Finding Relief: Advanced Knee Pain Treatments by Dr. Parul Goel
Knee pain is a widespread issue that can hinder mobility and significantly affect your quality of life. Dr. Parul Goel, a leading pain management specialist at Barrow Brain and Spine in Phoenix, AZ, offers a range of treatments designed to alleviate knee pain and restore function.
What is Knee Pain?
Knee pain can result from injuries, mechanical problems, types of arthritis, and other conditions. It can occur in individuals of all ages and can affect one or both knees.
Common Causes of Knee Pain
Arthritis: Osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, and gout are common forms of arthritis that can cause knee pain. Osteoarthritis involves wear-and-tear damage, while rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune condition that affects the joints.
Injuries: Knee injuries, such as ligament tears (ACL, MCL), meniscus tears, and fractures, can cause severe pain and instability.
Bursitis: Inflammation of the bursae, small fluid-filled sacs that cushion the knee joint, can lead to pain and swelling.
Tendinitis: Inflammation of the tendons, often resulting from overuse, is a common cause of knee pain, especially in athletes.
Patellar Tendinitis: Known as jumper’s knee, this condition involves inflammation of the patellar tendon, which connects the kneecap to the shinbone.
Mechanical Problems: Issues like a dislocated kneecap or hip or foot pain can alter the way you walk and lead to knee pain.
Treatment Options for Knee Pain
Dr. Goel provides a comprehensive array of treatments tailored to the specific needs of each patient. Here are some of the most effective approaches:
1. Joint Injections: Joint injections deliver medication directly into the knee to reduce inflammation and relieve pain. Corticosteroid injections are commonly used to provide significant relief for conditions like arthritis or bursitis.
2. Physical Therapy: Physical therapy is essential for treating knee pain. Customized exercise programs are designed to strengthen the muscles around the knee, improve flexibility, and restore range of motion. Physical therapists may also use techniques such as ultrasound or electrical stimulation to reduce pain and promote healing.
3. Medications: Over-the-counter pain relievers, such as acetaminophen and NSAIDs, are often effective for mild to moderate knee pain. In more severe cases, Dr. Goel may prescribe stronger medications or anti-inflammatory drugs to reduce pain and swelling.
4. Minimally Invasive Procedures: Minimally invasive procedures, such as knee arthroscopy, are recommended for certain conditions. This involves using a small camera and instruments to diagnose and treat problems within the knee joint, offering a less invasive option with quicker recovery times.
5. Lifestyle Modifications: Modifying daily activities can help manage knee pain. This includes avoiding high-impact activities, practicing proper techniques during physical activities, and maintaining a healthy weight to reduce stress on the knee.
Living with knee pain can be challenging, but you don’t have to navigate it alone. Dr. Parul Goel at Barrow Brain and Spine in Phoenix is dedicated to providing compassionate and expert care tailored to each patient’s unique needs. By offering a wide array of treatment options—from innovative minimally invasive procedures to personalized physical therapy programs—Dr. Goel helps patients not only find relief from pain but also regain their independence and improve their quality of life.
If knee pain is holding you back, reach out to Dr. Goel’s office to explore the best treatment plan for you. Embrace the possibility of a pain-free future and take the first step towards reclaiming your active lifestyle today.