Can I Go to Urgent Care for Knee Pain?

OrthoOIC Urgent Care for Knee Pain

Knee pain is a common issue that can significantly impact daily activities. Patients often ignore knee pain or are not sure when to see a doctor. Are you curious whether you can go to urgent care for knee pain? OrthoOIC is a leading orthopedic urgent care center in Arlington, VA. The orthopedic specialists at OrthoOIC are trained to treat knee pain, orthopedic sports medicine injuries, and much more. Learn more about common orthopedic knee injuries, knee pain from sports, and what you can expect when seeking treatment at OrthoOIC.

What is Acute Knee Pain?

Pain is either acute or chronic. Acute knee pain arises suddenly with symptoms of swelling, redness, tenderness, difficulty walking, or joint instability. Acute knee pain is often caused by sudden injuries, like sprains, strains, or fractures. Overuse injuries from repetitive motions that cause strain on the knee may also cause acute knee pain. When a patient experiences acute knee pain, address the issue before developing chronic knee pain or worsening the condition. 

Common Orthopedic Knee Injuries

If you are experiencing knee pain, it is critical to determine the underlying cause. Some common orthopedic knee injuries include an ACL or MCL tear, a torn meniscus, or tendonitis. Both the ACL And MCL help support and stabilize the knee. ACL tears are the most common orthopedic knee injuries. Rapid changing of directions, like sudden twisting or pivoting, sudden stopping, or incorrect jumping are culprits of ACL tears in athletes. The meniscus is a cartilage pad that cushions the knee joint. Tears in the meniscus can occur due to sudden twisting or impact. A tendon connects the knee and shin and easily becomes inflamed from overuse, causing patellar tendonitis, another common orthopedic knee injury often called jumper’s knee. Many orthopedic knee injuries can be treated effectively and efficiently at an orthopedic urgent care, like OrthoOIC. As a specialized urgent care for knee pain, we are proficient in bone, joint, and muscle injuries. 

Knee Pain from Sports Medicine

Sports-related knee pain is a common occurrence among athletes of all ages. Sports can put significant strain on the knee joint. Sudden knee injuries from rapid movement or a traumatic fall can happen to athletes at any age and any level of competition. In recent years, we have seen an increase in the number of sports medicine urgent care patients with overuse injuries. Overuse injuries like tendonitis can develop in any sport that involves repetitive movements. The repetitive impact of running causes acute knee pain from sports and may lead to long-term conditions, such as osteoarthritis. While staying healthy and fit is always a priority, it is important to train properly. Always address knee pain with sports medicine specialists when necessary. 

What Will Urgent Care Do for Knee Pain?

Is it worth a visit to urgent care for knee pain? Yes. At OrthoOIC, we are ready to help you get to the bottom of your acute knee pain. Our orthopedic-trained professionals will assess your knee pain and identify your issue. Depending on the symptoms, x-rays may help provide more details about your injury. Treatment options for knee pain at urgent care may include anti-inflammatory medications, cortisone shots, braces or supports, or further orthopedic care. Starting your treatment for knee pain at an urgent care can help ensure a rapid and full recovery. OrthoOIC knows that common sports injuries do not always happen at convenient times. We offer convenient weekend hours and walk-in orthopedic clinic services for your immediate needs. You can also schedule an appointment and save time, avoiding emergency room waits. OrthoOIC is your top Arlington choice when you need urgent care for knee pain.