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Knee Pain

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Knee Pain

What is Knee Pain?

Knee pain is a common condition affecting individuals of various age groups. It not only affects movement but also impacts your quality of life. An injury or disease of the knee joint or any structure surrounding the knee can result in knee pain. A precise diagnosis of the underlying cause is important to develop an appropriate treatment plan.

Anatomy

The knee is one of the largest joints in the body, formed by the lower end of the thighbone or femur, the upper end of the tibia or shinbone and the patella or kneecap. Several ligaments and muscles attach to the bones of the knee joint to maintain the normal motion and stability of the joint. The articular ends of the bones are lined by smooth cartilage allowing the bones to glide over each other during movement. C-shaped pads of cartilage called menisci, located between the bone ends, act as shock absorbers during movement.

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causes, symptoms, diagnosis & treatment for knee pain

The common causes of elbow pain may include:
Causes
Some of the common causes of knee pain include:
  • Arthritis, a condition associated with inflammation of the joint due to loss of articular cartilage
  • Knee ligament injuries
  • Meniscal tears
  • Knee joint infection
  • Dislocation of the kneecap or patella
  • Patellar tendonitis, which is inflammation of the tendon connecting the kneecap to the shinbone
  • Knee bursitis, which is inflammation of the bursae, small fluid-filled sacs located around the joints, usually between a tendon and bone
  • Gout or accumulation of uric acid crystals in the joints causing severe attacks of joint pain, swelling and redness

Some of the common signs and symptoms that accompany knee pain include:

  • Swelling and redness
  • Inability to bend or extend the knee
  • Difficulty walking
  • Limping due to discomfort
  • Difficulty weight-bearing
  • Weakness or instability
  • Popping or crunching noises
Diagnosis involves a detailed review of your medical history and a physical examination of the knee. Your doctor may also conduct diagnostic imaging studies such as X-rays, MRI, CT, and ultrasound scans. Blood tests may be performed to identify infection or gout. Sometimes, a procedure called arthrocentesis may also be performed, where fluid from the knee joint is removed and sent to the laboratory for analysis.
Treatment options depend upon the underlying cause responsible for the knee pain. Some of the common treatment options for knee pain include:
  • RICE protocol: Rest, ice, compression, and elevation of the affected knee joint
  • Medications
  • Stretching and physical therapy
  • Knee injections

Sometimes, a knee arthroscopy may be performed. Knee arthroscopy is a surgical procedure in which the internal structures of the joint are examined to diagnose as well as treat the underlying problem. In severe cases of knee pain, your doctor may advise a knee replacement as a permanent solution.

conditions

Knee Injury

Common Symptoms of a Knee Injury

Pain, swelling, and stiffness are the common symptoms of any damage or injury to the knee. If care is not taken during the initial phases of injury, it may lead to joint damage, which may end up destroying your knee.

The common causes of knee injury include:

  • Fracture of the femur (thighbone), tibia and fibula (leg bones)
  • Torn ligament (either anterior or posterior cruciate ligament)
  • Rupture of blood vessels following a trauma that leads to the accumulation of extra fluid or blood in the joint
  • Dislocation of the kneecap (patella)
  • Torn quadriceps or hamstring muscles
  • Patellar tendon tear

If the pain and swelling are rapid, then immediate diagnosis and appropriate medical treatment are advised. Initial diagnosis includes physical and joint examination followed by an X-ray.

Immediately following a knee injury and before being evaluated by a medical doctor, you should initiate the R.I.C.E. method of treatment.

  • Rest: Rest your knee, as more damage could result from putting pressure on the injury.
  • Ice: Ice packs applied to the injury will help reduce swelling and pain. Ice should be applied over a towel to the affected area for 15-20 minutes, four times a day for several days. Never place ice directly over the skin.
  • Compression: Wrapping the knee with an elastic bandage or compression stocking can help minimize the swelling and support your knee.
  • Elevation: Elevating the knee above heart level will also help reduce swelling and pain.

Acute or mild knee injuries do not require knee surgery. It can be treated with anti-inflammatory drugs. It is necessary to drain out accumulated extra joint fluid through a syringe or needle. If pain persists for a long time or appears at night or while at rest, it is important to visit your doctor.

Taping, massage, mobilization, stretching and strengthening exercises as well as exercises to improve your balance and agility are other treatment options that may be recommended.

In some cases, if the pain is intolerable, your doctor may recommend a cortisone injection. However, it is a good practice to avoid the use of cortisone, as it weakens and softens your cartilage, thereby leading to arthritis of the knee. More severe cases are treated by surgery followed by a period of rehabilitation to strengthen the knee.

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