KNEE PAIN | CAUSES AND SYMPTOMS

 

Knee pain | Causes and Symptoms


What is knee pain?

There are many possible causes, which can range from a simple muscle strain to some kind of arthritis. Sometimes the cause cannot be found. As we age, getting knee pain may become more common. You’re also more at risk of getting knee pain if you are overweight. Knee pain may sometimes be the result of a sports or other injury.

Warning signs that accompany knee pain are

  • difficulty weight-bearing or walking  due to instability of the knee,
  • limping due to discomfort,
  • difficulty walking up or down steps 
  • locking of the knee (unable to bend or straighten the knee),
  • redness and swelling,
  • inability to extend the knee, and
  • difficulty in shifting weight to the opposite knee and foot.
  • Needing support to walk

What causes knee pain?

Knee pain can be divided into three major categories:

  • Acute injury: such as a broken bone, torn ligament, or meniscal tear
  • Medical conditions: rheumatoid arthritis , osteoarthritis, infections
  • Chronic use/overuse conditions: osteoarthritis, chondromalacia, IT band syndrome, patellar syndromes, tendinitis, and bursitis. 









Acute knee injuries

Fracture: A direct blow to the bony structure can cause one of the bones in the knee to break. This is usually a very obvious and painful knee injury. Most knee fractures are not only painful but will also interfere with the proper functioning of the knee (such as kneecap fracture) or make it very painful to bear weight (such as tibial plateau fracture). All fractures need immediate medical attention. Many fractures require significant force, and a thorough examination is performed to detect other injuries. Ligament and soft tissue injuries are usually missed or looked down upon in presence of fractures.

Ligament injuries: The most common injury around the knee is the ACL (anterior cruciate ligament) injury. An ACL injury is often a sports-related injury due to a sudden stop and change in directions. The remaining ligaments (posterior cruciate ligament, lateral collateral ligament, and medial collateral ligament) are injured less frequently.

Meniscus injuries: The menisci (medial and lateral) are made of cartilage and act as shock absorbers between bones in the knee. Twisting the knee can injure the meniscus and the patient presents with a history of locking. 

Dislocation: The knee joint can be dislocated, which is a medical emergency that requires immediate attention. Knee dislocation can compromise blood flow to the leg and have other related problems. This injury often occurs during a motor vehicle accident when the knee hits the dashboard.

When should you see a doctor for knee pain?

Any pain that does not respond to rest or disappears within a few days should be evaluated by a doctor. In addition, the following are symptoms and signs in the knee that a doctor should evaluate: swelling, inability to bend, deformity, unable to walk or discomfort while walking, significant pain, and fever.

If you are facing the above issues of knee pain or fracture then must contact highly skilled doctors at Top Bone and Joint Clinic. Also, check our website Top Bone and Joint ClinicOur highly skilled Doctors will suggest you best treatment option and second opinion for your knee pain. Call us today at 9337431976, 06743567913. 


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