The knee is one of the largest and most complex joints in our body. The knee joint is subject to injuries that can cause pain. Especially often the knees are injured while running. Let's look at the main causes and treatments for knee pain.
Knee Pain Symptoms
Knee pain symptoms depend on the cause and severity. Knee pain is a common problem.
Knee pain can occur suddenly with a lot of stress and injury.
Instability or weakness in the knees may occur - even the feeling that the legs are about to give way.
Depending on the cause of the pain, other symptoms may be observed: stiffness of movement, snapping in the knee, locking the knee joint in one position, inability to straighten the leg.
How does knee pain affect us?
Knee pain occurs more frequently in the elderly, overweight (due to increased stress on the joints) and during sports. Knee joints are actively involved in locomotion, so knee pain affects our lives a lot. With knee pain, we cannot play sports, we have difficulty walking and climbing stairs.
The knee joint is made up of three bones, tendons that attach muscles to bones, and ligaments that stabilize and connect bones. In the cavity of the knee joint there are two C-shaped cartilages - menisci. Its main function is to cushion the joint. The fluid-filled bag allows the joint to move smoothly.
80% of people surveyed had knee pain.
Why does knee pain occur
Knee pain is often caused by injuries (sprains and tendons, dislocations, torn ligaments or menisci), as well as osteoarthritis, tendonitis (inflammation of the tendons), and bursitis (accumulation of fluid in the bursa).
sports injuries
Knee injuries are common among athletes. They often have a torn knee ligament with sudden knee pain. Excessive stress on the knee joint, such as when running, walking, jumping, and cycling, can cause so-called "runner's knee" (iliotibial tract friction syndrome). It usually manifests as pain in the kneecap region and is caused by overuse, injury, leg bone disease, or muscle weakness.
other reasons
Knee injuries can gradually develop with osteoarthritis. If, as a result of problems with the hip or ankle joints, a person's gait is disturbed, this in turn can cause asymmetry in load on the knee joints, which in turn are fraught with injuries. Knee injuries, even minor ones, increase the likelihood of similar injuries in the future.
Determine cause of pain
Pain in the side of the knee can be caused by damage to the ligaments and a tear in the meniscus (the cartilage layer that stabilizes the joint). Pain in the front of the knee is usually caused by bursa inflammation and cartilage problems. Osteoarthritis can cause pain in the back of the knee.
Treatment
How knee pain is diagnosed and treated depends on the cause of the pain. To determine this, you must consult a doctor. The doctor will examine your knee, check for movement, swelling, bruising and localized fever. Your doctor may recommend physical therapy and knee braces to relieve pain, refer you for additional tests (X-rays, MRI, ultrasound or CT), show you exercises to strengthen the knee joint, and prescribe nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs to relieve pain and treat your cause. In addition, after seeing a doctor at home, you can provide protection and peace to the injured knee, apply ice, put on a compression bandage, and keep the knee in an elevated position. Over-the-counter pain relievers for internal and external use can help relieve short-term moderate pain and reduce inflammation.
What is Runner's Knee Syndrome?
Knee injuries are common among athletes involved in athletics, particularly running.
Runner's Knee Syndrome includes the following symptoms:
- Pain behind or around the patella (patella).
- Pain when bending the knee.
- Pain is worse when descending or descending stairs.
- Swelling in the knee area.
- A popping or crushing sound may be felt in the knee.
Treatments include rest and use of anti-inflammatory medications
Exercises to relieve knee pain
Knee pain is common: of 100 people who complained of pain, 80 reported knee pain. Three simple exercises will help make the muscles that support your knee stronger and more flexible. Doing these exercises regularly will help prevent or relieve knee pain.