Your knee is a more complex joint than you may realize. And, when it hurts, you notice it and how it affects your mobility. At Virgin Island 
Orthopaedics and Medical Specialists in Saint Thomas and St. Croix, Dr. Jeffrey Chase is the expert to see for diagnosis, treatment and healing of your knee pain.
What's the source of your knee pain?
There are a wide variety of factors that cause knee pain--age, injury, arthritis, cystic conditions, worn/torn cartilage, and more. Trauma or a disease process can precipitate these conditions, affecting the knee cap, or platella, upper and lower leg bones, as well as the ligaments and tendons which support and move them.
Seeking care
Common sense says knee pain is not normal. If you have trouble bearing weight on your knee, see swelling or signs of infection, or notice your knee has a different shape than it usually does, contact Virgin Island Orthopaedics and Medical Specialists in Saint Thomas or St. Croix.
Expect a thorough diagnostic work-up. Tell Dr. Chase about the timing, severity, and location of your knee pain and whatever may worsen or relieve it. He will examine your knee and how you walk and also take a series of X-rays and other tests such as Magnetic Resonance Imaging and/or ultrasound to view the softer tissues of the joint. From there, he can plan treatment.
Treating knee pain
Your treatment plan encompasses several treatment modalities. Some, you likely know:
- Rest
- Ice to reduce swelling
- Compression and support with an elastic bandage
- Elevation above heart level
Additionally, whether you need surgery or not (arthroscopy or knee joint replacement as examples), physical therapy is important to restore balance, strength, and full mobility. Dr. Chase agrees with the American Academy of Orthopeadic Surgeons which highly recommends a knee strengthening and conditioning regimen as part of your treatment for knee pain.
Preventing knee pain
Here are some tips on keeping your knees functional and healthy:
- Maintain your ideal weight.
- Stretch before you work out, and be sure to keep yourself in good overall physical condition (in other words, stay as active as possible).
- Rest, ice, and elevate after a strenuous workout even if you are not in pain.
- Wear proper knee pads and shoes as appropriate to your sport or work activity.
Always seek good advice
At Virgin Island Orthopaedics and Medical Specialists, the professional team enjoys seeing people feel better and be completely rehabilitated from the cause of their knee pain and dysfunction. For more information on our various specialties, or if you are in pain, call either of our two offices for a consultation. In St. Croix, phone (340) 692-5000. In Saint Thomas, call (340) 714-2845.