Knee pain is quite common, and it can affect you at any age. It may be due to an injury, such as torn cartilage or a ruptured ligament. Many medical conditions like infections, gout, and arthritis can be the reason for knee pain. Symptoms of knee pain may include stiffness, swelling, and pain.
The function that knee joint performs is bending, strengthening, and bearing the weight of the body. The knee is not only a simple joint that hinges but also twists and rotates, which increases the functions that knee performs. The knee relies on several structures to perform all the actions and to support the entire body. These structures include tendons, cartilage, ligaments, and bones.
Structure of Knee
1. Tendons:
Tendons are the bands that connect muscles to bones. These are fibrous bands. The quadriceps and patellar tendons are important tendons in the knee.
2. Cartilage:
These cartilaginous structures are also called menisci. Cushioning knee joint is the primary job of menisci.
3. Ligaments:
These are also the fibrous bands just like tendons and connect femur with the tibia. There are four important ligaments. Ligaments that provide rotational stability to the knee from front and back are the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) and posterior cruciate ligament (PCL). Those ligaments that provide medial and lateral stability to the knee are called medial collateral ligament (MCL) and lateral collateral ligament (LCL). MCL provides constancy from inside and LCL from the outside.
4. Bones:
There are four bones in the knee joint. The thighbone is in the top portion. The thighbone is also called the femur. The patella is present along the front femur. It is the kneecap. Tibia helps in the bottom weight of the joint and is in the lower leg. The remaining bone is the fibula, and it is present in the calf. It provides ligament attachments to create stability.
Conditions for Knee Pain
There are many reasons for knee pain. There is a list of few problems below:
1. Dislocated Kneecap:
Doctors call it “patellar dislocation.” It occurs when your kneecap slides from its location, causing pain and swelling. Sometimes the knee bends, causing severe pain. This condition takes place when your knee is straight, and the lower leg is bent outwards when twisting. It also happens when the knee bends, and the kneecap is hit. For reduction, doctors push the patella towards the midline while straightening the knee.
2. Bursitis:
A sac that holds fluid that’s under the skin above your joint is the bursa. The function of the bursa is to prevent friction when joints move. When you overuse, fall, or bend your knee a lot, it can irritate the bursa, leads to swelling and pain. Your doctor might call this condition prepatellar bursitis.
3. Meniscal tear:
Sometimes injury on your knee can cause the cartilage to rip. Cartilage has a rough edge, and if you get stuck in the joint can cause pain and swelling.
4. Patellar Tendinitis:
Your tendons are inflammatory if you have this condition. Tendon connects kneecaps with the shinbone. Overdo exercises can cause inflammation and sore. The most common cause is repetitive jumping; that is why it is also called “jumper’s knee.”
5. Osgood-Schlatter Disease:
When you are young, the continuous change in your bones and other knee parts may cause this condition. When a tendon connects to the shin, it causes pain and bumps below the knee. This condition is prevalent in teenage boys and girls. Tibial tubercle sometimes makes the bottom of your knee hurt due to excessive exercise.
6. Osteoarthritis:
The main cause of pain after the age of 50 is due to this condition. People suffering from this condition may feel stiffness in the morning. This type of arthritis causes wear and tears.
7. Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome:
The main causes of this condition are muscle tightness, imbalance, and misalignment of the legs. If you are suffering from this syndrome, your legs can’t bear your legs and feel knee pain. This condition is more common in women and is not due to an injury.
Conclusion
Knee pain may cause many reasons depending upon age, activities, and injury. The first step you should take is to consult a pain management doctor. To know further about knee pain and its conditions, contact us at 646-862-5555 or book an appointment with our Pain Management Doctor.
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