Knee Pain is one of the most common sports injuries. The knee is a complex structure and knee pain can be caused by various issues, by the tendons and/or ligaments such as the ACL, meniscus or the soft tissues around the knee.
Knee pain is a common issue among adults and often associated with general wear and tear from daily physical activities like walking, bending, standing, etc. Athletes, who run or play sports that involve jumping or quick pivoting are more likely to experience knee pain and knee injuries. Whether an individual’s knee pain is caused by aging or injury, it can be a nuisance and even debilitating in most circumstances.
Knee Pain Causes
Knee pain may be the result of an injury, such as a ruptured ligament or torn cartilage. Medical conditions, such as arthritis, gout and infections can also be the cause of knee pain. Below are the most common causes of knee pain.
Medical Conditions:
- Arthritis - Including rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, lupus and gout.
- Baker Cyst - A fluid-filled swelling behind your knee, that may be accompanied by swelling from other causes, such as arthritis.
- Cancers - Either spread to your bones or begin in the bones.
- Infection - In the bones around the knee or the knee joint itself.
Injuries and Overuse:
- Bursitis - Inflammation caused by repeated pressure on the knee, such as kneeling for a long time, overuse or injury.
- Tendinitis - Inflammation of the tendon, also can be related to overuse or deconditioned tissue.
- Dislocation of the kneecap.
- Fracture of the kneecap.
- Iliotibial Band Syndrome - It is an injury to the thick band that connects your hip to the outside of your knee.
- Patellofemoral Syndrome - Pain in the front of the knee around the kneecap.
- Torn Ligament - An ACL injury or MCL injury may cause bleeding inside your knee, swelling or an unstable knee.
- Meniscus Tear - Pain felt on the inside or outside of your knee joint.
- Strain or Sprain - Minor injuries to the ligaments caused by sudden or unnatural twisting.
Knee Pain symptoms
The location and severity of knee pain may vary, depending on the cause of the problem. Signs and symptoms that sometimes accompany knee pain include:
- Swelling and stiffness.
- Redness and warmth to the touch.
- Weakness or instability.
- Popping or crunching noises.
- Inability to fully straighten the knee.
Knee Pain Diagnosis
Some of the most common knee pain causes include sprained or strained ligaments, cartilage tears, tendonitis and/or arthritis. Diagnosing a knee pain or injury includes a medical examination. usually the use of a diagnostic procedures, such as an X-ray, MRI, CT scan and/or Arthroscopy.
Dr. Miano has exceptional patient outcomes, which have earned him a reputation as one of the best knee doctors in Kenya.
Knee Pain Treatment
Prompt first-aid care can help reduce pain and swelling immediately after knee injury. You should follow the R.I.C.E. method of self-care at home:
- Rest - Immediate rest is necessary for healing and limits weight bearing on your knee.
- Ice - When you're awake, try to ice your knee at least every two hours for 20 minutes at a time.
- Compression - Wrap an elastic bandage or compression wrap around the injured knee.
- Elevation - Lie down with your injured knee propped up on a cushion or a pillow.
Knee Joint Procedures
ACL Surgery
The severity of the ACL tear will determine whether non-surgical options or an ACL surgery is necessary. Dr. Miano - an ACL Reconstruction Surgeon in Nairobi, who takes an evidence based personalised approach to ACL injuries and tears in Kenya.
Bilateral Knee Replacement
Bilateral Knee Replacement, also known as Double Knee Replacement is a surgery in which both knees are replaced with an artificial joint or prosthesis. This can be done simultaneously during the same surgery at once, or spread at different times in…
Knee Replacement
Knee Replacement Surgery is a procedure when orthopaedic surgeon replaces all or a part of your knee joint. The surgeon will replace damaged cartilage and bone with a prosthetic joint. Dr. Miano will recommend either a partial or total knee…
Meniscus Repair
Meniscus Repair Surgery is a common operation to remove or repair a torn meniscus (a piece of cartilage in the knee). During surgery, an orthopaedic surgeon will make a few small incisions. Dr. Miano’s evidence based approach and excellent patient…
Partial Knee Replacement
Dr. Miano’s feedback from patients who had both single & bilateral partial knee replacements earned him a reputation as one of the best partial knee replacement surgeons in Nairobi, Kenya.
PCL Reconstruction
PCL reconstruction surgery is an arthroscopic procedure, which means that orthopaedic surgeon will insert tools and a camera through incisions around your knee. Dr. Miano is an expert in minimally invasive arthroscopic PCL reconstruction surgeries…
Ready to book an appointment?
Other Knee Conditions
