Knee Specialist in Delray Beach, FL

Knee pain is a common symptom in people of all ages. Because you use your knee so much, it is vulnerable to injury. Knee pain is one of the most common reasons people visit a pain specialist or a doctor. Most knee problems can be prevented or treated with simple measures like exercise or training programs, while others may require surgery.

Marcie A. Merson, M.D. is board-certified by the American Board of Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation and has over 25 years of experience helping patients overcome pain. If you’re in the Delray Beach area, she may be able to help you, too. You don’t have to live with knee pain. Contact our office today and get started on the road to recovery.

A Closer Look at Your Knee

Your knee is one of the largest and most complex joints in your body. Your knee helps to join your thigh bone to the shin bones and your kneecap. Your knee also contains cartilage to help your knee move smoothly acting as shock absorbers for your body.

Because there are so many complex parts of the knee, it can often be at risk for pain or injury.

What Are Common Causes of Knee Pain?

It may start suddenly, often after an injury or exercise. Knee pain also may begin as a mild discomfort, then slowly get worse. Knee pain can have many different causes.

Some common causes of knee pain include:

• Strain or sprain – Minor injuries to the ligaments caused by sudden or unnatural twisting
• Dislocation of the kneecap
• Bursitis – Inflammation from repeated pressure on the knee, such as kneeling for a long time, overuse, or injury
• Fracture of the kneecap or other bones
• Iliotibial band syndrome – Injury to the thick band that runs from your hip to the outside of your knee
• Patellofemoral syndrome – Pain in the front of your knee around the kneecap
• Torn ligament – An anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury, or medial collateral ligament (MCL) injury may cause bleeding into your knee, swelling, or an unstable knee
• Torn cartilage (a meniscus tear) – Pain felt on the inside or outside of the knee joint

Which Medical Conditions Cause Knee Pain?

Knee pain may also be caused by medical conditions such as:

• Arthritis -Including rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, lupus, and gout
• Baker cyst – A fluid-filled swelling behind the knee that may occur with swelling (inflammation) from other causes, such as arthritis
• Cancers  – Those that either spread to your bones or begin in the bones
• Infection in the bones of the knee
• Infection in the knee joint

What Can I Do to Relieve Knee Pain?

Sometimes rest is all our knee needs to get back to normal function. Other times, it can be more serious and require a provider’s attention.

We are specially trained to help you with your knee pain, but some things you can do at home will also aid you in your recovery. Simple causes of knee pain often clear up on their own while you take steps to manage your symptoms. If knee pain is caused by an accident or injury, you should contact Palm Beach Pain Insitute.

If your knee pain is not severe, you can:

1. Rest and avoid activities that cause pain.
2. Avoid putting weight on your knee.
3. Apply ice. First, apply it every hour for up to 15 minutes. After the first day, apply it at least 4 times per day. Cover your knee with a towel before applying ice. Do not fall asleep while using ice or leave it on too long.
4. Keep your knee raised as much as possible to bring down any swelling.
5. Wear an elastic bandage or elastic sleeve, which you can buy at most pharmacies. This may reduce swelling and provide support.
6. Sleep with a pillow underneath or between your knees.
7. Take medication
   • ibuprofen (Motrin) or naproxyn (Aleve) for pain and swelling.
   • Acetaminophen (Tylenol) can help relieve pain, but not swelling.
   • Talk to Dr. Merson before taking these medicines if you have medical problems, or if you have taken them for more than a day or two.

When Should I Seek Treatment for Knee Pain?

We are specially trained to assist you with your knee pain and help you get back to normal functioning.

We can talk with you about your concerns and work with you to get you the right treatment. We can also help advise you regarding other specialties or surgeries if that is necessary.

Schedule a consultation with Palm Beach Pain Insitute if:

• You cannot bear weight on your knee.
• You have severe pain, even when not bearing weight.
• Your knee buckles, clicks, or locks.
• Your knee is deformed or misshapen.
• You cannot flex your knee or have trouble straightening it all the way out.
• You have a fever, redness or warmth around the knee, or a lot of swelling.
• You have pain, swelling, numbness, tingling, or bluish discoloration in the calf below the sore knee.
• You still have pain after three days of home treatment.

How Can Knee Pain be Treated?

We have many options to help get you the relief you need. Knee pain can limit your mobility, your self-esteem, and the quality of your life.

If you’ve been dealing with knee pain, we can visit with you to get you the relief you need.

Treatment options for knee pain may include:

Injections

• • Injection of an anti-inflammatory medicine called corticosteroid
  • Hyaluronic acid injections to improve mobility and ease pain
  • Platelet-rich plasma (PRP)injections for growth factors that appear to reduce inflammation and promote healing

Medications

• • Anti-inflammatory medication to relieve pain
  • Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)

Other Treatment Options

• Physical therapy to make the muscles around your knee more stable
• Acupuncture
• Posture-strengthening exercises
• Arch supports to shift pressure

Dr. Merson will perform a physical exam and closely look at your knee. You will be asked questions to help Dr. Merson understand your knee problem.

Blood or imaging tests, such as x-rays or MRI, may also be ordered to help diagnose the problem.

We may see you for other visits to discuss your successes, setbacks, and your plan for full relief moving forward.

How Can I Avoid Future Knee Injuries?

Follow these general tips to help relieve and prevent knee pain:

• Always warm up before exercising
• Stretch muscles
• Cool down after exercising
• Wear proper footwear when exercising
• Avoid running down hills
• Find alternatives to running
• Reduce the amount of exercise you do
• Run on a smooth, soft surface, such as a track, instead of on cement or pavement
• Lose weight if you are overweight
• Modify activities that include jumping or put extra stress on your knee
• Get help with flat feet or try shoe inserts