The knee joint is one of the most complex joints in the human body.Such a "complex" device, combined with a constant load, makes the joint very vulnerable.
In this regard, it is not surprising that throughout our life, at least once, each of us has experienced pain in the knee - dull, aching, sharp, muffled or even unbearable.Sometimes unpleasant sensations bother people only when they walk or bend and straighten 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 an 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:
- 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.for a long time it causes deformation and deprives the joint of mobility.
- Due to injury from a very strong 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 injury.This often happens when playing sports and during active recreation, and an immediate sharp pain is felt and the joint swells.If this happens, it is necessary to exclude further pressure on the injured leg until medical help 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 an in-person examination, ultrasound and X-ray.
- Folliculitis.Many people wonder why their knees hurt when they bend.There can be many answers to this question, but sometimes it is the usual formation of excess fluid in the joint, or rather in the chest where it is located.The pain is not localized and can often radiate to neighboring areas, even to the toes.Folliculitis can manifest itself in an acute form, 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 the mobility of the leg.Accumulated fluid is 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 the tendinous areas of the popliteal fossa and are located inside the fossa.
- Tendonitis (inflammation of ligaments and tendons) is characterized by swelling and discomfort in a specific area.It is intensified 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 reduced blood supply to the knee joint.The cause may be a sudden change in weather, long stay in the cold and excessive physical activity.As a rule, the pain is located symmetrically, that is, in both knees, it has the same intensity and does not affect the mobility of the joints.
Acute or chronic knee pain that occurs should not be ignored, so you should 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, rubbing, physical procedures and surgery.
Diagnostics
First, the orthopedist examines the patient's painful knee, performs motion tests, and collects memories to make an accurate diagnosis.In addition, the doctor may prescribe the following tests:
- Instrumental - using X-ray.Ultrasound, CT, MRI or densitometry.
- During a laboratory study, general and biochemical tests are taken, a smear and blood test for bacterial microflora, serological test, bone marrow and joint fluid puncture are performed.
- Interventional 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 the quick and correct elimination of the problem that has arisen.However, whatever 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 cane or crutches when walking and to wear soft and comfortable shoes.In some cases, the doctor prescribes orthopedic insoles.
At home, the main means of medical treatment for knee pain are chondroprotectors, pain relievers and anti-inflammatory drugs.The forms of release of these drugs can be different (gels, creams, ointments, injections, tablets).The specialist prescribes one or another form of the drug depending on the type, degree and location of the damage.
- NSAIDs are more 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 long-term use promote the restoration of damaged cartilage tissue, restore joint function and reduce the number of recurrences of the disease.
- Applying a supportive bandage may also help.But you need to be sure that it can be done for your injury, otherwise you can make the situation worse.
- If your knee hurts when you sit in one place for a long time, then you need to move around a bit.A sedentary lifestyle or sedentary work is very dangerous - there is a risk of gaining excess weight, which will put pressure on the knee joints, and also all the time without movement 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 drugs.
It is equally important to follow a diet - eating plant-based 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 make sure that it does not return: lead a healthy lifestyle, strengthen the body and not subject it to excessive stress.