Knee Doctor Gaithersburg MD

Pain & Arthritis Relief Center

knee doctor Gaithersburg MD

It can be challenging to differentiate between knee pain that will go away on its own and knee pain that a knee doctor should assess in Gaithersburg, MD, at the Pain & Arthritis Relief Center for effective treatment. When we experience knee pain or suffer a sudden knee injury, we don’t always think much of it. Soreness or discomfort in the knee typically goes away on its own. In general, the knees are very durable. However, they are at the same time fragile and can easily be injured. Daily activities including walking, lifting, and running may cause strain on the knee. When overused or abused, pain, popping joints, and mobility problems could result. Knee pain that persists for longer than a few days should get treated by an experienced doctor.

If you’ve been experiencing any pain in your knee for more than 48 hours, you should consult a knee doctor for help. Your knee injury could be more severe than you think. Though many knee injuries are minor and heal pretty quickly, prolonged pain can signify that it is something worse.

The Advanced Spine & Wellness Center

The Pain & Arthritis Relief Center has a team of licensed and certified medical doctors who are enthusiastic about the wellbeing of Gaithersburg residents. Equipped with the skills and dedication to providing proper treatments, our medical center helps people repair injuries, rebuild strength, and regain mobility. We have helped many patients find relief from their pain or damage over the years without using high-risk procedures or medication. Our proven regenerative treatments accelerate the healing process so that patients can go back to their favorite activities more quickly. 

When you talk with a knee doctor, you can discuss any concerns and learn about the available treatment options. A trusted knee doctor will take your circumstances into account and find the best treatment option that is most suitable for you. We will listen to your needs to deliver the treatment plan that best fits your patient profile.

How Can I Tell if My Knee Injury Is Serious?

The Severity of Symptoms May Indicate the Severity of the Knee Injury

The severity of symptoms and the location where symptoms occur vary depending on the type and severity of the injury. In addition to pain, you may notice several symptoms:

  • Stiffness and swelling
  • Instability or weakness
  • Difficulty straightening the knee
  • Warmth or redness
  • Crunching or popping noises

If you have any of these symptoms you may need to be evaluated by a knee doctor in Gaithersburg MD.

You Should See a Doctor If You Have Signs of a Serious Knee Injury

Several signs indicate that you should call a knee doctor in Gaithersburg MD:

  • Unable to bear weight or your knee gives out
  • Can not fully flex or extend the knee
  • You have considerable swelling in the knee
  • Your knee or leg has an obvious deformity
  • You experience severe knee pain related to an injury
  • You have redness, swelling, pain or fever in your knee

These Knee Injuries Tend To Be the Most Severe

Knee injuries may impact the tendons, ligaments, bursae, knee joint and other structures around the knee. There are several common types of serious knee injuries:

  • ACL injuries involve tears of the anterior cruciate ligament. These injuries are common in sports that involve rapid changes in direction
  • The meniscus is the cartilage that helps absorb shock between the thighbone and shinbone. Sudden twisting motions can cause a meniscus tear.
  • Patellar tendinitis involves inflammation and irritation of the tendons. Athletes in sports that involve jumping, such as runners and skiers, often experience this injury.
  • Fractures occur when the bones of the knee are broken during accidents or falls. People who have weakened bones due to osteoporosis may also experience knee fractures without any obvious trauma to the knee.
  • Knee bursitis refers to inflammation in the bursae of the knee. These are the small fluid sacs that help cushion the outside of the knee joint.

If you have suffered trauma to the knee, a doctor at Pain Arthritis Relief Center can evaluate you for these injuries. 

Severe Problems With the Knee Can Have Other Causes

Injuries aren’t the only cause of severe problems with the knee. Sometimes a mechanical flaw is responsible:

  • When cartilage and bone deteriorate, they can sometimes break loose and float around in the knee joint. If this material gets lodged in the joint, it may interfere with function.
  • Awkward gaits caused by pain avoidance or physical abnormalities can also cause foot or hip pain. 

If you have one of these issues a doctor at Pain Arthritis Relief Center can work with you to create a treatment plan.

How To Get the Most From Your Knee Doctor Appointments: Tips To Consider

Once you’ve decided to make an appointment with a knee doctor in Gaithersburg MD, it’s important to do everything you can to make the time during and after those visits as productive as possible. It all starts with being a proactive patient.

1. Bring Detailed Notes About Your Symptoms

Your doctor will start by getting a thorough history, which will include specifics about when your knee issues started. However, it’s sometimes difficult to recall everything correctly in the office, especially if you’re feeling under pressure.

That’s why it’s a good idea to take notes at home and bring them to your visit. Referring to these notes in your conversations with a practitioner at the Pain & Arthritis Relief Center is a great way to ensure you give a clear picture of what’s going on with you and how it impacts your life.

2. Compile a List of Questions

It’s natural to have numerous questions you want to bring up while speaking with your knee doctor in Gaithersburg MD. For example, perhaps you want to know whether regular visits to a physical therapy facility could help. Maybe you’ve tried some over-the-counter drugs already and would like to try a prescription-strength medication.

Whatever the case, have those queries ready so you can engage in a fruitful discussion. Bringing your questions can also provide more peace of mind. For example, you might have concerns about having surgery to relieve your symptoms. In such cases, a knee doctor in Gaithersburg MD can tell you about the recovery time and anything else on your mind.

3. Take the Doctor’s Advice Seriously

Depending on the extent of your knee problems and the recommended treatment options, the things the doctor suggests may suggest lifestyle changes or recommend that you refrain from engaging in certain activities that could exacerbate your symptoms.

Alternatively, the treatment plan provided by the Pain & Arthritis Relief Center team may mean you need to set aside time every day to do at-home exercises. It’s not always easy to change your routine like that. However, committing to do so is a key part of getting good outcomes. Listen to what your physician says, then figure out what you need to do to follow that advice.

Keeping these things in mind will help you have mutually beneficial visits with a knee doctor in Gaithersburg MD. You’ll then have a great foundation for making the most of your visits, increasing the chances of meaningful results.

When You Should See a Knee Doctor

Knee problems are one of the most frequent medical issues that adults can experience. Often, this pain is minuscule and will go away on its own with rest and elevation. Most knee pain and injuries take a few days to recover from. However, patients should be mindful of constant knee pain that is not relieved even with extended rest or icing. For some people, knee problems can be persistent, leading to a disruption in day-to-day activities. Knee pain that begins to interfere with your routine demands urgent medical attention. A chiropractor from our clinic should evaluate the problem to rule out any serious injury when this is the case.

There are different types of knee pain that a patient may experience, ranging from mild to severe. Some knee injuries are more subtle than others. It can affect how well you can move. If you’ve been experiencing any of the following signs or symptoms, please call the Pain & Arthritis Relief Center:

  • Swelling for more than 48 hours
  • Deep, throbbing pain in the knee joint
  • Total or partial loss of range-of-motion
  • Instability in the knee
  • Unable to put total weight on your knee
  • Deformed or misshapen knee
  • Abrupt popping or clicking sounds
  • Numbness or tingling
  • Any knee joint pain in a child or elder

If you have been diagnosed with an ACL injury, tendonitis, meniscal or tendon tears, or any other injury, we advise scheduling an appointment with us as soon as possible. These injuries require immediate treatment, and if untreated, may result in long-term or permanent results.

Questions To Ask Your Knee Doctor

Pain, swelling or stiffness in your joints can drastically affect your everyday life. Typically simple tasks such as walking or crouching may seem impossible if you have a knee injury. Many patients fear that a consultation with a knee doctor in Gaithersburg MD, is going to result in a recommendation for surgery, but the team at the Pain & Arthritis Relief Center may be able to treat your injury with a less invasive method. To ensure that you are fully informed about your options, there are several questions you should ask at your consultation.

What Is Causing the Knee Pain?

An ache or pain in either knee is typically caused by one of three main culprits:

  • Arthritis
  • Injury
  • Compensation 

Be prepared to discuss the specifics of your pain with the doctor. Are you experiencing a dull, persistent ache? Did you fall or twist the joint? Does the pain intensify when you engage in certain activities? Is it affecting your mobility? The more details you can include in your description, the easier it is likely to be for a knee doctor in Gaithersburg MD, to diagnose the problem.

What Are My Non-Surgical Treatment Options?

While advancements in orthopedic care have made knee surgery less invasive than in the past, it is still considered a last resort. There are probably several other treatment options to try first. Your doctor may recommend an injection at the site of the pain to reduce inflammation or help with lubrication of the joint. Physical therapy or chiropractic care may be an effective way to resolve the problem that is causing the knee pain. Your knee doctor in Gaithersburg MD, may give you instructions on wearing a brace or teach you how to ice your knee to reduce swelling and pain. Other non-surgical treatment options may also be available.

Should I Take Pain Relief Medication?

An anti-inflammatory medication that you can buy over the counter may offer some temporary relief. It may not be an effective long-term solution, though. In fact, the medication may just be masking the pain, which can keep you from realizing that you are doing more damage as you continue to use the knee. If you are having to take pain relievers every day, you should talk to the doctor about ways to address the problem rather than simply treating the symptoms.

What Else Can I Do To Take Care of My Knees?

A knee doctor in Gaithersburg MD, is a great resource for understanding ongoing care to prevent future problems. He or she can give you tips on how to protect your knees during exercise either with the right brace or movements that don’t put extra strain on your joints. It is also advisable that you take steps to control your weight as extra pounds just add more pressure. 

If you are experiencing pain, a knee doctor in Gaithersburg MD, at the Pain & Arthritis Relief Center can answer your questions and devise a plan to address the problem. Knowing what to ask can help find the treatment option that’s right for you.

Relief From Nightly Knee Pain

Many people suffer from nightly knee pain. This often affects people who go through strenuous physical activity, sit for long periods, or have inflammation in their knees. Walking and constant movement puts stress on the knees, which can make the pain worse. This pain can make it difficult to fall asleep, stay asleep, and cause general restlessness. The pain occurs at night because a person decreases their movement level during the evening, in contrast during the day where they may be in constant motion because of regular daily activities. This, in turn, can affect your overall quality of life. There are several reasons why a person may suffer knee pain at night, including:

  • Arthritis
  • Bursitis
  • Damage to cartilage
  • Damage to tendons
  • Gout
  • Knee effusion
  • Obesity
  • Osteoarthritis
  • Overuse

Two of the most common knee pain at night causes are osteoarthritis and gout. Osteoarthritis of the knee is caused by a thinning of the knee’s cartilage and formations of bone spurs. The joint of the knee has a capsule filled with fluid cushions, lubricates, and nourishes the knee joint, but overnight that fluid dries up. Wear and tear affect joints in the knee, causing the bones to rub together, leading to pain and stiffness. Middle-aged and elderly individuals often suffer from gout, osteoarthritis, and other conditions that lead to nightly knee pain. However, younger individuals may also experience it.

Gout results from the building up of uric acid, causing crystal formation in the joints, with swelling, inflammation, and great pain. The lower the body temperature, the more likely crystals will form in the joint. Since our body’s temperature lowers when asleep, this can cause a sudden flare-up of gout in the knee. The pain can be excruciating when swelling, heat, and redness are present in the knee.

If you suffer from knee pain at night, there are some things that you may be able to do that will help alleviate symptoms. Relief from nightly knee pain is possible, thanks to treatments offered by a trusted knee doctor. 

A Gaithersburg, MD knee doctor may recommend heat or ice packs, deep breathing and relaxation, gentle exercise, and over-the-counter medications. You can also do at-home treatments to reduce pain. Doing the following at bedtime can assist with pain and help you sleep:

  • Apply a heat or ice pack 10 to 20 minutes before going to bed
  • About 20 minutes before bedtime, rest with your legs elevated on pillows or cushions. This can help reduce swelling. Ideally, your legs should be resting higher than the level your heart is at.
  • Take a warm bath before bed. Baths are both relaxing and a way to help soothe sore joints.
  • Try a relaxation technique, such as deep breathing, visualization, or relaxing music. Many meditation apps are available.
  • Finding a comfortable sleep position can help with the pain. For those that sleep on their sides, a pillow placed between the knees can help relieve pressure. For those that sleep on their back, a pillow beneath the knees can help.

Let a Pain & Arthritis Relief Center Knee Doctor Help

While many types of symptoms and conditions will prompt people to seek medical attention right away, many of us tend to ignore or put off having pain issues checked out by a medical professional. Many people tend to dismiss pain as something that occurred because they must have overexerted themselves, slept on it the wrong way, or even attributed it to getting old. While these are all valid and common for knee pain to be fleeting, it is essential to pay attention to knee pain that does not quickly go away. Noticing whether a knee injury is more than a minor injury is crucial to receive treatment promptly. 

Nonsurgical Treatment for Knee Problems

Contrary to what you may think, invasive surgical procedures are not always necessary. Surgery is a drastic solution and may not yield effective results for every patient. Natural treatments are capable of healing knee injuries and eliminating knee pain. Effective treatment options may include:

  • Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications.
  • Lubrication injections.
  • A knee brace.
  • Physical therapy.
  • Chiropractic knee adjustments from a knee doctor at the Pain & Arthritis Relief Center.

Because the underlying factors of any injury will vary, it’s best to have a chiropractor assess your circumstances and create a tailor-made treatment plan.

Physical Therapy for Knee Pain

Knee pain can be debilitating and act as a hindrance to day-to-day activities. Most adults have experienced some degree of knee pain. For athletes, people over 55, and those who’ve suffered an injury or have certain medical conditions, the risk of experiencing ongoing knee pain is greatly increased. As a leading knee doctor in Maryland, we don’t want your quality of life to be reduced by bodily pain. 

Because of this, we encourage you to seek out physical therapy treatment to ease any discomfort you’re experiencing, especially when your knees are involved! 

Your knees are considered two of the most critical joints in the body. They bear most of your body weight and allow for things like walking, running, and even standing. Your knees are essential for everyday movements. When you feel pain in the knee area, your quality of life can quickly be dragged down. It can limit the things you can do and the speed you do them. Our knee doctor can provide you with physical therapy sessions to correct any issue you’ve been diagnosed with; thus, getting you back on your feet and moving normally. 

Physical therapy is highly recommended, especially for athletes or individuals who have jobs that require them to exert a high degree of physical effort. In addition to physical therapy, we provide a broad range of knee pain services such as viscosupplementation, PRP and Stem Cell treatment, chiropractic care, and more.  

Causes of Knee Pain

The knees are both strong and vulnerable. Because of their intricate makeup, various factors can lead to pain and injury around the knee area. A knee doctor knows what to look for and can provide you with a complete evaluation to determine what is going on and how it can be effectively treated. If you find yourself with any of the problems below, please call the Pain Arthritis Relief Center for help.

  • Knee fractures
  • Torn ACL
  • Torn Meniscus
  • Knee bursitis
  • Dislocation of the knee
  • Arthritis
  • Patella tendonitis

Do I Need to See a Doctor for My Knee Pain?

Sometimes knee pain will go away with rest, ice, and time. In other cases, knee pain can worsen and cause other problems. If you are dealing with any of the following, please consider calling a knee doctor right away.

  • You are unable to put weight on the knee
  • You feel like the knee is going to give way
  • Your range of motion is significantly reduced
  • You have limited mobility
  • Your joint looks visibly deformed
  • You suffered an injury and are in pain

What Can I do for My Knee Pain at Home?

A qualified knee doctor in Gaithersburg, MD, can help you relieve your knee pain. But knee pain can be excruciating and intrusive upon your daily activities. When you need immediate care at home, try the following remedies:

  • Take the weight off your knee as much as possible. If you need to lean on a chair or you happen to have crutches in the house, make sure to use those items to assist your movement. Putting more pressure on your knee when it hurts can lead to further injury.
  • Rest the injured joint while you wait for your doctor’s appointment. During this time, it’s best to stay home and sit on the couch or lay in your bed. Ignoring your pain and going about your daily activities puts you at a higher risk of incurring further injury.

When do I need a knee replacement?

A knee doctor in Gaithersburg, Maryland, can help you answer this question. There are two types of knee replacement surgeries — your standard knee replacement surgery and a knee replacement revision. In a standard knee replacement surgery, the knee joint is replaced with a prosthetic joint consisting of artificial material. A knee replacement revision surgery is a surgery to correct problems with prior knee surgery. In either case, call a knee doctor to see if having these surgeries is right for you. 

Can I get an injection instead of surgery?

Treatment options vary on a case-by-case basis. Most often, patients want to avoid surgery due to the painful recovery that can come along with it. Some alternative treatments include receiving an injection of medication directly into the knee joint. The following are a few different substances that can be injected into the knee joint to ease your pain:

  • Hyaluronic acid: This substance naturally occurs in the joints as a lubricant and absorbs shock during movement. Doctors can use it to treat osteoarthritis, often referred to as a “wear and tear” type of injury. The cartilage in your joints wears down due to a variety of factors. This substance can help ease your pain without invasive surgery.
  • Corticosteroids: This anti-inflammatory medication is a steroid and local anesthetic mixture that is used to treat inflammation, knee pain, and swelling when fluid builds up in the knee. It is a man-made version of hormones naturally produced by the adrenal glands in your body. 
  • Lipogems: This is a type of reparative treatment that uses the power of fat. It is typically a short procedure that uses local anesthetic and can be performed in less than an hour. A licensed professional can harvest, concentrate, and utilize your fat cells to treat knee pain.

Consult a qualified knee doctor in Gaithersburg, MD, today to see if any of these treatment options are best for you.

Why Choose Physical Therapy for Knee Pain?

Physical therapy is often one of the go-to recommended treatments made by medical professionals. Physical therapy is non-invasive and comes with little to no complications. It also encourages patients to take an active role in their recovery. Benefits include:

  • Reduced swelling and inflammation
  • Elimination of pain
  • Restoration of functionality in the knee
  • Regained strength, flexibility, and range of motion

Knee pain can be frustrating, but it doesn’t have to be forever. At the Pain Arthritis Relief Center, a knee doctor can help you to restore your knee to optimal functioning. Call us today.

Benefits of Spinal Cord Stimulation

If you have suffered from chronic pain in your back, legs, or arms, you have probably tried numerous options to get relief. Chronic pain can have detrimental effects on a person’s way of life, hindering regular daily activity and preventing you from carrying out simple tasks. After other treatment options have failed, including surgery, you may want to ask your doctor about spinal cord stimulation. Before you do, it’s good to understand the benefits and how treatment might help your pain.

The Surgery Is Simple

The surgery to get a spinal cord stimulator placed under your skin is relatively straightforward. After receiving a trial stimulator for about a week to make sure you like the effects of stimulation, you can opt for the permanent device. This procedure takes only an hour or two, and patients can leave the hospital after the surgery is completed the same day.

Recovery Is Relatively Quick

Physical recovery after implant surgery is reasonably fast. Most patients can leave the hospital after the surgery, and it takes about two to four weeks for the implant area to heal. The incision may be painful for a few days following the surgery, but that should go away soon. You usually only need a week or two out of work for recovery.

You Manage Your Pain

A spinal cord stimulator is wired to the nerves that often feel chronic pain. Whenever that pain acts up, you can manage it on your own. You remotely activate the stimulator when the pain starts to flare and turn it off when you’ve reached the desired results.

A Stimulator Can Help Other Health Issues

A stimulator cannot only help reduce your pain, but it can also help you sleep better at night. Getting a good night’s rest can improve your overall quality of life, making you more rested and ready to go during the day.

Stimulation May Eliminate the Need for Medication

In addition to better quality living, a stimulator can also keep you away from medicines. Many people with chronic pain know their way around a pharmacy all too well. Stimulation treatment can reduce your pain to the point where pain medicine is no longer relevant for your situation.

Speaking to a doctor about spinal cord stimulation is the first place to start. Not everyone is a candidate for this treatment, as other treatments may need to be tried first. However, it never hurts to keep stimulation as an option for fixing your pain.

Get the Right Treatment Today

Regardless of the pain or injury you’re experiencing; a knee pain doctor can provide you with an in-depth evaluation. You’ll have the opportunity to discover the cause of your pain and learn various techniques, in addition to getting treatment that may alleviate it for good. To schedule an appointment with a Gaithersburg, Maryland knee doctor at the Pain & Arthritis Relief Center, please call 301-710–9777.

Questions About Knee Osteoarthritis- Answered

Whether you have been diagnosed with osteoarthritis or suspect that you may be suffering from this disease, our Gaithersburg, MD knee doctor may be able to assist. Osteoarthritis is not something that should be ignored or put on the backburner. Such a condition requires ongoing treatment to manage symptoms because failing to seek treatment or control the disease can be profoundly impactful. It’s not uncommon for osteoarthritis to completely take over a person’s life, making even everyday activities challenging. Our team of practitioners from the Pain & Arthritis Relief Center can develop a treatment plan customized to your needs and assist with answering any questions you may have about your condition. 

What is osteoarthritis?

With more than 3 million new cases each year, osteoarthritis is a degenerative condition that profoundly impacts many. Osteoarthritis causes the cartilage on the ends of the bones to wear down, mainly affecting the joints. Cartilage acts as a cushion or shock absorber between the joints, preventing bones from rubbing together. When this cartilage wears down, the joints are primarily affected. Osteoarthritis predominantly affects people over the age of 45 but is more common in women. 

Is there a cure for osteoarthritis?

Our Gaithersburg, Maryland knee doctor shares that, unfortunately, there is no cure for osteoarthritis. While this can be a troublesome diagnosis, it’s possible to manage the condition by engaging in treatments to manage pain and other symptoms accompanied by osteoarthritis. While treatments can help, eating a healthy diet, engaging in physical activity, and maintaining a healthy weight can also help.  

Why does osteoarthritis so heavily impact the knees?

Osteoarthritis affects the joints and can significantly impact the knees and feet. Some of the most commonly used joints in the body are the hands, feet, and knees. The knees are predominantly impacted because they are responsible for bearing much of a person’s body weight. When damage from the wear down of cartilage occurs to the knee, it can impact mobility, pain, stiffness, and more. 

What are some common treatment recommendations to gain control over my condition?

There are several ways to treat osteoarthritis, and often a variety of treatments may be critical to managing your condition and regaining control of your life. One common way to manage osteoarthritis is by living a healthy lifestyle; however, some treatments are imperative to managing osteoarthritis, such as:

  • Vitamins & Supplements
  • Over the Counter Pain Relievers
  • Intra-Articular Injection Therapies
  • Massage
  • Chiropractics
  • Acupuncture

Does osteoarthritis do irreparable damage? 

The damage done is irreparable but, it is possible to prevent long-term damage from happening. With proper treatments, it’s possible to stop long-term damage. 

What are some ways to get the most out of treatment?

One of the best ways to ensure you get the most out of treatment is by fully dedicating yourself to treatment and recommendations made by your doctor. Following through with guidance and living a healthy lifestyle is the best way to make the most out of treatment and achieve your desired results. 

Our team at Pain & Arthritis Relief Center is dedicated to helping you end the knee pain you are experiencing due to osteoarthritis. We will work closely with you to prevent further deterioration from occurring, improve your range of motion, reduce pain, and, more importantly, improve your overall quality of life. Take back control of your osteoarthritis by contacting our Gaithersburg, MD, knee doctor to schedule your first appointment.