Knee pain can be tricky to figure out – especially if it’s chronic. The key to successfully getting rid of knee pain starts with correctly identifying the cause. And from my experience – arthritis, age, and wear and tear serve as “excuses” when a practitioner doesn’t know where to look. Knee pain when bending the leg has many causes, including hamstring strain, knee bursitis, and osteoarthritis. There are several home remedies a person can use to ease pain, such as using hot and cold therapy, in addition to resting and wearing a support. It can occur out of the blue, after a long tennis match, a long walk, or following a sports injury or an accident.
Additionally, when focusing on just one sport, a child is more likely to experience a meniscus tear. The same is true for adolescents who participate in competitive sports. A torn meniscus can lead to a feeling of your knee giving way, inability to move your knee as you usually do or persistent knee pain.
In most cases physical therapy is used after surgery to minimize complications and speed recovery. Meniscus tears are a very common knee injury, especially among athletes. Sudden, twisting movements — like pivoting to catch a ball — can tear the cartilage in your knee. People with arthritis in their knees are also more prone to meniscus tears.
You can prevent meniscus tears by regularly performing exercises that strengthen your leg muscles. This will help stabilize your knee joint to protect it from injury. Sometimes, meniscus tears may not show up on an MRI because they can closely resemble degenerative or age-related changes. Additionally, a doctor may make an incorrect diagnosis that a person has a torn meniscus.
Tearing knee pain is a common issue that can severely impact one’s quality of life. Whether it’s due to a sudden injury or gradual wear and tear, the discomfort and limitations caused by this type of pain can be both frustrating and debilitating. Understanding the root causes of tearing knee pain is crucial in finding effective solutions to manage and alleviate the symptoms.
I see this problem most in knees that have had surgery. 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.
Causes of Tearing Knee Pain
1. ACL or Meniscus Tears:
- ACL (anterior cruciate ligament) tears are common in athletes and those who engage in high-impact sports.
- Meniscus tears, on the other hand, often occur due to sudden twisting or bending of the knee.
2. Arthritis:
- Osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis can cause tearing knee pain due to inflammation and joint degeneration.
Solutions for Tearing Knee Pain
1. Physical Therapy:
- Working with a physical therapist can help strengthen the muscles surrounding the knee and improve flexibility and range of motion.
2. Medications:
- Over-the-counter pain relievers and anti-inflammatory drugs can help manage the discomfort associated with tearing knee pain.
3. Surgery:
- In severe cases, surgery may be necessary to repair torn ligaments or meniscus and restore proper function to the knee.
Overall, addressing tearing knee pain requires a comprehensive approach that may involve a combination of treatments tailored to the individual’s specific condition and needs. By working closely with healthcare professionals and following a personalized treatment plan, individuals suffering from tearing knee pain can find relief and regain mobility and comfort in their daily lives.
