The knee joint is one of the most complex joints in the human body.This "complex" device combined with the constant load makes the joints very fragile.
At this point, it’s no surprise that at least once in our lives, we’ve all experienced knee pain—dull, aching, sharp, dull, even unbearable.Sometimes, unpleasant sensations bother people only when walking or bending and straightening their legs, and in some cases - often.
The nature of your knee pain and what's causing it can vary greatly.In this article, we will try to understand in detail the causes of knee pain and what to do in this case.
causes of knee pain
Knee pain can be caused by an injury or it can be pathological.Sometimes this is a symptom of a serious illness and can be determined by the nature of the sensations and many other signs.
The most common causes of knee injuries are:
- Knee arthritis is an inflammatory disease.It can be an independent pathology or a symptom or complication of other diseases.
- Knee osteoarthritis is a degenerative process of joint tissue destruction; over time, it will lead to joint deformation and loss of mobility.
- Injury due to a strong impact on the knee, being hit with a hard object, or falling.In this condition, the joint is excessively damaged and bends unnaturally.
- Ligament injuries – Any activity that involves physical exertion can lead to knee injuries.This condition often occurs during sports and active recreational activities and can cause immediate, severe pain and swelling of the joint.If this occurs, it is necessary to eliminate further pressure on the injured leg until medical assistance is provided to avoid aggravating the injury.
- Meniscus injury.The meniscus is a rounded piece of cartilage in the knee joint that is easily damaged by sudden squats or twists.Doctors diagnose this cause after in-person examinations, ultrasounds, and X-rays.
- Bursitis.Many people wonder why their knees hurt when they bend.There may be many answers to this question, but sometimes it's usually an excess of fluid that forms in the joint or in the bursa where the joint is located.The pain is not localized and often radiates to adjacent areas, even to the toes.Bursitis can present in an acute form, but often becomes chronic.Acute bursitis presents with severe pain in the leg above the knee or in the knee itself, redness of the skin, and significant limitation of leg mobility.Accumulated fluid can be easily felt even through the skin; swelling is clearly defined.
- Pain occurs when a cyst (Becker's cyst) forms under the knee.This formation occurs in the socket due to the previously observed inflammatory process in the knee joint.The material that accumulates during joint inflammation penetrates into the tendon area of the popliteal fossa and becomes concentrated in the interior of the popliteal fossa.
- Tendonitis (inflammation of ligaments and tendons) is characterized by swelling and discomfort in specific areas.It intensifies with flexion and extension of the knee and contraction of the muscles associated with the tendon affected by inflammation, and radiates to adjacent muscles of the leg and thigh.
- Ischemic pain - occurs due to compromised blood supply to the knee joint.Reasons may be sudden changes in weather, prolonged exposure to cold environments, and excessive physical activity.Generally speaking, the location of pain is symmetrical, that is, the pain intensity is the same in both knees and does not affect joint mobility.
The onset of acute or chronic knee pain cannot be ignored and therefore requires consultation with a doctor.After a diagnosis is completed, the expert will tell you what to do in your specific situation.Treatment may include tablets, ointments, liniments, physical therapy and surgery.
diagnosis
First, the orthopedic surgeon examines the patient's sore knee, performs exercise testing and takes a medical history to make an accurate diagnosis.In addition, the doctor may perform the following tests:
- Instruments - Radiography is used.Ultrasound, CT, MRI or densitometry.
- During laboratory studies, general and biochemical tests, bacterial microflora smears and blood tests, serological tests, bone marrow and synovial fluid aspiration are performed.
- Invasive methods include arthroscopy.
Based on the results of tests and examinations, a specialist will make a diagnosis and tell you how to treat your knee pain.
Treat knee pain
A doctor can determine the cause of joint pain.Therefore, a timely visit to the experts is an important part of quickly and correctly eliminating the problem that has arisen.However, whatever the cause of your knee pain, the first thing to do is to reduce the load on your joints.Often during acute pain, patients need to rest in bed and then move their legs.It is recommended to use a cane or crutch when walking and to wear soft, comfortable shoes.In some cases, doctors may prescribe orthotic insoles.
The mainstay of medical treatment for knee pain at home is chondroprotectants, analgesics, and anti-inflammatory drugs.These medicines may be delivered in different forms (gel, cream, ointment, injection, tablet).Experts prescribe one or another drug depending on the type, extent and location of the injury.
- NSAIDs are most effective at relieving pain and inflammation.But they have no effect on the cause of the disease.
- If your knee is swollen and painful, ice can help.You can take an ice pack and apply it to the damaged area.After some time, the pain will begin to subside.
- In contrast, chondroprotectants cannot relieve pain, but long-term use can promote the repair of damaged cartilage tissue, restore joint function, and reduce the number of disease recurrences.
- Using a restraining bandage may also help.But you have to make sure this is doable for your injury, otherwise you might just make the situation worse.
- If you sit in one place for a long time and your knees hurt, then you need to move around a bit.A sedentary lifestyle or a sedentary job is very dangerous - there is a risk of weight gain, which puts pressure on the knee joints, and being inactive all the time is also very harmful, with the knees stagnating.
Medication is often supplemented by a course of physical therapy.This can provide you with rapid pain relief, shorter treatment sessions, and lower medication doses.
It's also important to follow a healthy diet - eating vitamin-rich plant foods, fish dishes and seafood can help restore joint cartilage.Of course, when pain can be overcome, we must do our best to ensure that it does not return: maintain a healthy lifestyle, build strength in the body, and do not subject it to undue stress.