According to a study, one in four adults suffers from chronic knee pain at some point in their lifespans. When you have knees, sustaining pain, there can mean a lot of issues. For example, if you have pain in the side of the knee, that might mean the inside of the knee is injured.
So, to help you out, this guide will outline some of the most common types of knee pain and explain what they can mean for you.
Without further ado, let’s jump right into this in-depth guide.
Osteoarthritis
Knee osteoarthritis is the most common type of osteoarthritis, and it is caused by wear and tear of the joint over time. It can cause pain, stiffness, and swelling in the knee joint, and can lead to a decrease in mobility and function.
The knee joint is one of the most complex joints in the body, and the symptoms of osteoarthritis knee pain can range from mild to severe. The most common treatments for osteoarthritis knee pain include rest, pain-relieving medications, physical therapy, and exercise. In more severe cases, surgery or genicular artery embolization may be necessary to repair the joint.
Patellar Tendonitis
It occurs when the tendon connecting your kneecap to your shin bone becomes inflamed and irritated. Symptoms may include pain, stiffness, and swelling. Usually, the pain will be worse if the knee is bent for too long, such as when sitting or when doing knee bends.
Physicians suggest rest, ice, and compression to help reduce swelling and pain. Stretching and physical therapy can also help alleviate pain.
In some cases, over-the-counter medications like ibuprofen or naproxen may be used to reduce inflammation and discomfort. Surgery may be necessary in some cases. Recovery time after treatment is usually 4 to 6 weeks.
Ligament Injuries
A ligament is a band of tissue that connects bones to each other and thus helps to stabilize the joint. A tear or strain of the ligament can cause inflammation, swelling, stiffness, and instability. Common sources for ligament injuries of the knee include falls or blunt force trauma, twists and turns, and overuse.
Symptoms can vary widely but generally involve pain, tenderness, instability, swelling, and a popping sound from the joint. Treatment often involves rest, ice, and compression, as well as physical therapy and, rarely, surgery.
Meniscus Injury
A meniscus injury knee pain is caused when the cartilage in the knee is torn or damaged due to a sudden twist or turn of the knee, a heavy impact, or a direct hit to the knee. The extent of the injury can range from a minor tear in the cartilage to a full rupture of the meniscus.
Symptoms of this knee pain can vary greatly depending on the severity of the injury and can vary from minor swelling and stiffness to disabling pain, instability, and swelling of the knee. A meniscus injury can be treated with rest, ice, physical therapy, painkillers, and sometimes surgery, depending on the severity of the injury.
Types of Knee Pain
Knee pain is a common problem that can be caused by a variety of issues. It is important to consult a medical professional to accurately diagnose and treat the issue.
Self-care can also help manage knee pain and discomfort. If you are suffering from any type of knee pain, contact a doctor today and learn more about the various treatments and options available to help.
If you’re looking for more articles and guides like this one, then check out the health and fitness section of our blog!
