Knee Pain Causes and Treatments • Dr. Paul Miano

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.