Programs & Services
Knee Pain
If you are suffering from knee pain, you are not alone. Almost one in three Americans over the age of 45 complain of knee pain. But with many treatments available, you can reduce your pain and continue enjoying your life.
Symptoms
Most knee pain results from overuse, injury, or disease such as osteoarthritis or rheumatoid arthritis. You may be suffering from any of the following symptoms:
- Swelling
- Intense pain, even at rest
- Difficulty walking or climbing stairs
- Aching or stiffness
- Loss of flexibility
- Creaking or clicking sound
Primary Treatments
You may be able to reduce or control your pain with the following treatments:
- Over-the-counter or prescription pain medication
- Cortisone injection
- Physical therapy to strengthen and stretch the muscles and tendons around the knee
Surgery
If you have tried primary treatments to improve your pain without success, you may be a candidate for surgery. Your doctor will determine your diagnosis and whether surgery is appropriate for you.
Pain Management for Knee Replacement Surgery
If you do need knee replacement surgery, know that your comfort is important. Beginning pre-operatively and continuing through surgery and recovery, patients are given a precise combination of anesthesia and oral medications. Mercy’s pain protocol was developed by a team of physicians, pharmacists, nurses, therapists and other care-givers to reduce your pain and nausea. In addition to increasing your comfort, well-controlled pain can speed healing and lead to fewer complications.
Knee Recovery
While recovering in the hospital from knee surgery, therapists from Mercy’s Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Program will show you how to exercise your knee.