Knee pain can wax and wane without any apparent reason. For some people, it begins as a stabbing sensation which resolves over time; for others, the pain is dull but chronically escalating. And as we have recently learned, knee pain can be a harbinger of referred pain that spreads throughout the body.

Naming and describing knee pain properly is one of the keys to making a good diagnosis. The Chicago Tribune recently tackled this topic, reviewing some of the common questions you are likely to hear when you visit your doctor:

Faced with a painful knee, doctors will take a history: Did you injure yourself? Did you change your exercise regimen? “All can lead to inflammation of the knee,” says Damle, who has a private practice in Wakefield, R.I.

Your doctor will examine the knee. “You might see fluid buildup, a decrease in the range of motion or difficulty bearing weight,” Damle says. These symptoms may indicate a serious injury such as a ligament tear, which may prompt an MRI scan and a referral to an orthopedic surgeon.

That’s where I come in. As a leading San Diego orthopedic surgeon, I see a number of patients complaining of knee pain. Taking a history can help to dispel the mystery, but sometimes the onset is gradual and subtle enough that no one can pinpoint an immediate point of origin. That’s why I endeavor to learn as much as I can about each patient’s habits, lifestyle choices, and vocation to make a good diagnosis.

Orthopedic knee pain is a widespread problem; visiting an effective orthopedist can help. Reach out today to get the best treatment for knee pain in San Diego.

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