Knee pain often comes on slowly, over time, as you go about your life. But, whether your knee pain has occurred over several weeks, months, or years – or you experience a sudden injury to your knee, it’s likely you need to see a knee specialist.
Knee specialists, like the doctors at Tri County Orthopedics, are orthopedic specialists who focus their attention on problems affecting the knee joint. While there are various ways to tend to your knee injury at home – with ice, compression, and rest – there are several signs you can look for to know when it’s time you should see a knee specialist.
Let’s discuss five different signs that let you know it’s time to seek medical attention with an orthopedic knee specialist.
1. You Have Knee Pain That Persists for More Than 2 Weeks
There is a long list of factors that may be causing your knee pain. That said, your knee pain shouldn’t last more than a few days with the typical home remedies of icing, resting, and elevating the joint. If you find your knee pain is lasting for more than two weeks, there may be an underlying reason for your discomfort. A knee specialist can diagnose this condition and provide you with treatment to help you achieve pain-free movement once again.
2. You Can’t Bear Weight on Your Knee
When you stand up, can you immediately feel the weight being put on your knee joint? If so, there may be an underlying condition that needs to be addressed. Whether you feel moderate discomfort when putting weight on your knee or are unable to put any weight on your knee, it’s important to seek medical attention as soon as possible to avoid further injury.
3. You Have a Limited Range of Motion in Your Knee
If you’ve injured your knee, the swelling around the knee joint may make it hard to straighten your leg fully or bend your knee to its fullest potential. This limited range of motion is normal for up to 48 hours after a minor injury or overuse. If this limited range of motion persists for more than a day or two, we encourage you to reach out to a knee specialist at your earliest convenience.
4. You Have a Joint that Appears Deformed
If you’re unsure what a deformity looks like, you’re not alone. We encourage patients to look at their knees together, side-by-side. If you notice one knee is significantly more swollen than the other, there may be cause for concern. During your appointment with your knee specialist, we recommend you outline any physical activity you participated in that may have caused the swelling.
5. You Have Difficulty Walking
Difficulty walking can be caused by a wide range of problems affecting the ankles, feet, or hip joints. However, if you find you have pain or discomfort in your knee to the point that you’re limping, there is likely a deeper issue causing your pain. A knee specialist can assess your condition and provide you with treatment options that can help restore your ability to walk without pain or discomfort.
Knee Specialist in Farmington Hills, MI
If you’re in the Farmington Hills area of Michigan and are looking for a knee specialist, look no further than Tri County Orthopedics. Our doctors are eager to meet you and ready to help you get back to living your life without limits. We work with you to ensure you get the individualized attention you deserve – from evaluation of your injury to diagnostic imaging and through your individually tailored treatment plan.
To make an appointment with one of our knee specialists, call Tri County Orthopedics at (248) 474-5575, or fill out our online appointment request form.
