Does Facet Joint Syndrome Cause Knee Pain

26 Feb Does Facet Joint Syndrome Cause Knee Pain

Facet joint syndrome is one of the more common conditions we see here in our Weatherford, TX office. While the condition can be related to pain felt in the hips and buttocks, it is not normally associated with knee pain. That’s because facet joint syndrome is structurally limited to the back.

It is possible to experience pain from facet joint syndrome and a knee problem simultaneously. But in such cases, a patient is dealing with co-occurring conditions. Both conditions would have to be treated separately.

The Basics of Facet Joint Syndrome

Facet joint syndrome is more or less an arthritic condition impacting the various joints of the spine. These joints are known as facet joints, and they connect adjacent vertebrae up and down the spine. They provide stability while also making the spine flexible. Without facet joints, the spine would be a rigid structure.

When facet joints become inflamed or irritated, pain is often the result. Facet joint syndrome is typified by degenerative changes leading to irritation and inflammation. The condition is remarkably similar to osteoarthritis in the knee. Perhaps that’s why some people confuse knee pain with pain caused by facet joint syndrome.

The Pain Is Often Referred

Another possible reason for the confusion over facet joint syndrome and knee pain is the fact that facet joint pain is often referred pain. What does this mean? While referred pain doesn’t necessarily follow a nerve root pattern, it might not be felt in the exact location of the root cause. This can make it difficult for a doctor to pinpoint the exact joint from which the pain radiates.

There are techniques we can use to diagnose affected joints. When such joints are identified, we can offer a variety of treatments offering various levels of pain relief. Options include facet joint injections, medial branch blocks, and radiofrequency neurotomy.

Routine Causes of Facet Joint Syndrome

Facet joint syndrome can occur in both the upper and lower spine. It can be the result of age-related joint degeneration. But facet joint syndrome can also develop as a result of a sports injury, an auto accident injury, and even disc herniation. When degenerative disk disease is the root cause, we need to look at long term treatments.

Knee Pain Is an Entirely Separate Thing

As previously stated, facet joint pain is rarely felt in the knees or any area below. Knee pain is an entirely separate thing. It might feel surprisingly similar to facet joint pain if its root cause is degenerative joint disease. For example, people experiencing arthritis in the knee report pain that is similar to facet joint pain.

It is worth noting that osteoarthritis is one of the most common causes of knee pain. It is a degenerative condition common enough that most adults will experience it after age 55. Arthritic knee pain is made worse with movement and stress. It is often accompanied by:

• Early morning stiffness.
• Stiffness and swelling during the day.
• Reduced range of motion.
• The feeling of bones grinding.
• Clicking, grinding, and creaking noises during movement.

Other degenerative conditions capable of causing knee pain include rheumatoid arthritis, posttraumatic arthritis, and degenerative meniscal tears. The good news is that all such conditions can be treated.

We invite you to visit us at Lone Star Pain Medicine if you are experiencing either back or knee pain. We can treat facet joint disease, degenerative knee arthritis, and other chronic pain conditions. We want you to know that pain does not have to rule your life. We can help you take your life back by relieving pain and restoring function.