Knee pain is a common ailment that affects many people. Whether it’s caused by an injury, overuse, or a health condition, knee pain is no fun to deal with. Fortunately, there are many treatment options available that can help you find relief.
Below are some common causes of knee pain. If you experience knee pain, it’s best to see an orthopedic doctor for a diagnosis and treatment.
1. Arthritis
Arthritis refers to a large group of diseases that cause inflammation and eventual deterioration of joints. Several types of arthritis may affect your knee joint, including osteoarthritis, gout, psoriatic arthritis, and rheumatoid arthritis. If you have arthritis, you may notice weakness, pain, or tenderness in your knee.
Some forms of arthritis, such as osteoarthritis, can develop as a result of previous injuries to the joint. Rheumatoid arthritis, on the other hand, stems from an issue with your immune system that causes your body to recognize the lining of your joints as a foreign invader and attack it. As a result, you develop inflammation and pain in the joints.
2. Ligament Damage
Your knee consists of four main ligaments: anterior cruciate ligament (ACL), posterior cruciate ligament (PCL), medial collateral ligament (MCL), and lateral collateral ligament (LCL). These ligaments are bands of tissue that support your knee and promote stability.
These ligaments can wear down over time and become vulnerable to injury, such as a tear from a sports injury. Repetitive use may also irritate your ligaments and cause knee pain.
An orthopedic physician can help heal ligament damage and teach you prevention techniques to reduce your chances of further injury in the future.
3. Tendinitis
Your knee is a common location for tendinitis. Tendinitis occurs when you have inflammation in a tendon – the collagen tissue that attaches muscle to bone in your knee. You may develop tendinitis in your knee from either repetitive stress on the joint, or in some cases, as a result of a sudden injury. Certain factors can make you more prone to tendinitis in your knee, such as your occupation or the physical activities you partake in.
Fortunately, both orthopedic physical therapy and at-home care can help manage this condition.
4. Runner’s Knee
Runner’s knee is a general term that describes conditions like patellofemoral malalignment that affect your kneecap. Although running is a common cause of many knee issues, you’re at risk for this particular condition if you overuse your knee joint. Trauma and arthritis can also lead to runner’s knee.
This condition is usually treatable through rest, cold therapy, compression, and elevation. Orthopedic doctors may recommend physical therapy to ensure you maintain a full range of motion and flexion in your knee.
5. Bursitis
You have three main bursa sacs in and around your knee. These fluid-filled sacs reduce friction between your muscle, skin, tendon, and bone.
Unfortunately, these sacs are susceptible to bursitis – a condition that occurs when a bursa becomes inflamed, which can cause limited mobility and pain. It may occur from a sudden injury or repetitive stress. An infection in the bursa and complications from arthritis may cause bursitis, as well.
Treatment focuses on reducing pain and other symptoms while the condition heals. You may also benefit from physical therapy.
Knee Pain Diagnosis and Treatment in Merriam and Overland Park, Kansas
The physicians at Midwest Orthopaedics treat patients with all forms of knee pain. Fortunately for many patients, the issues are correctable with at-home care, medications, physical therapy, and many other treatment options.
Contact Midwest Orthopaedics today if you suffer from acute or chronic knee pain. We’re here to help manage your pain and prevent complications. Call 913-362-8317 or fill out our contact form to make an appointment.
