If there is no sign of fracture, initial treatment for knee injuries includes icing, rest, and anti-inflammatory medications if medically indicated. Occasionally a cortisone injection may quickly relieve the acute inflammation and pain. If there is no significant improvement within a few days to weeks, a short course of therapy may be all that is needed to get the patient back into shape. If all conservative measures fail, then an special imaging study called an MRI is often ordered by the physician which will help him identify problems such as a meniscal tear, ACL tear, or other ligament injuries. Surgery, such as arthroscopic surgery, may be required to bring the knee back to health.
Patients often complain of pain around the knee cap when going up or down steps or with squatting.
Patellofemoral pain can usually be treated with ice, physical therapy to strengthen the quadriceps muscles, and anti-inflammatory medications if medically indicated. Occasionally for resistant cases that do not respond to conservative measures, surgery may be required. Rotator cuff tendinitis and rotator cuff tears are caused by inflammation and degeneration of the tendons which surround the shoulder joint. These are frequently the result of repetitive overuse of the shoulder. The most common symptoms are pain over the outside of the arm and sometimes can radiate down to the hand.