Knee Pain: Causes, Prevention and Treatment
It is essential that individuals have an accurate diagnosis of the cause of symptoms. This is vital so that appropriate treatment can be decided based on the diagnosis made, and treatment can be personalised to help get back to full fitness.
Causes of Knee Pain
Arthritis is one of the most common causes of this pain. Symptoms can include inflammation, joint pain and restriction and pain in movements. The treatments in relation to this also vary. Numerous people have already been victims of this discomfort, with senior citizens being those who are most affected. This can cause them to have knee pain, amongst other discomforts, which are caused by a thinning of cartilage and the main bones in the knee joint grinding against each other.
Meniscal Tear
In some instances, individuals might experience a meniscal tear. This can also be referred to as a cartilage injury. Individuals in various sporting activities are those who are often faced with these pains, and a common way it occurs is a valgus or varus force being applied to a flexed knee. Symptoms can include stiffness of the knee, inflammation or pain in movement, specifically twisting motions.
It is also a problem that might be faced by individuals of varying ages, meaning that both the young and the old alike are bound to experience such pain. This is also one of the most common reasons for knee pain. Younger people may be experiencing Osgood Schlatter’s disease, and their muscles and bones haven’t fully grown yet, but on the other end of the spectrum, the older generation may be experiencing degeneration of tissue.
Chondromalacia Patella
Chondromalacia patella (damage to the cartilage at the back of the kneecap) is also another common cause of this problem. This is caused due to the softening of the kneecap. The knee then performs or functions inefficiently. The cause of this pain is not limited to children or young people, nor the elderly. All age groups are bound to get affected by the problem. It is particularly common in runners, though, and symptoms such as pain can be experienced when putting pressure on the joint.
Dislocation
A person might also easily dislocate their knee. The kneecap is one of the most commonly dislocated parts of the body. Various situations might cause one to have a dislocated kneecap. They include but are not limited to, sporting activities. This is a problem that often causes chronic pain in sufferers. Commonly the kneecap pops back into place by itself, but it is always a good idea to get it checked out by a health professional, so it is advised to go to A&E to get it looked at first.
It is vital that you seek medical intervention as soon as you realise that you have a problem. This is especially so if you are unsure of the cause. Individuals who do not know the exact cause or treatment of the problem should also endeavour to get help from an Osteopath or Physiotherapist so that a clear history can be taken to get to the bottom of the problem and diagnose it correctly.
Prevention and Treatment
You can easily prevent yourself from getting such an injury. Individuals should do this by having a safe environment. The things that surround you should not be placed in a disorderly manner. You should also make sure that you are careful in whatever activities you do.
Treatments often depend on the real cause of this issue. You can, however, consider resting as one of the treatments. Individuals can also have ice placed on the painful area. Stretching is also vital for people who are affected. Also, make sure that you have physical therapy in the area.
Treatment modalities can include;
Soft tissue therapy
Mobilisation of the joint
Ultrasound Therapy
Shockwave Therapy
Laser Therapy
Kinesiology taping
Rehabilitation/Strength Programming
Corticosteroid injections
Diet planning