Knee Joint Pain Relief
Knee joint pain can be the result of overuse injury, sudden injury or any underlying condition like arthritis. The treatment for this condition might vary from one person to another depending on the main cause of the problem. Stiffness of the knees and swelling and pain are some of the most important signs of knee joint injury.
Pain in the knees is one of the most common problems among people these days. This pain can originate in almost any bone that makes up the structure of the knee joint, the cartilage and ligaments and the kneecap. Physical activity can result in the aggravation of pain. Pain can also get aggravated by obesity and other issues like foot injury. Pain in the knee joint is a condition that can affect people of almost all ages. Home remedies can prove to be highly beneficial for minor pain.
The Categorization of Knee Pain
Knee joint pain can be classified into three important categories and they are:
- Pain caused due to medical conditions like infections, rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis.
- Acute injuries like torn ligament, meniscal tear and broken bone.
- Chronic use or overuse conditions like chondromalacia, osteoarthritis, patellar syndromes, bursitis, tendinitis and IT band syndrome.
Here you will find complete details of the most common reasons behind knee pain.
Active Lifestyle
An overly active lifestyle can sometimes result in acute knee pain. Exercise, sports and various other strenuous activities can result in tendinitis, muscle strains and more serious problems and injuries to the cartilage and ligaments that make up the knee structure. The pain of the knee can be so severe in some people that they might not be able to carry out even their regular activities. However, mild pain might also serve as a major hindrance to the active lifestyle desired by people. Whatever might be your cause of knee joint pain, it is necessary that you do not ignore the issue and take curable steps as soon as possible.
Ligament Injuries of the Knee
Ligaments connect the thigh bone to the lower leg bones. They are responsible to hold the bones together and keep the knee fully stable. Tears and sprains of the knee ligament are quite common among sports enthusiasts. These can generally occur in the posterior and the anterior cruciate ligaments and even the medial collateral ligaments. Such injuries can result in acute pain in the knee area and they might also require surgery.
Cartilage Tears in the Knee Area
There are other injuries that can also result in chronic knee joint pain and these include tears in the knee cartilage. Cartilage is basically a semi-tough but flexible tissue covering the end of the knee bones. There are two menisci located in the knee cartilage on either side of the joint. These are called lateral meniscus and medial meniscus found on the outside and the inside of the knee. Meniscus tears in the knee cartilage are common injuries resulting in acute pain. These are conditions that require immediate surgery.
Dislocation
When the knee joint gets dislocated, the flow of blood to the leg and the other parts of the body might be compromised. It is a medical emergency that needs immediate medical attention. This is an injury that generally takes place in vehicle accidents with the knee hitting the dashboard. Such injuries can serve as one of the major causes of knee joint pain.
Biomechanics
The working of the knee joint is quite complicated. The knee joint is one part of the body that is used throughout the day. Changes in joint movement like change in the style of walking or leg-length differences can result in subtle changes leading to injuries and pain.
Excessive Weight
People who are overweighed tend to exert more stress on their knees. Obesity also increases the chances of cartilage breakdowns due to osteoarthritis. Fat people are generally the most common victims of knee joint pain because of the extra pressure that they out on the movement of their knee joint.
Loose Body
Most of the times, degeneration or injury of the cartilage or the bone can result in a piece of the cartilage or the bone breaking off and floating throughout the joint space. The condition is not very serious but if this loose body disturbs the movement of the knee joint then it might result in severe pain. The condition is very similar to a pencil getting caught in a certain door hinge.
Iliotibial Band Syndrome
The condition occurs when the hard band of tissue extending from the exterior of the hip to the exterior of the knee gets very tight and starts rubbing against the outside of the femur. This condition can also be the cause of knee joint pain especially in distance runners.
Can Pain in the Knee Joint Be Prevented?
Yes, of course, pain in the knee joint can easily be prevented through physical active. The sufferers also need to maintain healthy weight in order to manage the pain that they experience in their knees. Doing different types of exercises can strengthen the muscles of the legs while taking the right precautions against all kinds of sports injuries can help in preventing knee pain. Some tips that can help in the prevention of pain in the knees are as follows:
- Stretching and warming up prior to exercising.
- Wearing perfect shoes
- Not overdoing any activity
- Avoiding knee twists
- Stopping exercises if the knee is severely injured
- Seeking proper treatment
Conclusion
Although it is not always possible to prevent pain in the knee area, there are some recommendations that can help in forestalling joint deterioration and injuries. Staying active and exercising moderately are tips that can definitely help. Frequently, you might find your pain occurring for a very short span of time and then resolving on its own. If you are suffering from pain that does not get alleviated even if you have tried innumerable measures then it is time for you to get it evaluated by a specialist.