Knee pain

Knee pain in a woman

The knee is one of the largest and most complex joints in our body. The knee joint is prone to injury that can cause pain. Knees are especially often injured when running. Let's look at the main causes and treatments for knee pain.

Symptoms of knee pain

The symptoms of knee pain depend on the cause and severity. Knee pain is a common problem.

Knee pain can come on suddenly with excessive stress and injury.

Instability or weakness can often occur in the knees - up to the feeling that the legs are about to sag.

Depending on the cause of the pain, other symptoms may occur: stiffness of movement, clicking of the knee, involvement of the knee joint in one position, inability to straighten the leg.

How does knee pain affect us?

Knee pain is more common in the elderly, overweight (due to increased stress on the joints) and during sports. The knee joints are actively involved in movement, so knee pain significantly affects our lives. With knee pain, we can not play sports, it is difficult for us to walk and climb stairs.

The knee joint consists of three bones, tendons that connect the muscles to the bones and ligaments that stabilize and connect the bones. In the cavity of the knee joint there are two cartilage-shaped cartilage. Their main role is to soften the joint. The fluid-filled pocket allows the joint to move smoothly.

80% of those surveyed experienced knee pain.

Because there is pain in the knee

Knee pain is often caused by injuries (sprains and tendons, dislocation, tears of the ligaments or menisci), as well as osteoarthritis, tendonitis (inflammation of the tendons) and bursitis (accumulation of fluid in the follicles).

Sports injuries

Knee injuries are common in athletes. They often have a ruptured knee ligament with sudden knee pain. Excessive stress on the knee joint, such as running, walking, jumping and cycling, can cause the so-called "runner's knee" (iliotibial tract friction syndrome). It usually manifests as pain in the knee area and is caused by overuse, injury, leg bone disease or muscle weakness.

Other reasons

Knee injuries can develop gradually with osteoarthritis. If, as a result of problems with the hip or ankle joints, a person's gait is disturbed, then this in turn can cause asymmetry in the load on the knee joints, which, in turn, is fraught with injury. Knee injuries, even minor ones, increase the likelihood of similar injuries in the future.

Determine the cause of the pain

Pain in the knee side can be caused by damage to the ligaments and tearing of the meniscus (the cartilage that stabilizes the joint). Pain in the front of the knee is usually due to problems with inflammation and cartilage of the follicle. Osteoarthritis can cause pain in the back of the knee.

Treatment

How to diagnose and treat knee pain depends on the cause of the pain. To determine this, you should consult a doctor. The doctor will examine your knee, check its movement, swelling, bruising and localized fever. Your doctor may recommend physiotherapy and knee braces to relieve pain, refer you for additional tests (x-rays, magnetic resonance imaging, ultrasound or CT), show you exercises to strengthen your knee joint, and prescribe non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. anti-inflammatory drugs to relieve pain. and cure its cause. In addition, after consulting a doctor at home, you can provide protection and peace to the injured knee, apply ice, apply a compression bandage and keep the knee in an elevated position. Over-the-counter analgesics for internal and external use can help relieve short-term moderate pain and reduce inflammation.

woman with bicycle

What is Runner Knee Syndrome?

Knee injuries are common in athletes who engage in sports, especially running.

Runner Knee Syndrome includes the following symptoms:

  • Pain behind or around the patella (patella).
  • Pain when bending the knee.
  • The pain worsens when you walk down or down stairs.
  • Swelling in the knee area.
  • A knee can be heard making a knocking or crumpling sound.

Treatments include rest and taking anti-inflammatory drugs

Exercises to relieve knee pain

Knee pain is common: out of 100 people who complained of pain, 80 reported knee pain. Three simple exercises will help the muscles that support your knee stronger and more flexible. Regular practice of these exercises will help prevent or relieve knee pain.