When should you consult a doctor about knee pain? How much pain should you be in before seeing a knee specialist? Dr Santosh Sahanand, a knee specialist at Ortho-One Orthopaedic Speciality Centre in Coimbatore, answers your burning questions and explains a few prevention strategies for knee pain.

The first point to consider is the intensity of the knee pain that you are experiencing. “Some people come to us as soon as the pain starts. Such patients will come even if the pain is very minor while there are some who refuse to meet a doctor even if they are in excruciating pain. It is always preferable to be somewhere in between these two extremes,” says Dr Santosh. If you are in a lot of pain and you are unable to put weight on your legs, then you must see a doctor. It is best to find the underlying cause of the pain and get treatment as soon as possible.

The second critical factor is the length of time you have been experiencing knee pain. “If you have insignificant pain, then you do not need to see a doctor. However, if this minor pain persists for a few days, it warrants a visit to the doctor,” says Dr Santosh. When detected in its early stages, the underlying problem causing the knee pain is usually smaller and can be easily treated. This is especially true for conditions such as joint degeneration caused by wear and tear. According to Dr. Santosh, there is a good chance of preventing knee joint degeneration even before it begins, but only if the problem is identified in its early stages.

“The most common mistake people make is assuming that knee pain occurs only when the knee joint wears out. What they do not realize is that knee pain can occur for a variety of other reasons too,” Dr Santosh says. The knee is a complex joint made up of many cartilage and bush-like tissues, and any bruises or injuries to any of these tissues can cause knee pain. When these injuries are minor, rest and certain exercises can heal the condition on their own. However, if one continues to play or put stress on the injured knees, the injury will get bigger and the pain will worsen rather than heal completely.

Therefore, it is always better to identify what is the underlying cause of your knee pain so that appropriate treatment can be initiated. “However, this does not mean that you should see your doctor for every minor ailment or pain,” Dr Santosh cautions. A knee pain that has been bothering you for more than a week or two or a knee pain that is becoming more intense, should be shown to a knee specialist, and thoroughly investigated.