Joints are the places in the human body where two bones meet. When pain occurs in joints, it causes inability in carrying out normal movements, which can cause a lot of anxiety. Joint pain is a common complaint often associated with the process of aging. Unusual exertion or overuse of joints can cause body joint pain.
Of the various joint pains, pain in the knee joint is the most common. This is because of two main reasons - the design of the knee joint and the fact that it is a weight bearing joint. The knee is a joint with three bones. This joint is surrounded by a capsule with ligaments strapping the joint. Meniscus is a thickened cartilage pad that acts like cushions of the joint and Synovial fluid lubricates the joint. This complex design of the knee joint makes it quite unstable. The second factor that makes the knee joint very susceptible to injuries is that the knee bears the entire weight of the body with every step that we take. Treating knee joint pains depends on the cause of the pain.
Injuries causing knee pain
Ligament injury from a trauma or a fall can cause injury to ligaments on the inner and outer portion of the knee, and within the knee. There is immediate pain and swelling and it needs urgent medical attention
Meniscus tears - during rapid and sharp movements or rotations of knee the meniscus can be torn. This is very common with sports persons. Meniscal tears are often associated with locking of the knee joint or an unstable sensation in the joint.
Tendonitis - straining the knee with activities like jumping can cause Tendonitis. Tendonitis refers to inflammation of tendons and this can cause swelling and pain in the knee joint.
Fractures - severe knee trauma associated with vehicle accidents and impacts can cause bone breakage of any of the three bones in the knee joint.
Diseases and Conditions causing knee pain
Some of the common conditions that can cause knee pain include Arthritis, Chondromalacia or softening of cartilage, Tumors and Bursitis.
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