Do you work out on a regular basis? Have knee pain? Usually knees get the brunt of the injuries over other limbs. Even if you don’t work out regularly knees get worn out after natural wear and tear; and that is before you start adding contributing factors like weight gain, exercise, sports, etc.
According to Health.com, our knee is the biggest joint in our body, which makes acute injuries are the most popular of knee problems. These are usually caused by a direct blow, unusual twisting, bending or falling. Soon after these injuries pain sets in which can cause swelling and bruising. Acute injuries include:
- Sprains and strains. This attacks the ligaments and tendons which keep the kneecap together and offer it support.
- Meniscus tear. This rips the cushion in the knee joint.
- MCL (medical collateral ligament) is the common injury that tears ligaments
- Fractures are usually caused by strange force, falling, dangerous twisting, forceful bending and severely hitting an object.
- Dislocation of the kneecap. This occurs most likely between 13-18 year old teenage girls. Pieces of the bone and tissue can get lost in the joint with movement.
If you are an avid exerciser you may be at risk for overusing your knee. These injuries include:
- Bursitis: the inflammation of the lubricating small sacks in the knee
- Tendinitis: inflames the tendons and creates small tears
- Plica syndrome: when the knee ligaments fold or thicken
- Patellofemoral pain syndrome: when pain occurs in the kneecap from over stimulation or weight gain
- Iliotibial band syndrome: irritating, inflamed tissue on the outside of the thigh
Conditions which might cause knee problems:
- Osteoarthritis: a degenerative joint disease which might cause knee pain, swelling and stiffness
- Osgood-Schlatter disease: causes pain, tenderness, swelling in the front of the knee below the kneecap. Common in young teenage boys.
- Baker’s cyst: causes swelling in the back of the knee
- Cellulitis: an infection in the skin, bone or bursa which causes pain and slows knee movement
- Pinched nerves can cause knee pain
- Osteochondritis dissecans: causes pain, decreases movement when a sliver of bone or cartilage loses blood supply inside the knee
Frustrated that your knee pain won’t go away? Find an orthopedic surgeon near your home who can help.
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