The knee joint is one of the most complex joints in the human body.Such "complicated" devices, combined with constant loads, make the joints very vulnerable.
In this regard, it is not surprising that throughout our lives, 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 walking or bending and straightening their legs, in some cases - regularly.
The nature of pain in the knee joint, as well as the reasons 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.Sometimes this is a symptom of a serious illness, which can be determined by the nature of the sensation and some additional signs.
Among the most common reasons why the knee is as follows:
- Arthritis of the knee joint is an inflammatory disease.It can be an independent pathology or a symptom or complication of another disease.
- Osteoarthritis of the knee joint is a degenerative process of articular tissue destruction;Over a long period of time, it causes deformation and hinders joint mobility.
- Because of injury from a very strong blow to the knee, impact with a hard object, or a fall.In this case, the joint is damaged excessively and bends unnaturally.
- Ligament damage - any activity that involves physical exertion can cause knee injuries.This often happens when playing sports and during active recreation, and sharp pain is immediately felt and the joint hides.If this happens, it is necessary to exclude further pressure on the injured leg until medical help is provided, so as not to aggravate the injury.
- Meniscus damage.The meniscus is a round piece of cartilage in the knee joint that is easily damaged by sudden squatting or twisting.Doctors diagnose this cause after examinations, ultrasounds, and X-rays.
- Bursitis.Many people wonder why their knees hurt when bending over.There may be many answers to this question, but sometimes it is the formation of excessive 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 manifest itself in an acute form, but it 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.Accumulated fluid can be easily felt even through the skin;The swelling has a clear contour.
- Pain occurs when a cyst forms below the knee (Becker Cyst).Its formation appears in the Fossa as a result of the inflammatory process previously observed in the knee joint.Materials that accumulate during inflammation in the joint penetrate the tendon area of the popliteal fossa and are localized in the inner part of the fossa.
- Tendonitis (inflammation of ligaments and tendons) is characterized by swelling and discomfort in certain areas.It increases with flexion and extension of the knee and contraction of the muscles associated with the tendon affected by the inflammation, and radiates the neighboring muscles of the leg and thigh.
- Ischemic pain - Occurs due to impaired 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 symmetrically adjusted, that is, in both knees, has the same intensity and does not affect joint mobility.
Acute or chronic knee pain that appears cannot 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, rubs, physical procedures, and surgery.
Diagnostics
First, the orthopedist examines the patient's painful knee, conducts movement tests and collects anamnesis to make an accurate diagnosis.In addition, the doctor may prescribe the following examinations:
- Instrumental - Using Radiography.Ultrasound, CT, MRI or Densitometry.
- During the laboratory study, general and biochemical tests are taken, smear and blood tests for bacterial microflora, serological tests, bone marrow puncture and joint fluid are performed.
- Invasive methods involve 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.
Knee pain treatment
A doctor can determine why the joint hurts.Therefore, a timely visit to a specialist is an important component to quickly and correctly eliminate problems that have arisen.However, whatever the cause of knee pain, the first thing to do is reduce the load on the joint.Often during periods of acute pain, patients require bed rest followed by leg activation.It is recommended to use crutches or crutches when walking, and to wear soft and comfortable shoes.In some cases, doctors prescribe orthopedic insoles.
At home, the main means of drug treatment for knee pain are chondroprotective, painkillers and anti-inflammatory drugs.The release form of these drugs can be different (gel, cream, ointment, injection, tablet).Specialists prescribe one or another 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 damaged area.After some time, the pain will begin to subside.
- Chondroprotectors, on the other hand, do not reduce pain, but with long-term use they promote the recovery of damaged cartilage tissue, restore joint function and reduce the number of disease relapses.
- Applying a restraint bandage can also help.But you must be sure that it can be done for your injury, otherwise you can only make the situation worse.
- If your knees hurt when you sit 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 pressure on the knee joint, and also all the time without movement is very dangerous, the knee does not change.
Drug treatment is usually complemented by a course of physiotherapy.This allows you to quickly relieve pain, shorten treatment, and reduce the dose of medication.
It is equally important to follow the diet - eating plant-based foods rich in vitamins, fish dishes and seafood help restore articular cartilage.And, of course, when pain can be overcome, we must try to ensure that it does not return: lead a healthy lifestyle, strengthen the body and not subject it to excessive stress.