KNEE PAIN

Knee pain is a common condition affecting individuals of all ages, caused by various factors. It can range from mild, temporary discomfort to severe, chronic pain.

Types of Knee Pain:

1. Acute knee pain: Sudden, short-term pain (less than 6 weeks)

2. Chronic knee pain: Persistent, long-term pain (more than 12 weeks)

3. Post-traumatic knee pain: Pain following injury or surgery

Causes of Knee Pain:

Traumatic:

1. Fractures

2. Ligament sprains or tears (e.g., ACL, MCL)

3. Meniscal tears

4. Dislocations

Non-Traumatic:

1. Osteoarthritis

2. Rheumatoid arthritis

3. Tendinitis or tendinosis (e.g., patellar tendinitis)

4. Bursitis (e.g., prepatellar bursitis)

5. Gout or pseudogout

6. Overuse or repetitive strain injuries (e.g., runner's knee)

7. Poor alignment or tracking of the kneecap (patellofemoral pain syndrome)

8. Muscle imbalances or weakness

Symptoms:

1. Pain or tenderness in the knee

2. Swelling, redness, or warmth

3. Limited mobility or stiffness

4. Instability or feeling of giving way

5. Grinding or clicking sensations

6. Difficulty walking, climbing stairs, or standing

How Knee Pain Works:

1. Joint friction: Cartilage wear and tear leads to bone-on-bone contact, causing pain.

2. Soft tissue strain: Overuse or injury damages muscles, tendons, or ligaments.

3. Inflammation: Injury or conditions trigger inflammatory responses.

4. Nerve compression: Pressure on nerves surrounding the knee causes pain.

Diagnosis:

1. Medical history

2. Physical examination

3. Imaging tests (e.g., X-rays, MRI, CT scans)

4. Arthrocentesis (joint fluid analysis)

5. Orthopedic specialty exams (e.g., Lachman test, McMurray test)

Treatment Options:

Conservative:

1. Physical therapy

2. Exercise and strengthening

3. Pain management (medication, injections)

4. Lifestyle modifications

5. Bracing or orthotics

* Interventional:*

1. Corticosteroid injections

2. Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) therapy

3. Viscosupplementation (hyaluronic acid injections)

4. Arthroscopy or knee scope surgery

Surgical:

1. Knee replacement or arthroplasty

2. Ligament reconstruction

3. Meniscal repair or transplantation

4. Osteotomy or realignment surgery

Prevention and Management:

1. Regular exercise and strengthening

2. Maintain healthy weight

3. Use proper lifting techniques

4. Wear supportive shoes

5. Avoid excessive running or jumping

6. Use knee pads or protection during activities

When to Seek Medical Attention:

1. Sudden, severe knee pain

2. Difficulty walking or bearing weight

3. Deformity or abnormal knee alignment

4. Fever, chills, or recent trauma

5. Chronic knee pain interfering with daily activities

Consult a healthcare professional for proper diagnosis and treatment. They will help you develop a personalized plan to manage and alleviate knee pain.