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 each of us has experienced knee pain at least once in our lives - 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 that case.
Causes of knee pain
Pain in the knee joint can be caused by an injury or be of a pathological nature.Sometimes it is a symptom of a serious illness, which can be determined by the nature of the sensation 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 either an independent pathology or 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 deprives the joint of mobility.
- Due to injury due to a strong blow to the knee, its 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 effort can lead to knee injury.This often happens when playing sports and during active recreation, and immediately a sharp pain is felt and the joint swells.If this happens, it is necessary to exclude further loading of the injured leg until medical assistance is provided, so that the injury does not worsen.
- Meniscus damage.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 personal 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 the usual creation of excess fluid in the joint, i.e. in the bursa where it is located.The pain is not localized and can often spread to neighboring areas, even to the toes.Bursitis can manifest itself in an acute form, but often becomes chronic.Acute bursitis is expressed as a 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 easily be felt even through the skin;the swelling has a clear contour.
- The pain occurs when a cyst forms under the knee (Becker's 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 tendon areas of the popliteal fossa and are localized on the inner side of the fossa.
- Tendonitis (inflammation of ligaments and tendons) is characterized by swelling and discomfort in a certain area.It is enhanced by bending and extending the knee and contraction of the muscles associated with the tendon affected by the inflammation, and radiates to the adjacent muscles of the leg and thigh.
- Ischemic pain - occurs due to impaired blood flow to the knee joint.The cause can be a sudden change in weather, a long stay in the cold and excessive physical activity.As a rule, the pain is localized symmetrically, i.e. in both knees, it is of the same intensity and does not affect the mobility of the joints.
Acute or chronic pain in the knee that appears should not be ignored, so you must 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.
Diagnostics
First, the orthopedist examines the patient's painful knee, performs range-of-motion tests, and takes a medical history in order to make 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 tests, smear and blood analysis for bacterial microflora, serological test, bone marrow and joint fluid puncture are taken.
- Invasive methods include arthroscopy.
Based on the results of 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 your joints hurt.Therefore, a timely visit to a specialist is an important component for quick and correct elimination of the problem.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 needs bed rest followed by leg activation.It is recommended to use a stick or crutches when walking, and to wear soft and comfortable shoes.In some cases, the doctor prescribes orthopedic insoles.
At home, the primary means of treating knee pain are chondroprotectors, pain relievers, and anti-inflammatory medications.The release forms of these drugs can be different (gels, creams, ointments, injections, tablets).The specialist prescribes this or that form of medicine depending on the type, degree and location of the damage.
- NSAIDs are the 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 affected 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 disease recurrences.
- Placing a restraint 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 when you sit in one place for a long time, then you need to move a little.Sedentary lifestyle or sedentary work is very dangerous - there is a risk of gaining extra weight, which will strain the knee joints, and also all the time without movement is very harmful, the knees stagnate.
Drug treatment is usually supplemented with physiotherapy.This allows you to quickly relieve pain, shorten the course of treatment and reduce the dose of medication.
It is equally important to follow a diet - eating plant-based foods rich in vitamins, fish dishes and seafood helps to restore joint cartilage.And, of course, when the pain can be overcome, we must do our best not to return: lead a healthy lifestyle, strengthen the body and not expose it to excessive stress.