Knee pain is a common problem that many people experience at some point in their lives. It can be caused by various factors, including injury, overuse, arthritis, dislocation, fracture, or ligament tear. This type of pain is usually sudden and severe. If you are experiencing any of these issues, it is essential to see a doctor to determine the cause and get appropriate treatment.
In this post, we will discuss the seven most common symptoms and causes of knee pain.
The seven most common symptoms and causes of knee pain are as follows:
Fractures And Dislocations
Most fractures and dislocations result from high-energy trauma, such as a fall, contact sports, or a vehicle accident. Knee fractures occur most frequently on the kneecap and can be caused by an acute injury or develop progressively as a stress fracture. In addition, the knee joint can be dislocated when one or more ligaments are torn. The anterior cruciate and posterior cruciate ligaments are most frequently injured in knee dislocations.
Symptoms of a fracture or dislocation may include pain, swelling, deformity, and difficulty moving the joint. Diagnosis is typically made with a physical examination and X-rays. Treatment for a fracture or dislocation depends on the type and severity of the injury.
Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL) Injury
The anterior cruciate ligament is a band of tissue that keeps the shinbone from moving too far forward in the knee. It is one of four ligaments in the knee. An ACL injury is a tear in the ACL. This can happen when someone twists their knee more than the acceptable limit or lands on it wrong after a jump. Symptoms of an ACL injury include pain, swelling, and stiffness in the knee. You may also have trouble walking or bending your knee. An MRI or other imaging test can help diagnose an ACL tear.
Arthritis
Arthritis is a common cause of knee pain. There are many different types of arthritis, but the most common type that affects the knees is osteoarthritis. This condition occurs when the cartilage that cushions the ends of the bones breaks down. This can cause pain, stiffness, and swelling in the joints.
Bursitis
Bursitis is another common cause of knee pain. It occurs when the fluid-filled sacs that cushion the joints become inflamed. This can lead to pain, redness, and swelling in the affected area.
Gout
Gout is a condition that causes pain and swelling in the joints. It is caused by a build-up of uric acid in the blood. Uric acid is a waste product that is generally removed from the body by the kidneys. When the kidneys can’t remove enough uric acid, it builds up in the blood and causes gout. Gout most often affects the big toe, but it can also affect other joints. Gout symptoms include pain, swelling, redness, and heat in the joint. You may also have a fever.
Tendinitis
Tendinitis is another common cause of knee pain. Tendinitis is inflammation of a tendon, which is a band of tissue that connects muscle to bone. The most common type of tendinitis in the knee is patellar tendonitis, which is inflammation of the tendon that connects the kneecap (patella) to the shinbone (tibia). Patellar tendonitis is often caused by overuse, such as running or jumping. Symptoms of patellar tendonitis include pain and swelling in the knee and difficulty bending the knee. Treatment for patellar tendonitis may include ice and/or heat therapy, NSAIDs, and physical therapy.
Runner’s Knee
Runner’s knee is a type of overuse injury that occurs when the kneecap rubs against the thighbone. This can cause pain, swelling, and stiffness in the knee. Overuse of the knees can lead to pain, swelling, and inflammation. This is often seen in people who participate in activities that stress the joints, such as running or cycling.
Knee pain is a common problem in many people and can be caused by many reasons. If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, it is important to see a doctor get an accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment. Also, if you have knee pain or have had knee surgery and were given anything like a chair for knee surgery recovery, be sure to follow all instructions for use.