Knee pain can be quite debilitating. Getting to the source of the knee pain can be tricky, though. If you are experiencing knee pain, read on to learn about some of the possible causes so that you can identify the problem and move forward with treatment.
Meniscus Tear
Inside your knee joint, there are two menisci. The meniscus is a bit of cartilage that creates a cushion between the femur and the tibia. The meniscus can be damaged or torn if the knee is subjected to pressure, twisted, or rotated. When this happens, the knee may look swollen and bruised and feel painful. A meniscus tear can occur during sports activities or as the result of a trauma or an accident.
Depending on the severity of the injury – whether the meniscus is damaged, partially torn, or completely torn – treatment can include physical therapy or surgery. You can prevent a torn meniscus by strengthening the muscles in your legs and using proper support when participating in sports.
Osteoarthritis
Osteoarthritis is a degenerative form of arthritis that occurs when the cartilage between joints wears away. It is also known as wear and tear arthritis. Any joint in the body can be affected by osteoarthritis, but it most often affects the knees, hips, spine, and hands.
People who have osteoarthritis experience joint pain, stiffness, swelling, and loss of range of motion. The risk for developing osteoarthritis increases with age. You are also more likely to develop osteoarthritis if you are overweight or if one of your family members has it.
ACL Tear
The ACL is the anterior cruciate ligament. This ligament is located in your knee and holds the shinbone in place. An ACL tear typically occurs in athletes, particularly those whose sport involves a lot of jumping or pivoting. If you tear your ACL, you may hear a popping noise when it happens. The knee will swell and feel unstable, as if you cannot support your body weight.
Tendinitis
The bands of tissue that connect your muscles to your bones are called tendons. At times, the tendons can become inflamed or irritated. This condition is known as tendinitis. It can cause pain and tenderness in the knee and make it difficult to move. Tendinitis is usually caused by repetitive action, such as a motion that is performed repeatedly in a sports activity or on the job. Performing that motion incorrectly exacerbates the risk of developing tendinitis.
Bursitis
Inside the joints, there are sacs of fluid called bursae. The bursae provide cushion and lubrication in the areas where tendons and muscle meet bones. When you are moving your body, the bursae help to reduce friction in the joints. The bursae can become inflamed, and this is known as bursitis. Bursitis of the kneecaps is known as prepateller bursitis. Bursitis causes pain in the joints and makes it difficult to move the affected joint. Bursitis is usually caused by an injury or repetitive motion.
Dislocation
Dislocation is a condition in which the bones that are supposed to be connected at a joint separate. This can happen to a variety of joints, including the knee. An untreated dislocation can cause damage to the ligaments and nerves.
If you have knee pain, visit Foot Solutions UK. We can help you to resolve your pain by fitting you with appropriate and supportive footwear. We also offer custom arch supports to wear inside your shoes, which, when worn with the appropriate shoe, will minimize the risk of over/under pronation, thus offering more stability to the joints. If you are experiencing knee pain, let the experts at Foot Solutions UK help. Stop by to learn more today.
