Knee Pain

What Is Knee Pain?

Knee pain is a common problem. Knee pain can originate in any of the bony structures compromising the knee joint (femur, tibia, fibula), the kneecap (patella), or the ligaments and cartilage (meniscus) of the knee. Knee pain can affect people of all ages. Young age group knee pain is mainly due to ligament injuries, meniscus tear. In old age knee pain is mainly due to degenerative changes in knee.

What Are Knee Pain Symptoms And Signs?

The location of the knee pain can vary depending on which structure is involved. A Baker cyst will usually cause pain in the back of the knee. In meniscus injury pain is in region of joint line.

The severity of the joint pain can vary, from a minor discomfort to a severe and disabling pain.

Other signs and symptoms that accompany knee pain are

• Difficulty walking due to instability of the knee, Limping.
• Difficulty walking up or down stairs due to ligament damage or due to degenerative changes in knee.
• Locking of the knee (unable to bend the knee),
• Redness and swelling.

What Causes Knee Pain?

Knee pain can be divided into three major categories

1. Acute injury: such as a broken bone, torn ligament, or meniscal tear
2. Medical conditions: arthritis, infections
3. Chronic conditions: osteoarthritis, tendinitis and bursitis.

What Are Risk Factors For Knee Pain?

1. Changes in alignment of knee.
2. Obesity: Increase in weight puts more load on knee which increases risk of degenerative changes in knee which leads to osteoarthritis.
3. Sports Injury.