What Causes Knee Pain?
Flexion and extension are the primary movements of knee joint. The knee can twist as well, but not too far, which accounts for many injuries to the knee ligaments. The causes of knee pain include:
Rheumatoid Arthritis:
Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disease that causes chronic, inflammatory pain in the knees and other joints.
Kneecap Dislocation:
A dislocated kneecap is a common traumatic sports injury caused by your patella sliding out of place. It is possible to push the patella back into position, as with other dislocations, but further therapies may be required if this is unsuccessful.
Knee Bursitis:
Knee bursitis develops when the fluid-filled sacs (bursae) in the knee that cushion and protect the tendons and ligaments become inflamed.
Knee Degeneration:
The most common cause of knee joint degradation is osteoarthritis. It is a condition that develops over time and with frequent use. The most prevalent type of arthritis is osteoarthritis, which can affect every joint.
IT Band Syndrome (Iliotibial Band Syndrome):
The iliotibial band (IT band) runs down the outer thigh and assists with knee and hip stability. The fibers that make up the band overdevelop and press against the knee or hipbone. It causes friction and inflammation in iliotibial band syndrome (ITBS). The friction causes chronic knee
pain.
Gout:
Gout is caused by a buildup of uric acid in the blood, which occurs in and around the joints. It is most frequent in the big toe, although it can also happen in the knee.
Tendinitis And Tendinosis:
Tendinosis is a condition similar to tendonitis in that it causes pain and limits mobility. Tendinitis occurs due to micro-tears in the tendon as a result of overuse. Tendinosis occurs when overuse persists without allowing the tendon to recover.
Ruptured Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL):
A ruptured ACL is one of the most prevalent causes of chronic knee pain, particularly in athletes. ACL tears are more common in sports that involve rapid changes in direction (i.e., soccer or tennis).
Torn Meniscus:
There are two menisci in the knee. These cartilage fragments are present between the tibia and the femur and act as shock absorbers, cushioning the impact between the bones during movement. The meniscus also aids with knee stability. These injuries, like a ruptured ACL, are typically accompanied by a popping noise and knee pain at the tear site. A tear can happen from any rapid twisting of the knee.
How is Knee Pain Diagnosed?
A health care practitioner will begin by asking questions about the person’s general health, followed by questions about the type of knee pain (how long, how severe, does anything make it feel better or worse, etc.).
Following that, the doctor will examine your knee. Sometimes the doctor will order additional tests, such as:
Radiologic Examinations:
A plain X-ray can reveal fractures and degenerative changes in the knee.
MRI is used to assess the soft tissues for ligament tears, cartilage damage, and muscular strain.
Blood Tests:
A health care practitioner may recommend blood testing if gout, arthritis, or other medical disorders are suspected.
Joint Fluid Removal (Arthrocentesis):
A little amount of fluid from the knee joint is used to identify several diseases.
Treatment Options for Knee Pain
Treatment options include the following:
Ice:
Ice is one of the therapeutic choices. Icing an inflamed knee can help significantly with pain alleviation.
Exercise:
When your knee pain flares up, you may not feel like moving, but regular exercise helps maintain your joint health. Try knee pain activities that strengthen and stabilize the muscles surrounding the joint, or move to low-impact full-body workouts such as swimming or walking.
Physical Therapy:
Physical therapy, alone or in combination with other therapies, can improve the muscles that surround the knee joint, increasing its stability and functionality.
Bracing And A Change Of Shoes:
Knee braces can help to support the joint while the inflammation goes away. A change of shoes can also assist, especially if you regularly select fashion above function in your footwear. There are more fashionable options for shoes that won’t contribute to knee pain these days.
Gel Injections:
Knee gel injections can help patients with degenerative disorders like osteoarthritis by lubricating the knee joint. It provides lubricant to the knee joint, allowing for more fluid movement.
Medications:
Anti-inflammatory medicines (e.g., ibuprofen, naproxen sodium, Celebrex) are the primary treatment for knee pain, but other types of medication may also be beneficial. Neuropathic drugs (gabapentin, Lyrica) can help people suffering from neuropathic pain.
Injections:
If you have more severe knee pain, numerous knee pain injections may help. A corticosteroid injection directly into your knee joint is the most common. This injection relieves inflammation and pain.
Nerve Blocks:
The most frequent type of nerve block for knee pain is a Saphenous Nerve Block, which helps people suffering from several knee conditions, including those who have had complete knee replacement surgery. Genicular Nerve Blocks are especially beneficial for those with severe osteoarthritis.
Spinal Cord Stimulation (SCS) and Dorsal Root Ganglion (DRG) Stimulation:
If more conservative treatments fail to relieve your pain, Neuromodulation by spinal cord stimulation may be an option. Spinal cord stimulation includes inserting tiny electrodes into the spine’s epidural area. Stimulation of the large nerve fibers blocks the smaller nerve fibers, preventing pain sensation.
Peripheral Nerve Stimulation (PNS):
Peripheral nerve stimulation (PNS) is similar to spinal cord stimulation, except the electrodes are put along the peripheral nerves, usually at the site of pain.
Orthopedic Surgery:
If all other therapies fail, a surgical procedure may be required. It is the last option unless the cause of knee pain is a traumatic event that caused the injury.
