4 Types of Tests for Knee Pain Diagnosis

There are certain health conditions that can affect the productivity of one's life. One of them is knee injury. If you are experiencing such, you might find it difficult to lead a normal life. You might find yourself unable to do normal activities that you usually do such as walking, running, driving, and more. Any person suffering from this type of pain will see that relief is very much needed. If you are going to endure the pain for a long time, this might lead to other complications. Given that, undergoing proper knee pain diagnosis is very essential.

Pain specialists can greatly help you out, as well as orthopedic experts and even an internal medicine or general medicine practitioner. They can provide you with the right knee pain diagnosis. This will pave the way for better treatment and recovery.

In general, there are two types of tests done as part of knee pain diagnosis. They are classified as imaging tests and lab tests.

Types of tests available

Listed below are some of the tests that your physician might administer to you:

1. X-ray

X-ray is one of the oldest but precise methods in determining any injuries including degenerative joint diseases. This test can also help look for any bone fractures in your leg area. If you suspect that you are experiencing knee pains because of a recent leg-related injury, an X-ray is best recommended for you.

2. Computerized tomography (CT) scan

CT scan tests are widely used not only in knee pain diagnosis but in determining other diseases like cancer. This technology involves the use of several machines that combine the different angles of the X-rays taken. The result of the CT scan is usually a cross-sectional image of the area. This allows physicians to look and detect any problems in the affected area of the body.

3. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)

Compared with X-ray and CT scan, MRI provides the most detailed assessment of your condition. This particular test makes use of radio waves and magnet that produces 3-D images of the area scanned. It is so accurate to the point that even injuries of the tendons, cartilage, ligaments, and muscles can be determined.

4. Ultrasound

Ultrasound is not only used for pregnant and expectant moms, people come to their doctors' clinics to undergo this diagnostic tool.

Aside from the above mentioned techniques in determining knee injuries, your doctor may also request for a blood examination or arthrocentesis. These procedures are done if your doctor suspects of an infection.

Why suffer from pain if there are proper knee pain diagnosis techniques? Liberate yourself from the knee-injuries related pain. As early as possible, request for these tests to be administered so that you will be able to uncover the cause of the pain you feel.