Knee pain /Osteoarthritis

What is Knee Pain?

Knee pain involves discomfort or pain in or around the knee joint, a complex structure comprised of bones, cartilage, ligaments, and tendons. Understanding the nature of your knee pain is crucial for effective treatment.

Common Symptoms of Knee Pain

Identifying the symptoms of knee pain can aid in diagnosing the underlying issue. Common symptoms include:

1. Aching or Sharp Pain

Pain may be felt in a specific area of the knee or throughout the joint.

2. Swelling

Swelling can occur due to inflammation or fluid buildup in the knee.

3. Stiffness

Difficulty in bending or straightening the knee completely, especially after periods of inactivity.

4. Cracking or Popping Sounds

These sounds during movement may indicate underlying issues with the joint.

5. Instability

A feeling of weakness or that the knee might give out, impacting balance and mobility.

Causes of Knee Pain

Knee pain can arise from various factors. Understanding these causes is essential for finding the right treatment.

1. Injuries

Ligament Injuries: Injuries to the ACL, PCL, MCL, or LCL due to sudden movements or trauma.
Meniscus Tears: Tears in the meniscus cartilage caused by twisting or impact.
Patellar Injuries: Injuries or dislocations of the kneecap.

2. Arthritis

Osteoarthritis: A degenerative joint disease where cartilage wears down over time.
Rheumatoid Arthritis: An autoimmune condition causing inflammation in the knee joint.

3. Overuse

Tendinitis: Inflammation of tendons from repetitive stress or overuse.
Bursitis: Inflammation of the bursa due to repetitive movements or prolonged kneeling.

4. Biomechanical Issues

Flat Feet or High Arches: Issues with foot structure affecting knee alignment.
Improper Footwear: Shoes lacking support impacting knee health.

5. Other Conditions

Gout: A type of arthritis caused by excess uric acid, leading to sudden knee pain.
Infections: Bacterial infections causing septic arthritis and joint pain.

Diagnosing Knee Pain

Accurate diagnosis is crucial for effective treatment. Our diagnostic process at Pristine Poliklinic includes:

1. Medical History

Discussing symptoms, recent injuries, activity level, and pre-existing conditions.

2. Physical Examination

Evaluating knee range of motion, swelling, tenderness, and stability.

3. Imaging Tests

X-rays or MRI scans provide detailed images of the knee’s internal structures to identify fractures, tears, or other issues.

Treatment Options

Effective treatment for knee pain depends on the cause and severity of the condition. We offer a range of treatments:

1. Non-Surgical Treatments

Rest and Ice: Reducing pain and inflammation through rest and ice packs.
Medications: Over-the-counter pain relievers or prescription medications.
Physical Therapy: Customized exercises to strengthen muscles and improve flexibility.
Bracing or Support: Knee braces for stability and pain reduction.
Lifestyle Modifications: Weight management and activity adjustments to reduce knee stress.

2. Surgical Treatments

In some cases, surgery may be necessary:

Arthroscopy: Minimally invasive procedure to diagnose and repair internal knee damage.
Meniscus Repair: Surgical repair of a torn meniscus.
Knee Replacement: Replacing the damaged knee joint with an artificial one.