The knee joint is one of the most complex joints in the human body.Such a “complicated” device, combined with constant load, makes the joint very vulnerable.
In this regard, it is not surprising that during our life, at least once, each of us has felt pain in the knee - dull, aching, sharp, muffled or even unbearable.Sometimes unpleasant sensations bother people only when walking or bending and straightening their legs, in some cases - regularly.
The nature of pain in the knee joint, as well as the causes that provoke 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 injury or be pathological in nature.Sometimes this is a symptom of a serious illness, which can be determined by the nature of the sensations and a number of additional signs.
Some of the most common reasons why knees hurt include:
- Arthritis of the knee joint is an inflammatory disease.It can be either an independent pathology or a symptom or complication of other diseases.
- Osteoarthritis of the knee joint is a degenerative process of destruction of joint tissues;In the long term, it causes deformation and deprives the joint of mobility.
- Due to an injury due to a very violent blow to the knee, its impact with a hard object or a fall.In this case, the joint is excessively damaged and bends abnormally.
- Ligament damage – Any activity that involves physical exertion can lead to knee injuries.This often happens when playing a sport or recreational activity.An immediate sharp pain is felt and the joint swells.If this happens, it is necessary to exclude additional stress on the injured leg until medical assistance is provided, so as not to aggravate the injury.
- Damage to the meniscus.The meniscus is a rounded piece of cartilage in the knee joint that is easily damaged by sudden squatting or twisting.The doctor diagnoses this cause after an in-person exam, ultrasound, and x-ray.
- Bursitis.Many people wonder why their knees hurt when they bend over.There may be several answers to this question, but sometimes it is the usual formation of excess fluid in the joint, or rather in the bursa where it is located.The pain is not localized and can often radiate to neighboring areas, even to the toes.Bursitis can manifest itself in an acute form, but often becomes chronic.Acute bursitis results in sharp pain in the leg above the knee or in the knee itself, redness of the skin and significant limitation of leg mobility.Accumulated fluid can be easily felt even through the skin;the swelling has a clear outline.
- Pain occurs when a cyst forms below the knee (Becker cyst).The formation appears in the fossa as a result of a previously observed inflammatory process in the knee joint.Substances accumulated during joint inflammation enter the tendinous areas of the popliteal fossa and are localized inside the fossa.
- Tendinitis (inflammation of the ligaments and tendons) is characterized by swelling and discomfort in a specific area.It intensifies with flexion and extension of the knees and contraction of the muscles associated with the tendon affected by the inflammation, and radiates towards the neighboring muscles of the leg and thigh.
- Ischemic pain - occurs due to impaired blood supply to the knee joint.The cause may be a sudden change in weather, a long stay in the cold and excessive physical activity.As a rule, the pain is localized symmetrically, that is, in both knees, has the same intensity and does not affect joint mobility.
Acute or chronic knee pain that appears should not be ignored, so consult a doctor.After completing the diagnosis, the specialist will tell you what to do in a particular case.Treatment may consist of tablets, ointments, friction, physical procedures and surgery.
Diagnosis
First, the orthopedist examines the patient's painful knee, performs movement tests and takes a history to make an accurate diagnosis.In addition, the doctor may prescribe the following tests:
- Instrumental - using radiography.Ultrasound, CT scan, MRI or densitometry.
- During a laboratory study, general and biochemical tests are carried out, a smear and blood test for bacterial microflora, a serological test, puncture of bone marrow and joint fluid are carried out.
- Invasive methods involve arthroscopy.
Based on the results of the tests and examinations, the specialist makes a diagnosis and tells you how to treat knee pain in your case.
Treatment of knee pain
Doctors can determine why joints hurt.Therefore, a timely visit to a specialist is an important element in quickly and correctly eliminating the problem that has arisen.However, regardless of the cause of knee pain, the first thing to do is to reduce the load on the joints.Often, during periods of acute pain, the patient requires bed rest followed by leg activation.It is recommended to use a cane or crutches for walking and to wear soft, comfortable shoes.In some cases, the doctor prescribes orthopedic insoles.
At home, the main means of drug treatment of knee pain are chondroprotectors, analgesics and anti-inflammatories.The release forms of these drugs can be different (gels, creams, ointments, injections, tablets).The specialist prescribes one form or another of the drug depending on the type, degree and location of the damage.
- NSAIDs are most effective in relieving pain and inflammation.But they have no effect on the cause of the disease.
- If your knee is swollen and painful, an ice compress will help.You can take an ice pack and apply it to the damaged area.After a while, the pain will begin 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 compression bandage can also help.But you need to be sure that it can be done for your injury, otherwise you will only make the situation worse.
- If your knee hurts when you sit in one place for a long time, you need to move around a little.A sedentary lifestyle or sedentary work is very dangerous - there is a risk of excessive weight gain, which will put pressure on the knee joints, and also all the time without movement is very harmful, the knees stagnate.
Drug treatment is generally supplemented by a course of physiotherapy.This allows you to quickly relieve pain, shorten the duration of treatment and reduce the dose of medications.
It is equally important to follow a diet: eating plant-based foods rich in vitamins, fish dishes and seafood helps restore joint cartilage.And of course, when pain can be overcome, we must try to ensure that it does not return: lead a healthy lifestyle, strengthen the body and not subject it to excessive stress.