Knee Pain – Types, Causes and Treatments

The knee is a perfect joint that allows you to flex, extend and do a slight lateral rotation . A structure as complete as this needs care, because when you least expect it, pains can appear. In these cases, the simple act of walking can be exhausting and quite painful, sometimes even disabling. And those who think that knee pain is just a sign that their age is advanced are mistaken. In today’s article, everything about one of the noblest joints in the body.

Types of Knee Pain

Anatomically speaking, the knee is a complex joint – the largest in the human body . It consists of four bones: femur (in the thigh), tibia (in the front of the leg), fibula (in the inside of the knee) and patella (or patella, in the front of the knee). In addition, it also has ligaments responsible for stabilizing the joint with the help of the menisci – whose role is to cushion the impact on cartilage.

The great complexity and importance of the knee for movements make it susceptible to acute injuries, when they occur suddenly, or of a chronic nature, in the case of repetitive effort. The two main types of pain in the knees are:

  • Traumatic: obtained from problems during physical activity
  • Degenerative: like arthrosis (cartilage wear)

The pains may present intensities that vary, depending on the movement. And in addition to dealing with them, the individual often needs to pay attention to the appearance of other symptoms, such as swelling and even fever – in these cases, there is likely to be inflammation somewhere in the knee.

 

Causes of Knee Pain

The list of causes of knee pain is vast and can be associated mainly with five factors: stability, misalignment, overload, old age and possible trauma . It is worth remembering that only a good medical evaluation is able to accurately diagnose the problem. Typically, the reasons for knee discomfort can be:

  • Tendinitis and bursitis
  • Strains and sprains
  • Knee wear, especially in the menisci
  • Ligament and cartilage rupture
  • Knee infections
  • Patellofemural pain syndrome – musculoskeletal disorder that affects the knee joint, very common in soccer players
  • Rheumatic diseases such as arthritis , lupus and gout

To help identify the causes of pain, we have listed some regions and times where they occur. It is evident, however, that each case is unique. In addition, given the complexity of the knee, these are only assumptions based on what is commonly observed:

  • Pain in front of the knee: This is a characteristic of patellar chondromalacia, that is, the wear and tear of the cartilage of the patellar bone.
  • Pain in the side of the knee: May suggest the Iliotibial Band Syndrome, an inflammatory lesion, usually caused by overload. It is common in patients who usually run.
  • Pain behind the knee: Possibly refers to the so-called Baker’s Cyst (or popliteal cyst), a benign lesion characterized by pain in the back of the knee, usually when squatting.
  • Pain in the inner part of the knee: Suggests association with a sprain. It can be caused by injury to the medial collateral ligament, rupture of the medial meniscus and tendinitis of the goose paw, characterized by inflammation in the tendons.
  • Pain when bending the knee: It can be a sign of problems in the meniscus.
  • Knee pain upon waking: It is possibly related to rheumatoid arthritis in the joint.
  • Knee pain when stretching the leg: May indicate injury to the tendon or rupture of the patellar ligament.
  • Knee pain when walking or standing for a long time: Knee wear from arthrosis may occur. The patient may experience stiffness in the knee when getting up in the morning.
  • Cracking and pain when moving the knee sideways: They are associated with injuries to the anterior, posterior or coronary cruciate ligaments, rupture of the meniscus or fracture.
  • Generalized pain in the knee: It may be due to some trauma, such as a fall, which causes contusion, torsion or even rupture of a ligament or muscle.

The infinity of associations of pain in the knees proves the importance of nourishing as much care as possible so as not to injure them. It is for this reason that preventive measures are so fundamental, such as the practice of physical activities monitored by a professional and a balanced diet . It is even known that one of the classic cases of knee overload is obesity.

What Doctor to See for Knee Pain?

This is a very common question. The orthopedist is the doctor who treats the mechanical problems that involve the bones, such as fractures, dislocations and other problems normally related to the practice of sports. On the other hand, the rheumatologist is the one who will diagnose inflammatory diseases in joints and tissues, in the case of arthrosis.

To know which of the specialties to resort to, a tip: if the pain or swelling appears after a trauma, such as a sprain, it is advisable to consult with an orthopedist. But if symptoms are chronic and accompanied by signs such as redness and difficulty moving, a rheumatologist tends to be more appropriate. In some cases, however, the precise diagnosis can be made by the joint analysis of both .

Knee Pain Diagnosis and Treatment

The doctor will ask the patient about complaints and symptoms, how long ago the problem has occurred, whether there has been any trauma and its exact location. After some tests, the patient should be asked for a battery of tests , such as X-ray, ultrasound and arthroscopy, in order to make a complete diagnosis.

After thorough analysis of all information and images, the best treatment will be prescribed. Generally, they are based on:

  • Prescription of painkillers and anti-inflammatory ointments
  • Physiotherapy
  • Indication for the use of insoles and other resources, such as orthoses
  • Cold or heat treatment
  • Acupuncture
  • Rest

Cases of more urgent and complex injuries are indicated for surgery. But there is no reason for concern. Knee surgeries usually do not pose any risks, even though the patient needs to be very meticulous in the measurements required in the postoperative period. Rest, attention to medication and movement care are essential .

Tips for Relieving Knee Pain

There are some secrets to relieve pain and prevent knee problems. In addition to the practice of physical exercises with monitoring and nourishing good nutrition, it is essential to respect the joints and the limits of the body , avoid repetitive activities and avoid self-medication.

Healthy habits are good not only for the knees, but for the whole body. Just adapt them to the routine!

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My name is Dr. Alexis Hart I am 38 years old, I am the mother of 3 beautiful children! Different ages, different phases 16 years, 12 years and 7 years. In love with motherhood since always, I found it difficult to make my dreams come true, and also some more after I was already a mother.

Since I imagined myself as a mother, in my thoughts everything seemed to be much easier and simpler than it really was, I expected to get pregnant as soon as I wished, but it wasn’t that simple. The first pregnancy was smooth, but my daughter’s birth was very troubled. Joana was born in 2002 with a weight of 2930kg and 45cm, from a very peaceful cesarean delivery but she had already been born with congenital pneumonia due to a broken bag not treated with antibiotics even before delivery.

Dr. Alexis Hart

My name is Dr. Alexis Hart I am 38 years old, I am the mother of 3 beautiful children! Different ages, different phases 16 years, 12 years and 7 years. In love with motherhood since always, I found it difficult to make my dreams come true, and also some more after I was already a mother.Since I imagined myself as a mother, in my thoughts everything seemed to be much easier and simpler than it really was, I expected to get pregnant as soon as I wished, but it wasn’t that simple. The first pregnancy was smooth, but my daughter’s birth was very troubled. Joana was born in 2002 with a weight of 2930kg and 45cm, from a very peaceful cesarean delivery but she had already been born with congenital pneumonia due to a broken bag not treated with antibiotics even before delivery.

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