Knee pain is frequently associated with older people; however it can occur at any age. According to Dr Ashis Acharya, Senior Consultant Orthopaedics and Sports Medicine unit, Sir Gangaram Hospital New-Delhi, ‘Pain in the knees can be a common and an unbearable issue, often stemming from various factors that affect the complex knee joint. While knee pain can be uncomfortable and restrict mobility, understanding its symptoms, causes, and treatments can help individuals find relief and regain their quality of life.’
The Knee Joint
To figure out the causes of knee pain, it’s essential to have a basic understanding of the knee joint’s structure. Dr Ashis Acharya explained, ‘The knee is where the thighbone, shinbone, and kneecap (patella) come together, surrounded by cartilage, ligaments, menisci, and tendons. These components work together to ensure the knee functions smoothly and efficiently.’
When you indulge in physical activities, your knee’s bones, muscles, ligaments, and tendons all work together to create stability and serve as a shock absorber. It can be difficult to walk and move the kneecap normally when these components are weakened or injured.
Kneecap (patella) pain is a prevalent problem that can have a significant influence on daily living. The following are the most typical causes of knee and kneecap pain:
Causes:
A) Trauma: One of the leading causes of knee pain is traumatic injuries. These injuries can occur due to various circumstances, including:
- When a person falls from a height
- Direct blows to the knee
- Sudden changes in direction
- Repetitive movements during sports training
These incidents can result in conditions such as dislocated kneecaps, fractures of the kneecap, femur, or tibia, torn ligaments, or meniscus tears. Traumatic injuries often occur when individuals fail to warm up before exercise, overexert themselves during physical activities, or participate in sports without adequate protective gear.
B) Medical: Knee pain can also be attributed to medical conditions, including:
- Degenerative tissue disorders like osteoarthritis, which results from joint wear and tear over time.
- Infections causing inflammation in the knee.
- Obesity, a significant contributor to chronic knee pain.
- Auto-inflammatory diseases like rheumatoid arthritis that causes the body’s immune system to attack the knee’s tissues.
- Tendinitis, an inflammation of tendons leading to pain when climbing stairs.
- Bursitis, an inflammation due to overuse.
- Chondromalacia patella, damage to the cartilage beneath the kneecap.
- Gout, a metabolic disorder leading to uric acid crystal buildup in the joints.
- Baker’s cyst, the accumulation of fluid behind the knee.
- Tumors, both benign and malignant, within the knee.
C) Talking about the Risk Factors Dr Ashis Acharya said, ‘Several risk factors can increase the likelihood of experiencing knee pain.’ He listed below few of the factors:
- Trauma: Inadequate stretching before physical activity can heighten the risk of traumatic knee injuries, especially in intense sports like basketball and football.
- Gout: Lifestyle choices like excessive alcohol consumption, obesity, and dietary factors can contribute to gout.
- Degenerative disorders: Osteoporosis, often associated with aging, becomes more likely with specific genes, lack of exercise, and dietary factors.
- Bacterial infections: Conditions like cellulitis can result in sudden knee pain, leading to chronic knee issues in the absence of treatment.
- Connective tissue disorders: Factors such as a family history of rheumatoid arthritis, age over 40, smoking, and obesity increase the risk.
Symptoms:
In addition to knee pain, individuals may experience other related symptoms, including:
- Weakness in the knee, leading to difficulty standing or fully extending the knee.
- Popping sounds when the knee flexes or straightens.
- Swelling and stiffness around the knee.
- Inflammation or warmness within the knee area.
Treatment:
Rest and sleep can help with knee cap pain, but severe cases may require medical attention or surgery by an experienced orthopedic surgeon.
As per Dr Ashis Acharya, Treatment for kneecap pain varies depending on its cause.
- Pain relief medication: Anti-inflammatory drugs can reduce pain and swelling.
- Exercise plan: A regimen that includes low-stress exercises can strengthen the knee and distribute the load away from the kneecap cartilage.
- Rest: Giving the knee time to heal and recover.
- Knee support: Using braces or supports to stabilize the joint.
- Surgery: In severe cases, surgical interventions may be necessary.
Tips
Preventing and managing chronic knee pain involves making lifestyle choices that reduce risk factors:
- Lifestyle changes: Reduce alcohol intake and quit smoking to maintain a healthy weight.
- Maintain a healthy weight: Obesity is a significant risk factor for knee pain, especially in larger joints.
- Exercise: Regular, moderate exercise, like swimming, cycling, and walking, can help prevent knee pain and manage its symptoms.
- Sleep: Ensure a comfortable sleeping position, consider anti-inflammatory medications, and practice good sleep hygiene.
It’s crucial to consult a qualified Orthopaedic specialist when experiencing persistent knee pain that doesn’t resolve or causes severe discomfort. As the saying goes, “An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure,” and this holds especially true for maintaining healthy, pain-free knees.
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