Knee Pain: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment

Knee pain is a common joint condition for which people seek medical help. Though most common in athletes, it can occur to people of all ages and professions. Pain in the knee affects our regular leg movements and adversely impacts the overall health and quality of life. This blog articulates the causes of knee pain as well as its symptoms and treatment techniques.   

What causes knee pain? 

Knee pain can occur due to various injuries, repetitive stress on the knee joint, and various health conditions. Some of such common causes of knee pain are discussed below:

Rheumatoid arthritis 

Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disease of the knee joint that causes swelling, stiffness, and inflammation. Though it is most common in older adults, it can occur at any age. If this condition is not subjected to medical intervention, it can lead to irreversible damage to the joint.

Tendinitis

Tendinitis refers to the inflammation of the tendons, the connective tissue that supports the joint. Tendinitis often results in knee pain and swelling. Tendonitis commonly occurs due to overuse or repetitive use, injury, poor blood circulation, and a change in activity level.

Patellofemoral Syndrome

Patellofemoral Syndrome is a medical condition in which the patient suffers from pain in the front of the knee and around the kneecap. This syndrome is generally common in athletes.

Osgood-Schlatter disease

Osgood-Schlatter disease is a prevalent cause of knee pain in children. The condition causes the growth plate on the top and front of a child’s tibia to inflate.

Baker’s cyst

 Baker’s cyst is a condition that causes the knee to produce too much lubricating fluid. It causes a bulge and tightness behind the knee. The pain worsens on fully flexing or stretching the knee.

Knee bursitis

Knee bursitis is an inflammation or irritation of one or more of your knee’s bursae. Knee bursitis is an inflammation of a small fluid-filled sac (bursa) near the knee joint. Bursae are structures that reduce friction and cushion pressure points between your bones and the tendons, muscles, and skin surrounding your joints.

Ligament Injuries

The structure of the knee is mainly stabilized by four ligaments. If any of these ligaments are injured, you may encounter knee instability issues. Ligament injuries generally occur because of a wrong jump or awkward pivoting or twisting in the knee.

When should you visit your doctor?

If you are experiencing the following symptoms in conjunction with knee pain, please visit your doctor:

• Stiffness and swelling in the knee
• Inability to stretch the knee
• Pain behind knee and calf 
• Redness around the affected area
• Buckling in knee

How can knee pain be treated?

Non-Surgical Treatment

Physiotherapy

The objective of physical therapies is to cure knee pain by improving the patients’ muscle movements. With the help of exercises, these therapies strengthen the ligaments around the affected area and help in overcoming knee distress.

Braces

The basic idea behind working a knee brace is that it shifts the weight of the most injured area. The brace materials that are worn by the patient of knee pain are made of metal foam, elastic material, or straps. Wearing a knee brace reduces discomfort and increases the range of motion.

Surgical Treatment

Surgeries are recommended for knee pain treatment when the patient stops responding to the conventional techniques. Some common surgeries for knee pain treatment are as follows:

Arthroscopic Knee Surgery

Arthroscopic knee surgery is the least invasive technique for knee pain treatment. This surgery involves making a small incision followed by the insertion of a camera so that the surgeon can have access to an internal view of the knee. Then the problem is rectified with small arthroscopy tools. 

Osteotomy

Osteotomy is a surgery that is performed when there is any misalignment in the bones of the knee joint. In this procedure, in order to remove a piece of bone or bone fragments, the surgeon makes an incision in the knee front. Then a metal implant is used as a replacement.

Knee Replacement Surgery

Knee replacement surgery is a technique that involves replacing a diseased knee joint with an artificial knee joint or an implant. It helps in restoring functions in the knee area affected with arthritis and provides relief from pain. Depending on the severity of the patient’s condition, knee replacement surgery can be partial or total.

Dr. Rik Kundra is a consultant orthopedic surgeon in Dubai with an experience of more than 18 years. He is highly skilled and has great expertise in knee pain management. He is widely respected and well versed for his caring and kind approach towards his patients. He is a great clinical record and to this date, he has helped many patients. So if you are facing problems with your knee and you need to see a surgeon in Dubai, book your appointment with us today.