Q1: My knee swells and sometimes feels unstable. Should I get an MRI?
Yes. Swelling and instability may indicate ligament tears (ACL, PCL, MCL, LCL), meniscus injury, cartilage damage, or early osteoarthritis. X-rays cannot detect these soft tissue injuries. MRI provides high-resolution, radiation-free images of ligaments, meniscus, cartilage, and bones to identify the cause accurately.

Q2: Can rest, ice, or physiotherapy fix swelling and instability without MRI?
These treatments may provide temporary relief but cannot confirm the underlying injury. Without MRI, serious ligament, meniscus, or cartilage damage may go undiagnosed, delaying effective treatment and risking chronic knee problems.

Q3: What are the risks of delaying MRI for knee swelling or instability?
Delaying MRI may allow ligament or meniscus injuries to worsen, causing chronic pain, reduced stability, limited mobility, and early osteoarthritis. Early MRI ensures timely, targeted non-surgical management.

Q4: Why is MRI superior to X-ray, CT, or ultrasound for swollen or unstable knees?
X-rays detect only bone changes, CT is limited for soft tissue, and ultrasound may miss deep ligament or cartilage injuries. MRI provides comprehensive, radiation-free imaging of all knee structures, allowing precise diagnosis and treatment planning.

Q5: Where can I get a fast, affordable MRI for knee swelling or instability?
The Pain Relief Clinic offers insurance and Medisave claimable MRI scans under $1,000, completed within 1 working day, with non-surgical treatments to restore knee stability and function safely.