Knee problems are often caused by an injury or overuse. Your doctor will ask about your symptoms and do a physical exam. They may also order X-rays and other tests.
The knee has two rubbery wedges of cartilage that cushion and stabilise the knee joint. These are called the menisci. If you injure these, a pop may be heard or felt at the knee.
Most knee problems are the result of injury, overuse, or age-related wear and tear. The knee is a complex joint made of four main parts: bones, cartilage, ligaments and muscles. The surface of the bones that make up the knee is covered with articular cartilage, which protects the knee from friction and provides a smooth gliding surface for movement. The knee is also supported by ligaments and tendons, which help the knee move correctly.
The most common symptom of knee problems is pain. You may feel the pain when you bend or put weight on the knee, or it may be a constant ache that gets worse with time. Knee pain can also cause swelling, warmth or redness around the knee, or it may produce a tingling sensation in the calf below the knee.
If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, you should seek medical care. Because the knee is a weight-bearing joint, ignoring knee pain can make it worse and lead to long-term damage. In addition, it is important to get an accurate diagnosis so that the proper treatment can be provided.
A torn ligament, tendon or damaged cartilage can often be felt as a sharp pain when you move your knee. You may hear a popping sound as the injured tissue pops out of place. A dislocated kneecap can be particularly painful, as the kneecap shifts out of its normal position in front of the femur. In severe cases, you may not be able to straighten your knee at all.
A doctor can diagnose most knee problems by doing a physical exam of the knee, including moving your leg up and down and turning it to both sides. The doctor may then suggest an imaging test to look for the source of the knee pain. The most common imaging tests for the knee include X-rays, computerized tomography (CT) scans and ultrasound. X-rays can detect bone fractures, and CT scans and ultrasound use a combination of X-rays and sound waves to create detailed images of the inside of your knee.
The knee is a complex joint made up of bone, cartilage, ligaments and muscles. When any of these are damaged, it can cause pain and difficulty moving the knee.
The most common problems involve damage to the ligaments that hold the knee together and the cartilage that provides a smooth surface for movement. These can be caused by injury, such as a fall or blow to the knee; by overuse (either from sport, work or just everyday activity); or by getting older.
X-rays can help your doctor see any cracks or breaks in the kneecap or the bones of the knee. They can also show up problems such as an enlarged kneecap (patellar tendonitis). An MRI scan uses radio waves and a powerful magnet linked to a computer to create pictures of areas inside the knee, including ligaments, tendons and cartilage. It can find damage to these structures even when they are not very swollen.
Your doctor may use a stethoscope to listen to the knee as you bend and straighten it. This can spot problems such as fluid build-up in the knee (osteoarthritis) or an infection in the knee joint (gout). Blood tests can check for arthritis, and can help to rule out other causes of your pain, such as a thyroid problem.
If you have severe or unrelenting knee pain, or if the kneecap becomes locked in place, your doctor may refer you to an orthopaedic surgeon for further tests and treatment. They may recommend non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medicines such as aspirin, ibuprofen or naproxen to reduce pain and swelling. An ultrasound or a magnetic resonance imaging scan of the knee can provide further details about the cartilage, muscles and ligaments of the knee.
If your knee problems are preventing you from working, speak to your employer as soon as possible. They can help by offering flexible working or other ways to make it easier for you to carry out your job. It is also important to continue working if you can, even if it means doing lighter duties or changing your hours.
The knees need to be strong and flexible in order to move. When these bones and tissues become damaged, pain and stiffness can occur. There are many treatment options available.
Typically, nonsurgical methods are tried first. These include rest, ice, compression and elevation. A physical therapist can help guide you through exercises that strengthen your knee and ease the pain. Medication can also be helpful in controlling pain and swelling.
Your doctor may inject the knee with glucocorticoids, which are powerful steroids that can reduce inflammation and swelling. However, this can cause side effects, so it is usually used only as a short-term option. If the underlying problem is not relieved by nonsurgical measures, your doctor may perform a minimally invasive procedure called arthroscopy to examine and repair the knee joint.
A meniscus tear is a common injury. The two rubbery wedges of cartilage inside the knee joint can either tear suddenly during a sporting event or gradually tear with age. If a tear is sudden, there will be a pop in the knee and the symptoms will start right away.
Knee bursitis is a condition that causes fluid to build up in the knee, causing swelling, pain and decreased movement. This condition is often caused by overuse or repetitive knee movements. An infection in the knee joint (septic arthritis) can be very serious and should be treated with antibiotics.
Septic arthritis can also cause pain and swelling. An infection in the knee skin (cellulitis) or the joint (joint abscess) is also serious and requires treatment with antibiotics.
Other conditions that can cause knee pain include a popliteal cyst (swelling in the back of the knee) and osteochondritis dissecans (when a piece of bone or cartilage within the joint breaks loose, causing pain and decreased movement). A doctor can treat these conditions with medications or procedures such as arthroscopy and a procedure called arthrocentesis. Doctors are also studying a new therapy that uses mesenchymal stem cells. These are cells that are found in bone marrow and have the ability to grow into other types of tissue, including cartilage.
Most of us don’t give much thought to our knees — until they start giving us trouble. Knees are complex body parts, made up of bones, cartilage, ligaments and supporting muscles. They are under a lot of pressure, particularly when we walk and exercise. And if something goes wrong with one of those pieces, it can lead to pain and serious injury.
Fortunately, there are things we can do to fool Father Time and delay or prevent knee problems. For example, if you play sports or do other forms of regular exercise, try to improve your form to reduce stress on the knees. That means stretching, and getting advice from a professional coach or trainer on how to move correctly.
Another prevention strategy is to strengthen the support muscles around the knees. Weakness in these muscles is a leading cause of knee injuries. Exercises that target the quadriceps and hamstring muscles on the front and back of the thighs are good for this. You can also do exercises that focus on balance and stability. This type of training helps the muscles work together more efficiently, and it decreases stress on the knees.
Finally, make sure to choose appropriate activities for your level of fitness and health status. For instance, if you have a history of knee injury or osteoarthritis (OA), you should avoid activities that put too much stress on your knees, such as running, jumping or other high-impact exercise. Instead, consider walking or using a rowing machine at the gym to get a great cardio workout without the knee-jarring impact.
If you have a history of knee pain or OA, it’s important to get an early diagnosis so that treatment can begin before the damage gets worse. Research shows that early knee OA treatment can slow down or even stop the progression of the disease. It’s also important to maintain a healthy weight, because excess body weight places more stress on the knees and increases your risk of joint damage and pain. And don’t forget to replace your shoes regularly — worn-out or unsupportive shoes can increase your risk for knee pain and injury.
Most knee problems occur from everyday wear and tear or overuse. If you experience severe pain, or your knee buckles, clicks or locks, see a doctor for diagnosis and treatment.
The knee is a complex joint with cartilage that cushions the knee, menisci that absorb impact and ligaments that connect muscle to bone. Learn the signs that indicate a problem with your knee.
Knee pain can be a warning sign of a serious problem with the knee joint. Your knee has to support the weight of your body, so any injury or disease that puts extra strain on it will cause pain. If the pain is severe or you cannot move your knee, make an appointment to see your doctor as soon as possible.
Your doctor will examine your knee and ask you about your symptoms. They may suggest imaging tests such as X-rays or an MRI scan to see what is causing the pain and damage to your knee.
Injuries that can lead to knee pain include sprains and strains, ligament tears (such as ACL tears), and meniscus tears. These injuries are often caused by sports or work that involves repetitive movements. They can also be a result of arthritis, such as rheumatoid arthritis.
Another common reason for knee pain is tendonitis, which causes a painful swell up of a tendon, such as the patellar tendon that connects your kneecap to the top of the tibia. This is a common injury in sports that involve running or jumping. It is sometimes referred to as runner’s knee, but it can affect anyone who exercises regularly.
You can often manage knee pain with over-the-counter painkillers such as ibuprofen or naproxen, but you should only take these if your pain is mild. If the pain persists, you can try other treatments, including complementary therapies such as acupuncture and relaxation. Some people also find relief from using a knee brace.
Long-term knee problems can be difficult to live with, so it is important to seek help as soon as you notice a problem. If your knee pain makes it hard to go to work, to exercise or to sleep at night, make an appointment with your GP as soon as possible. You can also talk to an occupational health advisor through your workplace to discuss if you need any adjustments to your job. They can help you with any practical steps you might need to take to stay in work, such as arranging for a bespoke knee brace.
Swelling in the knee typically comes with pain and can range from mild to severe. It can also be hard to bend or straighten the knee, if there’s enough fluid buildup. See your doctor if self-care, like resting, using an ice pack and elevating the knee, doesn’t help ease symptoms. In severe cases, the swelling can cause you to feel as if your knee is going to explode, which is a medical emergency and warrants immediate attention from a healthcare professional.
There are many reasons a knee may swell, including an injury or trauma, infection or arthritis. An injury can damage the bones, cartilage, tendons or ligaments in the knee. This can lead to a lot of fluid in the knee, which is called effusion or synovitis.
Infections of the knee can include a deep vein thrombosis (DVT) or spontaneous haemarthrosis. A DVT is a blood clot in one of the deep veins, usually in the calf or thigh, that can travel through the bloodstream and into the knee joint. A sudden onset of pain and swelling with warmth, redness and a feeling that the knee is going to explode is considered a medical emergency and needs to be treated immediately.
Another common reason for a swollen knee is a condition called bursitis or septic bursitis, which occurs when the small fluid-filled sacs in the knee, called bursae, become inflamed. These sacs are located between the knee bones and soft tissues, such as the skin and muscles. Septic bursitis causes pockets of swelling in the knee rather than general knee swelling and is most often caused by repetitive kneeling or blunt force trauma to the knee.
Other conditions that can lead to knee swelling include Osgood-Schlatter Disease, which is caused by growth spurts in teens, and plica syndrome, which is found in the area where the tendon from the kneecap connects to the tibia. Plica syndrome can cause pain, swollen knee, stiffness and difficulty bending or straightening the knee. These conditions are more likely to occur as you age. The best way to prevent the swelling of your knee is to maintain good flexibility and exercise regularly, especially strengthening exercises.
Occasionally knee pain and swelling is part of an injury or normal wear and tear, but if it is recurring or getting worse over time you should make an appointment with your doctor. Consistent knee swelling may also be a sign that your cartilage is beginning to break down.
Your doctor will ask you about your symptoms and do a physical examination. They may also suggest imaging tests such as an X-ray or MRI scan to help them diagnose your knee problem.
A common cause of sudden knee pain is a bacterial infection such as cellulitis, which occurs when bacteria enters the joint and causes inflammation and swelling. If left untreated, this can lead to more serious problems such as permanent damage and chronic (long-term) knee pain.
Inflammation and wear and tear can also cause the knee to move incorrectly. This can cause pain and can lead to a deformity in the shape of your knee. You may also experience a clicking, locking or buckling sensation in the knee.
It’s possible to reduce your knee pain at home by resting and elevating the injured knee. You can also try physiotherapy to strengthen and stretch the muscles that support the knee. You may be able to get physiotherapy on the NHS without a referral from your GP or you can pay privately.
If your knee pain is caused by an injury or a medical condition, your doctor will usually recommend resting the knee and taking ibuprofen to ease the pain and swelling. They may also advise you to use a splint or brace to keep the knee still while it heals.
You can prevent long-term knee pain by treating the underlying condition, such as rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis or a meniscus tear. You can also take steps to reduce your risk of knee injuries, such as wearing sturdy shoes and stretching before exercise. A pain management specialist can also provide advice and treatment to help you manage chronic knee pain, especially if it is preventing you from participating in the activities you enjoy. For example, they can prescribe injections into the knee to reduce pain and inflammation.
The knees have to support a lot of weight, and so are particularly vulnerable to injury. Overuse and unexpected twists from sports and exercise can cause the tendons and ligaments that connect and support the knees to become tight and then break down or tear. This causes knee pain and stiffness.
Knee problems may also be caused by other factors, such as obesity, poor posture or ageing. These can all affect the way your knees function, causing them to work harder or to move in a less efficient manner.
If you have a knee problem that makes it hard to bend your knee or straighten it all the way, if you have swelling, a grating sensation or a warm feeling in your knee, and/or if the knee is red and warm to the touch, you should see a healthcare professional. Your GP or physiotherapist might suggest you try some home treatments, such as resting your knee, icing it and doing exercises to strengthen the muscles around the knee.
Your healthcare professional might give you an injection to reduce inflammation and pain. They might also recommend you take medication, such as an anti-inflammatory or painkiller, and/or wear orthotics. You can find out whether you can get physiotherapy on the NHS without needing to see your GP by asking at your GP surgery, local Clinical Commissioning Group or hospital Trust. If you choose to pay for private physiotherapy, your therapist might refer you to an orthopaedic specialist if necessary.
If you have knee problems, it’s important to keep active and make lifestyle changes that will help ease your symptoms. For example, if you are a runner, avoid running on rough surfaces like gravel and rocky roads and instead stick to paved tracks and walking arenas. Having good footwear and replacing your shoes frequently will also help to protect your knees. You could also use a knee brace to provide extra support. If you have chronic knee osteoarthritis, you can use an ice pack to reduce inflammation. You could also use a glucocorticoid cream or gel, which helps to ease the pain and stiffness.
Knee problems occur when muscles, tendons and cartilage don’t move properly. They may also result from injury or arthritis.
Getting an accurate diagnosis is important. It can help with treatment and prevention. The first step is to see your doctor or physiotherapist. They will examine your knee and may order X-rays or an MRI scan.
Symptoms and a physical examination are usually enough to make a diagnosis of knee problems, but occasionally doctors will suggest tests or scans. These can help find out if the problem is serious and help guide treatment.
Your doctor will want to know when your symptoms started and what makes them better or worse. They may also ask you to move your knee in different ways and compare it with the other leg. They will look at your kneecap for signs of damage and check how well the kneecap moves when you bend, straighten and squat.
They might suggest X-rays, which can show broken bones and joint disease like osteoarthritis. A computerised tomography (CT) scan may be helpful as it combines X-rays taken from different angles to create 3-dimensional pictures of your knee joint. It is particularly good at showing fractures or bone problems. An magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan can also show your knee joint in great detail and is very useful for detecting damage to soft tissues such as ligaments, tendons and cartilage. It can also pick up inflammation, such as gout, which a blood test might miss.
If your kneecap slips or dislocates, it can cause injury to the ligaments around your knee and damage the cartilage on the back of your kneecap. Your doctor can move your kneecap back into place to reduce this injury. They may also order laboratory tests to spot infections, inflammation and some conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis or gout. These may include a simple blood test, a sample of fluid from your knee (arthrocentesis) or a procedure called ultrasound.
Jumper’s knee is pain caused by the patellar tendon, either where it inserts just below your kneecap or where it attaches to the tibia below your knee. It is common in sports that involve jumping and can be helped by reducing the amount of exercise you do and using a brace. Your doctor might also prescribe medicines to relieve pain and reduce swelling. If the problem is severe or doesn’t improve, they might recommend surgery to repair damaged ligaments or cartilage.
Most knee problems aren’t serious and can be treated at home. However, you should see your doctor if you experience persistent, intense pain, swelling or other symptoms. Your doctor will ask you about your symptoms and carry out a physical examination. They may also suggest imaging tests such as an X-ray or an MRI scan to diagnose your problem and decide on the best treatment for you.
A sprain or strain (tear in the ligament) or arthritis are common causes of knee pain. Osteoarthritis is a type of arthritis that causes the cartilage in your knee joint to slowly wear away. Rheumatoid arthritis is another type of arthritis that affects the joints in your knees, hips and other parts of your body.
Other causes of knee pain include infection in the skin, joint or bone (cellulitis), a cyst in the back of the knee (Baker’s cyst) and a lack of support from the foot and ankle (poor posture, flat feet or high arches). Knee problems can also be caused by problems elsewhere in the body such as a pinched nerve or a problem with the hip.
Rest — This helps to reduce pain and swelling. Try to avoid activities that require you to put a lot of pressure on your knees, such as walking up or down stairs, squatting and sitting for long periods of time.
Ice — This can help to reduce swelling and numb the pain. Apply an ice pack to your knee for about 15 minutes, four times a day. Wrap the ice in a towel to protect your skin.
Over-the-counter NSAIDs such as ibuprofen or naproxen can help to reduce pain and swelling. If over-the-counter NSAIDs don’t ease your pain, talk to your doctor about stronger prescription medications.
Physical therapy — Physiotherapy can strengthen your leg muscles and improve the alignment of your knees. It can also teach you ways to avoid putting too much stress on your knees.
Alternative therapies — These can include massage, acupuncture, biofeedback and relaxation. These can relieve muscle tension, calm your mind and improve your mood, which may help to reduce your pain.
When you have a knee problem, there are things you can do to help prevent it from getting worse. Talk with a pain management specialist.
Your doctor will check your knee by feeling it and moving it to see if it’s loose or stiff. Then he or she will order imaging tests, such as X-rays, computerized tomography (CT) scan and ultrasound, to help diagnose your knee’s problems.
X-rays show your knee joint from different angles and can detect bone fractures, cartilage damage and degenerative changes in the joints of your knees. CT scans combine X-ray images taken from many different angles to create cross-sectional images of your knee. They can also detect some types of bone fractures that aren’t visible on X-rays. CT scans can also detect certain types of arthritis, such as gout and osteoarthritis. Ultrasound can provide real-time images of your knee joints and surrounding tissues. It can also detect some conditions that affect the soft tissue of your knees, such as tendonitis.
If you have a structural knee problem, such as arthritis or a kneecap injury, you can try to reduce your symptoms by changing your exercise routine. Avoid activities that put too much stress on your knees, especially jumping or pivoting movements. Instead, focus on nonimpact aerobic exercises, like walking on level ground or training on an elliptical machine, and swimming or doing water aerobics. Strength training that focuses on the muscles around your knee can also decrease your knee pain and increase your ability to exercise.
Many people wrap their knees during sports or other activities, but doing so may increase your risk of injury. It can cause your knee to swell more than it needs to, which may cause the cartilage to rub against the bottom of your knee cap and make you feel pain. It can also tighten muscles or ligaments around your knee, including the iliotibial band (IT band).
If you have a recurring knee problem, such as an aching pain that comes and goes, see your doctor for advice. He or she may recommend a short course of ice to reduce swelling, then a program of stretching and strengthening to restore flexibility and build knee muscle strength.
Knee problems can result from injuries or conditions that affect the bones, cartilage, ligaments and fluid of the knee joint. These structures are essential for the knee to move properly, but when they are damaged or ill-functioning, pain and discomfort can occur. A doctor will diagnose the problem based on symptoms and medical history. He or she may order an X-ray to see the extent of the damage. Other tests include a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan, which is very useful for detecting damage to soft tissues such as ligaments, tendons and cartilage. A doctor will also order blood tests to check for infection and inflammation. He or she may also order a procedure called arthrocentesis, in which a sample of fluid from the knee is removed with a needle and sent for testing.
Medications may be recommended to relieve pain and help with the healing process. A narcotic painkiller is often prescribed, but these have many side effects and should only be used as directed by your doctor. If the knee is very painful, a narcotic painkiller can be combined with an anti-inflammatory medication.
A physical therapist can teach you how to perform daily activities without aggravating the injured knee. He or she will instruct you in exercises to strengthen the muscles around the knee, such as hamstring and quadriceps exercises. This will increase the strength of the knee and improve your mobility.
Other treatments for knee pain can include genicular nerve blocks, in which an anesthetic is injected into the area around the knee to block pain signals from reaching the brain. This can be followed by a nonsurgical treatment called radiofrequency ablation, in which a probe is inserted into the knee to heat up and coagulate the proteins that transmit pain signals.
During phase 3 of rehabilitation, the goal is to regain full knee range of motion with no pain. A specialized program that combines lower body strength training and knee-dominant exercises is usually needed. During this phase, your physical therapist will incorporate plyometric exercises (speed work that involves jumping and changing direction quickly) and advanced sport-specific drills. He or she will also train the hip and ankle to provide stability to the knee.
Knee problems can be painful and limit your activities. They can be due to injuries or conditions like osteoarthritis.
The knee is made of bones (femur, tibia, and fibula) and covered by articular cartilage that absorbs shock. Ligaments and tendons connect the kneecap (patella) to muscles in your leg.
The patellar tendon connects your kneecap (patella) to the bottom of your shinbone (tibia). It works with other muscles to help you move your knee. Overuse of the knee joint can strain the patellar tendon, and in extreme cases, cause it to tear. This injury is called patellar tendonitis.
The most common symptom is pain and swelling under or behind your kneecap. It may first appear as you begin exercise or right after a hard workout. It can get worse over time until it interferes with your daily activities, such as climbing stairs or rising from a chair.
A physical exam will help your doctor decide if the problem is caused by overuse or an injury. Your doctor may also order imaging tests to look at your kneecap and tendon. These include an X-ray, ultrasound, or an MRI.
Your doctor will recommend self-care measures such as icing the area, and temporarily avoiding or decreasing any activities that trigger your symptoms. If these don’t relieve your pain, you may need to see a Sports Medicine team member for further treatment.
Treatment for patellar tendonitis starts with anti-inflammatory medications to decrease pain and swelling. Your physician may also prescribe stronger NSAIDs, such as ibuprofen or naproxen, to improve pain control. Your physician may also recommend eccentric exercises, such as squats performed on a decline board at a 25-degree angle, and muscle strengthening to build strength in the thigh and calf muscles. Platelet-rich plasma injections, a newer technique that uses a concentrated concentration of your own blood to promote healing, has been shown to be effective in some patients.
Your Sports Medicine team will work with you to return you safely to your favorite activities. They may recommend a change in the activity level, modification of equipment, or use of knee braces. In some patients, surgery to repair the patellar tendon may be recommended. This will depend on the severity of your injury and how long you have been experiencing it. In some cases, your surgeon may perform a procedure called dry needling (also known as ultrasound-guided platelet-rich plasma injection) to make small holes in the patellar tendon and release healing growth factors.
The iliotibial band (also known as the IT band) is a thick strip of fascia, or connective tissue, that runs from your hip bone to your knee. It helps support the outside of your knee when you move. It also helps to facilitate hip rotation and extension, as well as flexion of the femur and the knee. The IT band is lubricated by a sac-like bursa, which allows it to glide easily over the knee and hip bones. But sometimes, the IT band can become tight and rub against these bones, causing friction and inflammation. This is called IT band syndrome.
It most commonly occurs in athletes who exercise regularly, especially those who run, bike or play sports that involve repetitively bending and straightening your knee. The most common symptoms of IT band syndrome are pain on the outside of your knee or hip. The pain usually gets worse during physical activity and may continue after you stop exercising. You may notice the pain is worse when you go up or down stairs.
A health care professional can diagnose this problem by asking you about your symptoms and when they started. They will do a physical exam, and might order an imaging test, such as an X-ray or a magnetic resonance image of the knee.
The most important treatment for IT band syndrome is rest. This means avoiding activities that make your pain worse, such as running or biking. Your doctor may recommend a physical therapy program to help stretch your leg and strengthen your muscles. It is also important to learn how to properly exercise to prevent future injuries. For example, if you are a cyclist, your doctor might teach you to “toe in” when you pedal, instead of pushing off with your heel, which can help reduce pressure on your IT band. If your condition does not improve with conservative treatments, surgery may be needed. Some studies have shown that the most effective surgical treatment involves excision or release of the pathologic distal portion of the iliotibial band. Other surgeries may include removal of the IT band or bursectomy.
A bursa is a fluid-filled sac that reduces rubbing between bone and soft tissue, like muscles, ligaments, and tendons. Inflammation in a bursa results in pain and swelling. Symptoms vary depending on the type of bursitis you have. Prepatellar bursitis, for example, develops in people who kneel or work on hard surfaces. It causes a painful, swollen knee and makes it difficult to move the knee. Kneecap pain syndrome, on the other hand, occurs when your patella moves out of place and leads to a painful lump under your knee.
Your doctor diagnoses the problem by taking a history of your symptoms and doing a physical examination. They may recommend X-rays or an MRI to see if there is damage or a buildup of calcium deposits that could be causing your pain. They may also feel for bumps beneath the skin, which can indicate a swollen bursa. Your doctor will ask you about your daily activities to find out if you have been doing something that caused your pain or limited your range of motion.
Most cases of noninfectious bursitis resolve on their own in a few weeks. If symptoms don’t improve, your doctor can treat the inflammation with a combination of medicines. They might prescribe steroids, which reduce swelling and pain quickly. They might inject the medication directly into the irritated joint. They might also prescribe an anti-inflammatory drug, such as ibuprofen. If the infection is serious, they might need to drain the fluid from the bursa using a needle.
Infections in the knee can lead to other problems, such as osteochondritis dissecans (OD). This condition is when cracks form in the cartilage and make the joint catch or lock. It typically affects growing adolescents but can happen to adults as well.
You can prevent this problem by using padding or cushioning when you kneel or sit for long periods of time, and by stretching before exercising. You can also use a brace or splint to support your knee while you are working, gardening, or playing sports. Seeing your doctor or physiotherapist as soon as you start to notice pain can help prevent the injury from getting worse.
Osteoarthritis is a common condition that causes painful, stiff joints. Normally, a smooth layer of cartilage acts as a cushion between the bones in a joint. But when a joint becomes damaged, the cartilage can break down and bone rubs against bone. Over time, osteoarthritis can lead to a range of symptoms, such as pain when using the knee, which may be worse at night. Other symptoms can include stiffness that comes and goes, changes in the way the knee moves, and swelling.
In the most serious form of osteoarthritis, the cartilage that cushions the knee joint completely wears away. When this happens, the femur can rub directly against the tibia. This can cause extreme knee pain and stiffness, making it difficult to move the knee.
Osteoarthritis can develop because of an injury, overuse, or aging. But it can also happen because of a problem with the genes that control how the body uses the knee. Symptoms usually start in middle adulthood and get worse as people get older. They can affect men and women equally, although it is more common in women after age 50.
Treatment: Medicines can help with the pain and stiffness of arthritis. These can be taken by mouth as pills or rubbed on the skin as creams. Medicines can also help slow down the progression of the disease.
Some people find that it helps to change the way they use their knees. For example, they might take up swimming or water aerobics instead of walking or running. They can also try to maintain a healthy weight and lose any extra pounds. Exercise can improve the strength and flexibility of the knee, as well as reduce pain and stiffness. Some doctors also prescribe splints and special braces that can help with movement. They may also recommend medicines to control pain, such as non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) or corticosteroid injections. Some doctors recommend surgery to repair or replace a severely damaged knee. Getting early treatment can make a difference in how much knee pain and stiffness you have. Follow-up care is important, too.