Knee problems: causes and treatments

Knee problems: causes and treatments

The knee joint is made up of a number of structures including ligaments, tendons, cartilage and bones. If any of these is affected either due to an injury like torn ligaments or cartilage or some conditions like arthritis, gout and infections or sometimes a problem in the hip or foot, it can cause knee pain.

Causes

A knee injury can affect any of the ligaments, tendons, or fluid-filled sacs (bursa) that surround your knee joint, as well as the bones, cartilage, and ligaments that make up the joint itself. Some sports put more strain on your knees than others, increasing the risk of knee injuries. Vigorous games such as football and basketball can cause an injury to the ACL, or suddenly twisting the knee can result in a torn meniscus.

Fractures:The bones of the knee, including the kneecap (patella), can be broken in car accidents or falls. People whose bones are weakened by osteoporosis are also susceptible to fractures.

Knee bursitis:Some knee injuries cause inflammation in the bursae, the small sacs of fluid that cushion the outside of your knee joint and cause knee pain.

Patellar tendonitis:Tendinitis is irritation and inflammation of one or more tendons.

diseases

Osteoarthritis:Also called degenerative arthritis, is a wear-and-tear condition that occurs when the cartilage in your knee deteriorates with use and age.

Rheumatoid arthritis:It is the most debilitating form of arthritis. Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disease that can affect almost every joint in your body, including your knees.

Gout:This type of arthritis occurs when uric acid crystals or calcium-containing crystals (pseudogout) accumulate in the joint. While gout most commonly affects the big toe, it can also occur in the knee.

Septic arthritis:Septic arthritis often occurs with fever. There is usually no trauma before the onset of pain. Sometimes your knee joint can become infected, causing swelling, pain, and redness.

Other problems

Overweight:Being overweight or obese increases the stress on your knee joints, even during normal activities such as walking or climbing stairs. It also increases the risk of osteoarthritis by accelerating the breakdown of joint cartilage.

Lack of muscle flexibility or strength:Lack of strength and flexibility are among the leading causes of knee injuries. Tight or weak muscles provide less support for your knee because they do not adequately absorb the stress placed on the joint.

Previous injury:A previous knee injury increases the likelihood that you will re-injure your knee.

Iliotibial band syndrome:When the tight band of tissue that extends from the outside of your hip to the outside of your knee (iliotibial band) becomes so tight that it rubs against the outer part of your thigh bone, it can cause knee pain.

Dislocated kneecap:This occurs when the triangular bone (patella) that covers the front of your knee slips out of place.

Hip or foot pain:In some cases, problems in the hip or foot can cause knee pain.

Treatment in India

Not all knee pain is serious. However, some knee injuries and conditions such as osteoarthritis can lead to increasing pain, joint damage and disability if left untreated. In India there are many companies that provide top quality healthcare facilities at very affordable cost like Orthopedic Surgery India, Travcure Medical Tourism etc treatment and at very affordable prices. These companies also take full responsibility for all other arrangements such as visas, accommodation, appointments, etc. and strive to make your medical journey a very relaxing and memorable experience.

Inspired by Kimmie Rollison