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 throughout our lives, at least once, each of us has experienced knee pain - dull, aching, sharp, dull 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 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 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.
Among the most common reasons why knees hurt are the following:
- 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 destruction of joint tissues;over a long period of time, it causes deformation and deprives the joint of mobility.
- Due to injury due to a very strong blow to the knee, impact with a hard object or a fall.In this case, the joint is excessively damaged and bends unnaturally.
- Ligament damage – Any activity that involves physical exertion can cause knee injuries.This often happens during sports and active recreation, and immediate sharp pain is felt and the joint swells.If this happens, it is necessary to exclude further exertion on the injured leg until medical assistance is provided, so as not to aggravate the injury.
- Meniscus damage.The meniscus is a rounded piece of cartilage in the knee joint that is easily damaged by sudden squats or twists.The doctor diagnoses this cause after an in-person examination, ultrasound and x-ray.
- Bursitis.Many people wonder why their knees hurt when bending.There may be many answers to this question, but sometimes it is the usual excessive formation of 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 present acutely, but often becomes chronic.Acute bursitis is expressed as sharp pain in the leg above the knee or in the knee itself, redness of the skin and significant limitation of leg mobility.The accumulated liquid can be easily felt even through the skin;the swelling has a clear contour.
- Pain occurs when a cyst forms under the knee (Becker's cyst).The formation appears in the fossa as a result of an inflammatory process previously observed in the knee joint.Substances accumulated during inflammation in the joints penetrate the tendinous areas of the popliteal fossa and are located inside the fossa.
- Tendinitis (inflammation of the ligaments and tendons) is characterized by swelling and discomfort in a specific area.It intensifies with the flexion and extension of the knees and the contraction of the muscles associated with the tendon affected by the inflammation, and radiates to the neighboring muscles of the leg and thigh.
- Ischemic pain - occurs due to compromised 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 located symmetrically, that is, in both knees, has the same intensity and does not affect joint mobility.
Acute or chronic pain that appears in the knee should not be ignored, which is why it is necessary to consult 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.
Diagnosis
First, the orthopedist examines the patient's painful knee, performs movement tests and collects anamnesis to make an accurate diagnosis.Additionally, the doctor may prescribe the following tests:
- Instrumental - using radiography.Ultrasound, computed tomography, magnetic resonance imaging or densitometry.
- During a laboratory study, general and biochemical tests are carried out, a smear and a blood test for bacterial microflora, a serological test, a puncture of the bone marrow and joint fluid.
- Invasive methods involve arthroscopy.
Based on the results of examinations and tests, the specialist makes a diagnosis and tells you how to treat knee pain in your case.
Knee pain treatment
Doctors can determine why joints hurt.Therefore, a timely visit to a specialist is an important component in quickly and correctly eliminating the problem that has arisen.However, whatever the cause of knee pain, the first thing to do is 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 when walking and soft, comfortable shoes.In some cases, the doctor prescribes orthopedic insoles.
At home, the main means of drug treatment for knee pain are chondroprotectors, analgesics and anti-inflammatories.The release forms of these medicines can be different (gels, creams, ointments, injections, tablets).The specialist prescribes one form or another of the medication 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 pack will help.You can take an ice pack and apply it to the damaged area.After some time, the pain will begin to subside.
- Chondroprotectors, on the contrary, do not reduce pain, but with prolonged use they promote the restoration of damaged cartilaginous tissue, restore joint function and reduce the number of disease relapses.
- Applying a containment bandage may also help.But you must be sure that this can be done for your injury, otherwise you may 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 gaining excess weight, which will overload the knee joints, and also being without movement all the time is very harmful, the knees become stagnant.
Drug treatment is usually complemented by a course of physiotherapy.This allows you to quickly relieve pain, shorten treatment and reduce the dose of medications.
It is equally important to follow a diet - eating plant foods rich in vitamins, fish and seafood dishes helps restore articular cartilage.And, of course, when the pain can be overcome, we must try to prevent it from returning: lead a healthy lifestyle, strengthen the body and not subject it to excessive stress.