What is Knee Pain?

Knee pain is a common condition affecting individuals of different age groups. It not only affects movement but also impacts your quality of life. An injury or disease of the knee joint or any structure surrounding the knee can result in knee pain. A precise diagnosis of the underlying cause is important to develop an appropriate treatment plan.

Anatomy of the Knee Joint

The knee is one of the largest joints in the body, formed by the lower end of the femur, the upper end of the tibia and the patella (kneecap). Several ligaments and muscles attach to the bones of the knee joint to maintain the normal motion of the joint. Special tissues known as menisci are located between the two articular ends of the joint. These act as a cushion between the articular surfaces and absorb shock during movement.

Causes of Knee Pain

Some of the common causes of knee pain include:

Arthritis: a condition associated with inflammation of the joint
Knee ligament injuries
Torn meniscus
Patellar tendonitis: inflammation of the patellar tendon, which connects the kneecap to the shinbone
Chondromalacia patellae: softening of the articular cartilage on the under surface of the kneecap, causing knee pain
Dislocated kneecap
Baker’s cyst: a fluid-filled swelling in the back of the knee, which usually results from another injury such as a meniscus tear
Knee bursitis: inflammation of the bursae, small fluid-filled sacs located around the joints, usually between a tendon and bone
Plica syndrome: results from inflammation of the synovial tissue of the knee causing knee pain and swelling
Osgood-Schlatter disease: caused by irritation of the growth plate at the front of the knee joint; more common in adolescents
Osteochondritis dissecans: characterized by detachment of a cartilage fragment and a thin layer of the bone from the end of a bone due to inadequate blood supply. These fragments may either stay in place or slide around the joint, causing pain and joint instability.
Gout: characterized by sudden, severe attacks of joint pain, with swelling and redness around the joint, caused by the accumulation of uric acid crystals in the joints

Diagnosis of Knee Pain

A detailed medical history and physical examination of the knee are crucial for diagnosis. Your doctor may also conduct diagnostic imaging studies such as X-rays, MRI scans, CT scans, and ultrasound. Blood tests may be performed to identify any infection, gout or pseudogout. Sometimes, arthrocentesis may also be performed, wherein the fluid from the knee joint is removed and sent for laboratory analysis.

Treatment of Knee Pain

Treatment options depend upon the underlying cause responsible for knee pain. Some of the common treatment options for knee pain include rest, ice and heat application, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications, stretching, physical therapy, and cortisone injections.

Sometimes, a knee arthroscopy may be performed. Knee arthroscopy is a surgical procedure in which the internal structures of the joint are examined to diagnose as well as treat the underlying problem.

If you have trouble or inability to walk, deformity around the joint, inability to bend the knee, knee pain persisting beyond a few days and more at night, or pain associated with swelling, warmth or redness, you should consult your doctor for immediate medical intervention.