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Knee Pain

Knee pain can be caused by problems with the knee joint itself, or it can be caused by conditions affecting the soft tissues — ligaments, tendons or bursae — that surround the knee.

 

The severity of knee pain can vary widely. Some people may feel only a slight twinge, while others may experience debilitating knee pain that interferes with their day-to-day activities. In most cases, self-care measures can help you cope with knee pain.

 

Common Causes of Knee Pain

Osteoarthritis

Arthritis is a chronic condition that causes joint inflammation. Symptoms include redness, warmth, swelling, tenderness, and pain.

 

Up to 40 percent of the population may have knee osteoarthritis, or “wear and tear” arthritis. This is the gradual breakdown of the cartilage in the knee. Also called degenerative joint disease, osteoarthritis usually develops over years and often is found in patients who have had a knee infection or injury and those who are overweight.

 

As the cartilage wears away, the bones around it can grow thicker and develop bony spurs. This can lead to increased friction between the bones and disrupted movement in your knee. This also can lead to problems with the synovium, a membrane in your knee that produces a liquid to keep your cartilage slippery. This membrane can become inflamed and make too much fluid. This results in swelling, or “water on the knee.” In the most severe cases, the knee can become deformed as the continued friction wears away the bone. Common symptoms of osteoarthritis include pain, stiffness, tenderness, a limited range of motion, and a grating sensation when you bend your knee. The pain is usually worse after activity.

 

Rheumatoid arthritis

Rheumatoid arthritis can affect joints on both sides of the body (both knees, both hands, and/or both wrists). In rheumatoid arthritis, your body’s cells attack your own tissues. Rheumatoid arthritis affects three to five times more women than men and often presents between the ages of 20 and 50.

 

Over time, rheumatoid arthritis can cause the cartilage to wear away, swelling in the synovium, and excess fluid in the knee. In later stages, bones can rub against each other.

 

Bursitis

Bursitis is the inflammation of any of the fluid-filled sacs (bursae) protecting the body’s joints. This is usually caused by repetitive motions or by stress such as kneeling. Sometimes, a sudden injury can cause bursitis.

 

Tendonitis

The tendons – rope-like tissues connecting muscles to the bone at the knee and other joints – can become painfully inflamed by repetitive and strenuous movement. Tendonitis is a common sports injury, caused by overuse of the same parts of the body. Patellar tendinitis, or “jumper’s knee,” is an inflammation or irritation of the tendon between the knee cap and the shin bone.

 

Patellofemoral pain syndrome (PFPS)

It is also known as runner’s knee or jumper’s knee. This medical condition causes pain under or around the kneecap (patella). PFPS can occur in one or both knees. It affects both children and adults.

 

In most cases, the pain increases with activity or after sitting for long periods of time with the knees bent.

 

The exact cause of patellofemoral pain syndrome is unknown. Several factors may contribute to the development of PFPS, including:

Overuse of the knee joint

Problems with kneecap alignment

Certain anatomy or body types

Weak muscles surrounding the knee

Improper equipment use or sports training techniques

Changes to footwear

Hard playing surfaces

 

Injuries

Knee injuries can be the result of sports, falls, or trauma. They typically involve the ligaments that hold two of the bones of the knee – the femur and tibia – together eg-ACL, MCL,& Meniscal injuries

 

Knee Pain Treatment

Injections in the Knee Joint

Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP) therapy

Radio frequency ablation of genecular nerve

Cryoablation of genecular nerve block