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Monday, August 18, 2025

Knee pain


Knee pain is a common musculoskeletal complaint affecting people of all ages, from children to older adults. It can arise suddenly due to injury or gradually as a result of chronic conditions. The knee joint, being one of the largest and most complex joints in the body, bears significant weight and is essential for movement, making it particularly vulnerable to strain and damage.

Causes of Knee Pain

  1. Injuries

    • Ligament injuries: Tearing of the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) or medial collateral ligament (MCL) can cause sharp pain, swelling, and instability.

    • Meniscus tear: Damage to the cartilage that cushions the knee, often from twisting injuries.

    • Fractures: Trauma leading to broken bones around the knee.

    • Dislocated kneecap (patella dislocation): Sudden displacement causing severe pain and difficulty moving.

    • Tendon injuries: Patellar or quadriceps tendon tears.

  2. Overuse and Strain

    • Tendinitis (inflammation of tendons, such as jumper’s knee).

    • Bursitis (inflammation of fluid-filled sacs around the joint).

    • Iliotibial (IT) band syndrome in runners and cyclists.

  3. Chronic and Degenerative Conditions

    • Osteoarthritis (wear-and-tear arthritis).

    • Rheumatoid arthritis (autoimmune inflammation).

    • Gout (uric acid crystal buildup).

    • Pseudogout (calcium pyrophosphate crystal deposits).

  4. Other Causes

    • Infections in the joint (septic arthritis).

    • Osgood-Schlatter disease in adolescents.

    • Referred pain from the hip or lower back.

Symptoms Associated with Knee Pain

  • Swelling, redness, or warmth around the joint.

  • Stiffness and reduced range of motion.

  • Clicking, popping, or grinding sounds.

  • Instability or "giving way" sensation.

  • Difficulty bearing weight.

Diagnosis

  • History and physical examination by a healthcare professional.

  • Imaging: X-rays for fractures or arthritis, MRI for soft tissue injuries, ultrasound for fluid or tendon evaluation.

  • Lab tests: Blood tests and joint fluid analysis if infection, gout, or autoimmune disease is suspected.

Treatment Options

Treatment depends on the underlying cause:

  1. Self-care and Conservative Management

    • Rest and avoidance of aggravating activities.

    • Ice application to reduce pain and swelling.

    • Compression with elastic bandages or braces.

    • Elevation of the leg.

    • Over-the-counter pain relief (e.g., paracetamol, ibuprofen).

  2. Medications

    • NSAIDs (ibuprofen, naproxen) for pain and inflammation.

    • Corticosteroid injections for severe inflammation.

    • Disease-modifying agents for rheumatoid arthritis (e.g., methotrexate).

    • Colchicine or allopurinol for gout.

  3. Physical Therapy

    • Strengthening exercises for quadriceps and hamstrings.

    • Stretching and mobility work.

    • Gait training to improve movement patterns.

  4. Procedures and Surgery

    • Arthroscopic surgery for meniscus or ligament repair.

    • Knee replacement (partial or total) in severe osteoarthritis.

    • Drainage in cases of septic arthritis or severe effusion.

When to Seek Medical Help

  • Sudden severe knee pain after trauma.

  • Inability to bear weight.

  • Rapid swelling or deformity.

  • Fever with knee pain (possible infection).

  • Persistent pain not improving with self-care.

Prevention

  • Maintaining a healthy weight to reduce joint stress.

  • Regular low-impact exercise (swimming, cycling).

  • Strength training for leg muscles.

  • Using proper footwear and sports equipment.

  • Avoiding sudden increases in activity intensity.




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