Knee Pain

Overview

Knee pain affects people of all ages and is quite prevalent. Knee pain may be caused by knee joint damage, such as a burst ligament or torn cartilage. Other medical conditions like gout, arthritis, and infections can also lead to knee pain.

Self-care methods are effective for a wide range of mild knee discomfort, including sprains and strains. Knee braces and physical therapy may also be used to alleviate knee discomfort. 

Adults frequently complain of knee pain, typically brought on by regular wear and tear from daily activities, including walking, bending, standing, and lifting. Running and sports involving jumping or fast pivots increase the risk of knee pain and issues in athletes. But whether knee discomfort is brought on by aging or an injury, it can be bothersome and even crippling in certain cases.

Pain in the knee may appear in several ways, depending on the underlying cause. The following are some of the indications and symptoms that accompany knee pain: swelling, stiffness, redness, warmth to the touch, and popping or cracking noises. Fully extending the knee is tough in severe cases.

Causes

Knee discomfort may be caused by a variety of factors including injuries, mechanical difficulties, different kinds of arthritis, and other issues.

Injury: Knee Injury can affect any of the tendons, ligaments, or bursae that surround the knee joint, as well as the bones and cartilage that compose the joint. It may cause damage to the knee, resulting in knee pain.

Common Types of Injuries

Depending on the location of the injury, the pain can be felt behind or outside of the knee. Following are some of the common types of knee pain caused by injuries:

1.     ACL injury:

This type of injury occurs when the anterior cruciate ligament tears. It is the ligament that links the shinbone to the thigh bone and helps to stabilize the joint. The ligament is particularly susceptible to injury in people who engage in sports such as soccer, basketball, or other activities that require fast direction changes.

2.     Knee fracture:

The knee bones, particularly the patella (kneecap), may be fractured in a variety of ways, including falls and car accidents. Additionally, individuals with osteoporosis may sustain a knee fracture just by taking an incorrect step leading to knee pain.

3.     Torn meniscus:

The meniscus is a strong, elastic cartilage that serves as a shock absorber when you move. The ligament may be ruptured if you twist your knee abruptly while bearing weight on it.

4.     Knee bursitis:

It is a frequent consequence of knee injuries. Bursae are little sacs of fluid that cushion the outside of the knee joint and enable tendons and ligaments to glide easily over it.

5. Patellar tendonitis:

It is a condition in which one or more tendons become inflamed and irritated. Tendons are fibrous, thick connective tissue that connects knee muscles to bones. Inflammation of the patellar tendon, which extends from the kneecap to the shinbone and is essential for the ability to kick, run, and leap, may occur as a result of an injury to the tendon. It is an ailment that may affect runners, bikers, skiers, and anyone who participates in jumping sports.

Mechanical Issues: Following are the mechanical issues that are associated with knee pain:

1.     Iliotibial band syndrome:

When the iliotibial band, i.e. a tough band of tissue that runs from the outside of the hip to the outside of the knee gets excessively tight, it scrapes against the outside of the thigh bone, producing pain and swelling.

2.     Dislocated kneecap:

The patella, a bone that covers the front of the knee, slides out of position, typically to the outside, producing pain. You may be able to notice the dislocation in certain instances because the kneecap may be displaced for an extended period. Back knee pain is usually attributed to dislocation causing the knees to hurt.

3.     Loose body:

As a result of some bone and cartilage injuries and degenerative changes, a piece of bone or cartilage may break off and float about in the joint area. It may cause knee pain when bending.

Different types of arthritis that cause inside knee pain along with sore knees are listed below:

•         Osteoarthritis
•         Rheumatoid arthritis
•         Gout
•         Septic arthritis

Certain risk factors increase the risk of knee pain. These factors are:

•         Obesity
•         Certain occupations or sports
•         Lack of muscle strength or flexibility
•         Previous knee injuries

Diagnosis

During the physical examination, your doctor will most likely:

• Examine your knee for swelling, soreness, tenderness, warmth, and visible bruises.
• Determine how far your lower leg can be moved in various directions.
• Push or tug on the joint to assess the structural integrity of your knee.

In some circumstances, your doctor may recommend testing for knee pain diagnosis like:

X-rays, computerized tomography (CT) scans, ultrasounds, and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) are all options. Your doctor may first suggest an X-ray to detect bone fractures and degenerative joint conditions.

When To See A Doctor

If you have any of the following knee pain symptoms, call your doctor:

•         Feeling like your knee is unstable or giving out when attempting to bear weight
•         Significant knee swelling
•         Impossible to completely extend or flex the knee
•         A visible abnormality in your knee
•         Redness, discomfort, and swelling in the knee
•         Fever

If you do not see improvement in your knee discomfort within a few weeks and your knee may lock, painfully click, then seek immediate medical attention.

Disclaimer

This information is intended for educational purposes only and should not be considered a substitute for professional medical advice. If you have concerns about knee pain or any other medical condition, please see a doctor for an accurate diagnosis and personalized treatment suggestions.