The knee joint is one of the most complex joints in the human body.Such a "complex" device together with constant load makes the joint very vulnerable.
In this regard, it is not surprising that during our life, each of us has experienced knee pain at least once - dull, aching, sharp, muffled or even unbearable.Sometimes people suffer from unpleasant sensations 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 injuries or be pathological in nature.Sometimes it is a symptom of a serious illness, which can be determined by the nature of the sensations and several additional signs.
Among the most common causes of knee pain are:
- Arthritis of the knee joint is an inflammatory disease.It can be both an independent pathology and a symptom or complication of other diseases.
- Osteoarthritis of the knee joint is a degenerative process of joint tissue destruction;over a long period of time, it causes deformation and takes away the mobility of the joint.
- Injury due to a very strong blow to the knee, its impact with a hard object or as a result of a fall.In this case, the joint is excessively damaged and bends unnaturally.
- Ligament damage – any activity that involves physical exertion can lead to knee injury.It often happens during sports and active rest, and sharp pain is immediately felt and the joint swells.If this happens, further load on the injured leg should be excluded until medical assistance is provided, so as not to worsen 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 a physical examination, ultrasound and X-ray.
- Bursitis.Many people wonder why their knees hurt when they bend.There can be many answers to this question, but sometimes it is a normal 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 adjacent areas, even to the toes.Bursitis can manifest itself in an acute form, but often becomes chronic.Acute bursitis manifests itself 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 fluid can be easily felt even through the skin;the swelling has a clear outline.
- The pain occurs when a cyst forms under the knee (Becker cyst).The formation appears in the fossa as a result of a previously observed inflammatory process in the knee joint.Substances that accumulate during inflammation in the joints penetrate into the tendon areas of the popliteal fossa and are localized inside the cavity.
- Tendonitis (inflammation of ligaments and tendons) is characterized by swelling and discomfort in a specific area.It is aggravated by flexion and extension of the knees and contraction of the muscles associated with the inflamed tendon, and radiates to the adjacent muscles of the leg and thigh.
- Ischemic pain - occurs due to disruption of blood supply to the knee joint.The cause can be sudden changes in weather conditions, prolonged stay in the cold and excessive physical activity.Usually, the pain is localized symmetrically, that is, in both knees, has the same intensity and does not affect the mobility of the joints.
Acute or chronic knee pain that appears should not be ignored, so you should consult a doctor.After completing the diagnosis, the specialist will tell you what to do in a specific case.Treatment may consist of pills, ointments, rubs, physical procedures, and surgery.
Diagnostics
First, the orthopedist examines the patient's painful knee, conducts range of motion tests, and collects an anamnesis to determine an accurate diagnosis.In addition, the doctor may prescribe the following examinations:
- Instrumentally - using radiography.Ultrasound, CT, MRI or densitometry.
- During the laboratory study, general and biochemical examinations, smears and blood tests for bacterial microflora, serological examination, bone marrow and joint fluid puncture are taken.
- Invasive methods include arthroscopy.
Based on the results of 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 the joints hurt.Therefore, a timely visit to a specialist is an important part of quickly and correctly eliminating the problem.However, whatever the cause of knee pain, the first thing to do is to reduce the stress on the joints.Often during periods of acute pain, the patient needs bed rest, followed by activation of the leg.When walking, it is recommended to use a cane or crutches, as well as to wear soft and comfortable shoes.In some cases, the doctor prescribes orthopedic insoles.
At home, the primary remedies for medical treatment of knee pain are chondroprotective, analgesic and anti-inflammatory drugs.The release forms of these drugs can be different (gels, creams, ointments, injections, tablets).The specialist prescribes one or another form of medicine depending on the type, degree and location of the damage.
- NSAIDs are most effective at reducing pain and inflammation.But they do not affect the cause of the disease.
- If the knee is swollen and painful, an ice pack will help.You can take an ice pack and apply it on the affected area.After some time, the pain will begin to subside.
- Chondroprotectors, on the contrary, do not reduce pain, but with long-term use, promote the regeneration of damaged cartilage tissue, restore joint function and reduce the number of disease relapses.
- Applying a restrictive bandage may also help.But you need to be sure that it can be done for your injury, otherwise you can only make the situation worse.
- If your knee hurts after sitting in one place for a long time, then you need to move a little.A sedentary lifestyle or sedentary work is very dangerous - there is a risk of gaining excess weight, which will put a strain on the knee joints, as well as being inactive all the time is very harmful, the knees become stagnant.
Drug treatment is usually supplemented by a course of physiotherapy.This allows you to quickly relieve pain, shorten the course of treatment and reduce the dose of medicine.
Diet is just as important – eating vitamin-rich plant foods, fish dishes and seafood helps restore joint cartilage.And, of course, when the pain is overcome, you should try to ensure that it does not return: lead a healthy lifestyle, strengthen the body and do not subject it to excessive stress.