When to Worry About Nagging Knee Pain

Knee pain is common. In fact, osteoarthritis causes knee pain for about 46% of Americans at some point in their lifetimes. Occasional problems might arise from injury or overuse, while chronic knee pain may point to a more serious issue. 

Given the essential role your knees play in movement, relieving pain is crucial to enjoying life and functioning at home and at work. Our Herald Square Chiropractic and Sport team specializes in knee pain relief, regardless of the underlying causes. 

Let’s examine the common causes of nagging knee pain and the first steps of treatment. Understanding how the knee works makes it easier to know when to get serious about lingering pain. 

Function of the knee

Your knees are the largest joints in your body, as well as one of the most complex. The knees operate primarily as a hinge joint. They also support the weight of your upper body. 

You can also move your lower legs laterally in addition to extensive front-to-back movement. This permits the knee to twist as you change directions or turn to the side. Many athletic knee injuries stem from overstraining the joint's sideways capabilities. 

Common causes of knee pain

Osteoarthritis (OA) is the most common cause of chronic knee pain, especially as one ages. It’s a condition brought on by injury or wear-and-tear from daily living. Long-term physical stress on the knee can also hasten the onset of OA. 

Other conditions that lead to nagging knee pain include: 

• Cartilage tears or other damage
• Ligament strains and sprains
• Tendinitis

Because the knee is complex, strains, sprains, and tears can involve more than one tissue group. Osteoarthritis involves the overall deterioration of the knee joint, particularly as it advances. 

When to worry about nagging knee pain

When your knee hurts, the first step is providing self-care, including rest, ice, anti-inflammatory medicine, and avoiding activities that place extra strain on the knee. 

If self-care efforts fail to improve or relief falls short, it’s time to schedule an appointment with our team. If you’re getting older or had previous knee injuries, the issue could be arthritis. 

While most forms of arthritis, including OA, can’t be cured, they can be treated so you can enjoy an active and fulfilling life. 

Contact Herald Square Chiropractic and Sport by phone or online to schedule an assessment. We’ll diagnose the origin of your knee pain and suggest an effective, personalized treatment plan. It starts with your first visit, so book your appointment today.