Knee Pain: Causes, Symptoms, Diagnosis ,Treatment

Knee joint is the biggest joint in our body and works as a connection between the hip and the foot. It helps in transmitting the load of the body from the hip and core to our feet and thus allows us to stand , move and balance. It comprises various ligaments which provide stability to the joint and meniscus which provides cushioning to the joint. Knee pain is a common medical complaint that can affect people of all age groups. The prevalence can vary based on factors like age , lifestyle , gender and underlying health conditions.

Knee Injuries

Ligament injuries : Common ligament injuries of the knee are ACL, PCL, MCL, LCL injury that causes pain and instability depending on the severity of the injury. A complete tear of any of these causes severe instability in the knee.

Meniscal injuries: Meniscus provides cushioning to the knee joint. Injury or tear to the meniscus causes pain, swelling and locking of the knee.

Tendon injuries : The commonest tendon injury of the knee joint is Patellar tendinitis. Also known as Jumper’s knee, characterized by the inflammation of the patellar tendon, caused by repetitive stress or overuse of the knee.

Arthritis

Osteoarthritis: Degeneration of the knee joint or the wear and tear of the cartilage in the knee joint causes pain, stiffness and reduction in range of motion.

Rheumatoid arthritis: It is an autoimmune condition that leads to inflammation and damage to the synovium lining of the knee joint leading to excruciating pain and swelling.

Gout arthritis: This is a form of inflammatory arthritis that affects multiple joints, usually starts with pain and swelling in the big toe.

Bursitis

Inflammation of the bursa sacs located around the knee joint can cause pain and swelling. Prepatellar bursitis (housemaid's knee) and anserine bursitis are examples.

Overuse and Strain

Strain is the injury to the muscles around the knee joint, caused due to overuse or poor mechanics of the knee joint.

Patellofemoral pain syndrome

This condition is often caused by overuse, misalignment of the kneecap, or problems with the cartilage under the kneecap.

Iliotibial band syndrome

IT band is a thick band of fibrous tissue that runs along the side of the thigh from your hip to the knee, overuse of this band causes pain in the outer part of the knee.Common injury in runners.

Infections

Any kind of infection that affects the fluid which is present in the knee joint leads to pain and swelling.

Tumors

Tumors or cancer in the bones also causes pain in the knee.

Fracture

A broken bone in or around the knee such as the patella, femur and tibia can be extremely painful.

Common Running injuries

Running knee injuries are relatively common among runners and can result from various factors, including overuse, biomechanical issues, improper training techniques, and other underlying factors. These injuries can range from mild to severe and may require different approaches to treatment and recovery. Here are some of the most common running-related knee injuries

Diagnosis and treatment of knee pain depend on its underlying cause. If you experience persistent or severe knee pain, it's essential to consult a healthcare professional for a thorough evaluation.Treatment options may include rest, physical therapy, medications, injections, braces, and in some cases, surgical interventions. Management strategies also focus on addressing the root cause and preventing further knee pain or injury.

Knee Pain

Causes