DIAGNOSIS
A patient should see a doctor if knee pain appears chronic, becomes serious, or lasts for longer than one week. If there’s another diminished range of motion in the joint or if bending the knee becomes painful, it will be crucial to see a specialist.
In cases of blunt force or shock, once an accident has happened, the specialist should then ask for history and physical examination, an X-ray, or MRI.
TREATMENT
Based on the source of the knee pain and the condition, treatment may vary. Usually, rest and ice can encourage the knee to recover over time in cases of strain and overuse injuries.
Treatment can also include treating discomfort through medicine and inflammation. The person will have to rest in most situations.
Tears or other injuries caused by trauma can include bracing, knee snapping back into place, or surgery. In the case of surgery, after the operation, a person will obviously not be able to use the knee and will need either crutches or a wheelchair until fully recovered.
Physical therapy, in some cases, helps a person recover knee to leg mobility and strength.
Prevention
It is not always reasonably possible to avoid knee accidents, but a person should take steps to cut the risk. For example, proper shoes and safety gear should be worn by persons who exercise or play sports.
A person may want to consider lowering the number of miles they run in instances of iliotibial band syndrome and overuse injuries.
Some workouts also aim to improve the muscles of smaller legs and can help to avoid injuries.