and over-the-counter pain relievers may provide some relief. But what happens when the pain keeps coming back or never really goes away?

Persistent knee pain may be a sign that it’s time to look beyond temporary relief and find out what is actually causing the problem.

Why Does Knee Pain Linger?

The knee is a complex joint that absorbs a significant amount of stress during everyday movement. Pain can develop for many reasons, including:

• Osteoarthritis and age-related changes
• Previous injuries
• Tendon or ligament irritation
• Overuse or repetitive activity
• Inflammation
• Changes in strength, mobility or joint function

Sometimes the cause is obvious, such as an injury. Other times, knee pain develops gradually and becomes something you simply learn to live with.

But ongoing pain deserves a closer look, especially when it begins interfering with the things you want or need to do.

When Should You Have Knee Pain Evaluated?

Occasional soreness after a strenuous activity may improve on its own. However, it may be time to schedule an evaluation if your knee pain:

• Has lasted several weeks or continues to return
• Makes walking, exercising or using stairs difficult
• Causes stiffness or reduced range of motion
• Is accompanied by swelling
• Is affecting your sleep or daily activities
• Has not improved with rest and other conservative measures

Rather than simply treating the discomfort, an evaluation can help identify what may be contributing to your pain and determine which treatment options make sense for you.

What Are the Treatment Options for Chronic Knee Pain?

There is no single treatment that is right for every person with knee pain.

Depending on the cause and severity of your symptoms, treatment may include activity modifications, physical therapy, strengthening, medications, injections or other interventions.

For some patients, regenerative medicine may also be considered as part of a nonsurgical approach to joint pain.

At Restoration Wellness, one option we offer is platelet-rich plasma, or PRP, therapy.

What Is PRP Therapy?

PRP therapy uses a concentrated portion of your own blood containing platelets and growth factors. After a blood sample is collected and processed, the platelet-rich portion is injected into the targeted area.

PRP is used in a variety of orthopedic and musculoskeletal applications and may be considered for certain types of joint pain and injuries.

It is important to remember that PRP is not appropriate for every patient, and results can vary. A consultation allows your provider to evaluate your symptoms, health history and goals before determining whether PRP or another approach may be appropriate.

Knee Pain Shouldn’t Make Your Decisions for You

If you find yourself skipping activities, avoiding stairs or changing your plans because of knee pain, it may be time to find out what is happening beneath the surface.

At Restoration Wellness, our goal is to look at the whole picture rather than simply addressing symptoms. We work with you to understand what may be contributing to your discomfort and discuss treatment options based on your individual needs.

You may have more options for managing knee pain than you realize.

Ready to Learn More About Your Knee Pain?

Schedule a Joint Pain Consultation with Restoration Wellness in Lebanon, Tennessee, to discuss your symptoms and explore treatment options that may help you move more comfortably and confidently.

Individual results vary. PRP and regenerative medicine treatments may not be appropriate for every patient. A medical evaluation is necessary to determine appropriate treatment options.