The knee joint is one of the most complex joints in the human body.Such a "complicated" device combined with a constant load makes the joint very vulnerable.
In this regard, it is not surprising that all of us at least once in our lives have experienced pain in the knee - dull, aching, sharp, dull or even unbearable.Sometimes the discomfort bothers people only when they walk or bend and straighten their legs, in some cases regularly.
The nature of pain in the knee joint, as well as the causes that cause it, can be very different;In this article, we will try to understand in detail why the knee hurts and what to do in this case.
Causes of knee pain
Pain in the knee joint can be caused by an injury or it can be pathological.Sometimes this is a symptom of a serious illness, which is determined by the nature of the feelings and a number of additional signs.
The most common causes of knee pain are:
- Arthritis of the knee joint is an inflammatory disease.It can be an independent pathology or a symptom or complication of other diseases.
- Osteoarthritis of the knee joint is a degenerative process of joint tissues;it causes deformation over a long period of time and deprives the joint of mobility.
- Due to injury due to a very strong blow to the knee, impact with a hard object or fall.In this case, the joint is excessively damaged and bends unnaturally.
- Ligament damage - Any activity that involves physical effort can lead to knee injury.This often happens during sports and active rest, and an immediate sharp pain is felt, the joint swells.If this happens, further use of the injured leg should be avoided until medical assistance is obtained, so as not to aggravate the injury.
- Meniscus damage.The meniscus is a rounded piece of cartilage in the knee joint that is easily injured by sudden squatting or twisting.The doctor diagnoses this cause after a personal examination, ultrasound and X-ray.
- Bursitis.Many people wonder why the knee hurts when bending.There can be many answers to this question, but sometimes it is the usual excess fluid formation in the joint, or rather in the bursa where it is located.The pain is not localized and can often radiate to adjacent areas, even to the toes.Bursitis can manifest itself in an acute form, but often becomes chronic.Acute bursitis is manifested by sharp pain in the leg above the knee or in the knee itself, reddening of the skin and a significant limitation of the mobility of the leg.Accumulated fluid can be easily felt even through the skin;the swelling has a clear contour.
- Pain occurs when a cyst forms under the knee (Becker cyst).The formation appears in the pit as a result of the previously observed inflammatory process in the knee joint.Substances accumulated during inflammation in the joints penetrate into the area of the tendons of the popliteal fossa and are localized inside the fossa.
- Tendonitis (inflammation of ligaments and tendons) is characterized by swelling and discomfort in a specific area.It is aggravated by bending and extending the knee, as well as by the contraction of the muscles associated with the tendon affected by the inflammation, and radiates to the adjacent muscles of the lower leg and thigh.
- Ischemic pain - occurs due to damage to the blood supply to the knee joint.This can be caused by a sudden change in the weather, staying in the cold for a long time and excessive physical activity.The pain is usually symmetrically localized, i.e. it has the same intensity in both knees and does not affect the mobility of the joints.
Acute or chronic knee pain that appears should not be ignored, so you should see a doctor.After completing the diagnosis, the specialist will tell you what to do in a particular case.Treatment may consist of pills, ointments, rubs, physical procedures, and surgery.
Diagnostics
First, the orthopedist examines the patient's painful knee, conducts motion tests and collects an anamnesis to establish an accurate diagnosis.In addition, the doctor may prescribe the following tests:
- Instrumental - with the help of radiography.Ultrasound, CT, MRI or densitometry.
- During the laboratory examination, general and biochemical tests are carried out, a smear and blood test to detect bacterial microflora, a serological test, bone marrow and synovial fluid injection are performed.
- Invasive methods include arthroscopy.
Based on the results of the tests and examinations, the specialist will make a diagnosis and tell you how to treat knee pain in your case.
Treatment of knee pain
Doctors can determine why your joints hurt.Therefore, a timely visit by a specialist is an important element in the quick and correct elimination of the problem that has arisen.Whatever the cause of your knee pain, however, the first thing you need to do is reduce the stress on your joints.During periods of acute pain, the patient often needs bed rest followed by leg activation.When walking, it is recommended to use a stick or crutches, and to wear soft and comfortable shoes.In some cases, the doctor prescribes orthopedic insoles.
The primary means of medical treatment of knee pain at home are chondroprotective, pain relievers and anti-inflammatory drugs.The release forms of these drugs can be different (gels, creams, ointments, injections, tablets).Depending on the type, extent and location of the damage, the specialist prescribes one or another form of the drug.
- NSAIDs are most effective at reducing pain and inflammation.But it has no effect on the cause of the disease.
- If the knee is swollen and painful, an ice pack will help.Take an ice pack and apply it to the injured area.After a while, the pain starts to subside.
- Chondroprotectors, on the contrary, do not reduce pain, but with long-term use, they promote the restoration of damaged cartilage tissue, restore joint function and reduce the number of relapses of the disease.
- Applying a restraint bandage can also help.But you have to be sure that you can do your injury or you could just make it worse.
- If your knees hurt when you sit in one place for a long time, you need to move a little.A sedentary lifestyle or sedentary work is very dangerous - there is a risk of excess weight, which puts a strain on the knee joints, and being without movement is very harmful, the knees become stagnant.
Drug treatment is usually supplemented by a course of physiotherapy.This makes it possible to quickly relieve pain, shorten the treatment and reduce the dose of drugs.
Diet is just as important – eating plant-based foods, fish and seafood rich in vitamins helps restore joint cartilage.And of course, when the pain can be overcome, we must try to ensure that it does not return: lead a healthy lifestyle, strengthen the body and do not expose it to excessive stress.