Knee Injuries: Causes & Treatment – Knee Pain Explained

Knee pain is a common problem that can start in any of the bony structures compromising the knee joint, the kneecap, or the ligaments, tendons, and cartilage of the knee. This pain can be aggravated by physical activity, and obesity, affected by the surrounding muscles and their actions, and be triggered by other problems such as a foot injury.

Having a knee injury creates a lot of pain and trouble. A large number of people are not aware that the knees are most vulnerable to injury and pain, our knees being the most complex and the largest of all the joints in the body. We use our knees for different things,  sitting, for standing up, walking, running; almost anything at all. Because the knee is such an overused joint, the possibilities of injury and subsequent knee pain are immense

What are the causes of Knee injuries?

The most common reasons for knee pain include arthritis, injuries to cartilage, injuries to ligaments, and chondromalacia patella.

Arthritis

This is one of the most common reasons for knee pain. Arthritis itself can be created by various things such as, hereditary, trauma aging and even being overweight, as this puts added pressure on the joints.

Injuries to Cartilage

It is very easy to create damage to cartilage with the simplest of injuries. In the knee, the cartilage is known as the menisci, and its job is to keep the body weight even over the knee joints. There are two main reasons for meniscus tears – injury and age- and in either case, the condition is very severe.

Injuries to Ligaments

The most common reason for injuries to the knee ligaments is over-extension, which makes the ligaments tear or rupture. Further, there are two ligaments in the knee such as medial collateral ligaments and lateral collateral ligaments. The three main kinds of ligament injuries are sprains, partial tears and complete breaks, all three of which are painful, with the latter two often requiring surgery. A few of the signs patients with injured knee ligaments have reported include pain, swelling, tenderness and a limited range of motion.

Knee Pain Symptoms – What You Should Know

Are you suffering from knee pain? Then you are probably aware of the difficulties it can create in your everyday routine. A large number of people who have a bad injury in their knee usually complain about how debilitating it can be. Doing ordinary chores is often a huge task that is feared. This is especially true for regularly active people. These people are often forced to overcome their activities to compensate for some of their pain. Knowing your knee pain signs is an essential step to overcoming some of your knee pain.

The location of the knee pain can change depending on which structure is involved. With disease or an inflammatory process, the entire knee might be swollen and painful, while a torn meniscus or fracture of a bone gives signs only in one specific location. A Baker cyst will usually create pain in the back of the knee.

The cruelty of the joint pain can vary, from minor pain to severe and disabling pain.

Some of the other signs and symptoms that accompany knee pain are

  • Difficulty in walking due to imbalance of the knee
  • Limping due to pain
  • Difficulty walking up or down steps due to ligament damage (sprain)
  • Locking of the knee (Not able to bend the knee),
  • Redness and inflammation,
  • Disability to extend the knee, and
  • Shifting weight to the opposite knee and foot.

Common knee injury treatment

Treatment will change based on the problem of the knee pain and the specifics of the injury. In cases of stress or overuse injuries, rest and ice will typically allow the knee to recover over time.

Treatment may also include controlling pain and swelling with medicine. In most circumstances, a person will need to relax for some time.

Cracks or other trauma-induced injuries may need bracing, popping the knee back into place, or surgery. In the case of surgery, a person will likely be unable to use the knee after the procedure and may need either crutches or a wheelchair while recovering.

In some instances, physical therapy may be required to assist a person to regain movement and strength in their knee and leg.

How can we help you?

Usually, knee pain can be evaluated and managed by your primary care doctor. If the knee pain needs surgery or the cause of the pain needs further evaluation, our team is available to give you the most leading standards in orthopedic care and help you experience the best quality of life.

We provide you with a full range of services, knee injury treatment and other knee conditions to restore your confidence and active life.