Knee pain is a common ailment that affects millions of people worldwide. It can be caused by a variety of factors, including injury, overuse, or underlying medical conditions. Understanding the causes of knee pain can help individuals take appropriate action to alleviate their symptoms and prevent further damage.
Many types of pain are difficult to prevent, but you can do some things to reduce your changes of getting a knee injury. If you have knee pain, some things you can do at home to help break the inflammatory cycle are protection, rest, ice, compression, and elevation (known as PRICE). Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as ibuprofen or naproxen will help with pain and swelling.
A knee dislocation occurs when the patella is fully out of its groove. These injuries can result from normal movement, twisting your knee, or bumping your patella from the side. People who are overweight or obese are at a greater risk for knee problems. For every pound that you are overweight, your knee must absorb an extra 4 pounds of pressure when you walk, run, or climb stairs.
Chronic knee pain is often from injuries or inflammation (such as arthritis). The nerves that provide sensation to your knee come from your lower back. They’re also responsible for the sensations you feel in your hips, leg, and ankle sensation. Pain from a deeper injury (called referred pain) can be passed along this nerve and felt on the surface.
Injury-Related Knee Pain
And it won’t go away no matter how much you try and strengthen it. Moral of this story – make sure you have full knee extension – which includes a bit of hyperextension – and that it matches your other knee. This could be a reason your knee pain isn’t going away. Each possible cause of chronic knee pain requires different diagnostic tests. These include blood work, physical examination, X-rays, CT scan or MRI, and other imaging tests.
Knee pain is diagnosed based on a description of symptoms and triggers, physical exam, and possibly imaging studies. It may include a combination of options to help relieve pain and, if possible, cure the underlying problem. For example, if it’s referred pain, your knee won’t hurt when it’s pressed on. You also won’t have swelling or impaired range of motion. If it’s a bad tear, you might notice an indentation at the bottom of your kneecap.
When people say they have torn cartilage in the knee, they are usually talking about torn meniscus. The medial meniscus is on the inner side of the knee joint. Prevention for knee pain comes in many forms and will depend on the underlying condition.
Injuries such as sprains, strains, fractures, and dislocations can lead to knee pain. These injuries often occur during sports activities, falls, or accidents. In some cases, improper lifting techniques or sudden movements can also cause injury-related knee pain. Treatment for these types of knee pain may include rest, ice, compression, elevation, and physical therapy.
In this article, you’ll learn about many causes of knee pain, how they’re diagnosed, and what treatment options are available. Over 50 million adults have arthritis, as do 300,000 children. It’s unclear how many of those people have arthritis of the knee.
Overuse and Knee Pain
Overuse of the knee joint can result in pain and discomfort. This type of knee pain is commonly seen in athletes who participate in repetitive activities such as running, cycling, or jumping. Overuse can lead to inflammation, swelling, and stiffness in the knee joint. To alleviate overuse-related knee pain, individuals should consider adjusting their exercise routine, using proper equipment, and incorporating rest days into their schedule.
