Why Are You Suffering from Knee Joint Pain?

The knee joint comprises of 3 compartments namely patella, fibula and tibia. Femur is the thigh bone and it meets the tibia, the shin bone to form the main joint. The joint has an outer compartment known as lateral and the inner one is referred to as medial. Patella, the kneecap then joins the femur to form patella femoral joint. The various causes of knee joint pain that affects the knee are bursae, ligaments or tendons that surround the knee. This affects the cartilage, bones, ligaments and menisci that form the joint. The knee joint is complex making it prone to injuries.

Ligament injury can be caused by trauma and basically affects medial collateral ligament which is the inner part of the knee joint. It also affects lateral collateral ligament (outer part) and cruciate ligament (inner part). This type of injury is noticed when one suffers from knee joint pain and is clearly examined and proved by an orthopedist. Other causes of knee pain are degeneration, infrequent infection, bone tumors and arthritis. Rapid motions also cause pain through tearing of meniscus and commonly happen to athletes. The tear is associated with warmth and swelling, knee lock and an uncomfortable sensation in the knee.

Knee joint pain is diagnosed based on the type of injury the patient has. Meniscal is diagnosed in 3 ways namely MRI, arthroscopy and arthrography. MRI is done by radiation where a computer and magnetic fields produce 2 or 3 dimensional images showing the inner part. It gives accurate results unlike an x-ray. Arthroscopy is done by inserting a tiny camera in the knee for examination and repair purposes. Tiny gadgets are used to repair the knee during this procedure. Arthrography is where a contrast fluid is injected directly into the knee joint making the knee internal structures visible during x-ray.

Commonly, knee joint pain is treated by surgery, medication and exercise. Anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) takes longer to heal because there is not enough circulation of blood to the knee. However, if the tear is minor, the knee stabilizes quickly and there will be no need for surgery. Exercising helps strengthen tissues and that surrounds and supports the knee. To ease the swelling, the knee is wrapped with an elastic bandage to provide compression. When the knee undergoes surgery, the ACL is removed for reconstruction. This can be risky as blood can clot or the knee gets infected during surgery.