Knee pain is a complicated issue simply because this
particular joint is complex and contains many components that can be injured,
and this means there are many potential reasons for this condition to develop
in the first place.
The knee joint is comprised of three bones that are
supported by four different ligaments, all of which can become irritated and
injured, which further opens the door to the development of knee pain.
Irritation and injury can affect not only the bones, joints, tendons and
ligaments of the knee but the cartilage and menisci as well. The muscles
surrounding the entire structure of the knee also affect the level of
functioning and injury that occur in the knee joint.
Problems with the knee can be acute, which means they
have developed due to sudden injury such as force of impact, which can cause
tears in the cartilage, dislocation of bones, tearing of joints, and swelling
in the cartilage, for example. Knee pain can also be chronic, which means that
problems have developed gradually over time without notable injury. This type
of discomfort includes generalized knee pain, impaired use of the joint, and
osteoarthritis.
Tendonitis, or inflammation of the knee, is one of the
most common causes of knee pain. Discomfort is usually felt beneath the knee
cap though it often develops behind the knee as well.
Swelling at the joint is a common indicator of acute
injury and due to the size of the mass that can develop it can look like a much
more severe injury than is actually the case. The swelling and pain may occur
not only in the knee proper but extend into the muscles of the thigh, though
this does not always occur. Injuries to the ligaments are felt on the inside or
outside of the knee, though they can also occur within the knee itself and may
or may not be accompanied by a ‘popping’ sensation with the initial injury.
Knee pain is most often in found in older populations,
athletes, as a result of traumatic injury, and in both sedentary and extremely
active populations as well. Sedentary populations are vulnerable to knee pain
due to muscle weakness, muscular imbalances, poor flexibility and an increased
risk of obesity. Extremely active populations are at increased risk for both
acute and chronic injuries and often experience complex ‘secondary’ reasons for
knee pain, such as foot pain, overpronation or supination of the feet, or other
foot problems that can directly influence the health and level of functioning
of the knee.
If a ‘popping’ noise is felt or if there is clear injury
or trauma than emergency medical treatment should be sought immediately. If a
secondary issue is suspected of developing from overuse or from secondary
sources such as problems with the feet then the best thing to do is stop all
activities, rest, elevate the foot, immobilize the knee, and use cold therapy
to treat any swelling or discomfort. Ideally,
the knee should be elevated and iced several times each day during the recovery
process. If this type of treatment does not relieve or reduce knee pain then a
professional opinion and long-term treatment should be sought.
Suzy Pickhall, who has been a foot care expert over the past thirty years has written a viable guide on how to combat Foot Pain, and a guide on Heel Pain.
