A knee is a complicated joint with many moving parts and supporting ligaments. It’s no wonder that so many people suffer from knee injuries throughout their lives. Thankfully, most knee injuries are not permanent or life-threatening. In the majority of cases, they can be treated and get better with time and the right support. But in other cases, a knee injury might require surgical intervention or even have long-term implications for your general health and wellbeing.
A podiatrist is a specialist who has completed advanced education in foot care and treatment. If you’re suffering from an injury to your knees, it may be advisable to consult one to explore all your treatment options thoroughly.
Read on to learn more about common knee injuries, causes of knee pain, possible solutions by a professional doctor for knee injuries, as well as prevention tips:
Table of Contents
Knee Injuries and Disorders
In this section, we’ll cover common knee injuries and knee disorders that can lead to knee pain. Many of these injuries/disorders can be treated with a combination of rest, ice, and anti-inflammatory medications. In some cases, a podiatrist can also provide orthotic devices to help treat the knee and prevent future injuries. A podiatrist can help identify the source of pain and recommend the best course of action to address the issue. Some of the knee injuries and disorders are:
- Arthritis: This degenerative disease of the joints can affect any joint in the body, including the knees. Arthritis is caused by a breakdown in normal joint mechanics and the wear and tear of aging.
- Bursitis: This is an inflammation of a fluid-filled sac called a bursa. A bursa is located between bones and muscles and acts as a cushion to reduce friction. Bursitis can occur in the knee from overuse and is often seen in sports like tennis, soccer, and basketball.
- Cartilage tears and knee ligament sprains: The knee joint has two main parts: the lower end of the thigh bone (femur) and the upper end of the shin bone (tibia). Two thick pads of cartilage lie between these bones. These are the meniscus in the knee joint.
Anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury
An ACL injury is one of the most common knee injuries, particularly among athletes. It’s estimated that almost 80% of ACL injuries occur during sports, while the rest happen during a fall or some other non-sport-related incident. An ACL injury can be very painful and debilitating, and it’s important to get the injury diagnosed and treated as soon as possible to ensure the best chances of recovery. An ACL injury happens when one or both of the ligaments inside your knee are torn.
Rotator cuff injury
A rotator cuff is a group of muscles and tendons that hold your shoulder joint together. Although often associated with the shoulder, rotator cuff injuries are also common in the knees. Rotator cuff injuries are often due to overuse and can cause chronic knee pain and swelling. Because the rotator cuff muscles are large and sit very close to each other, they are vulnerable to getting “tugged” and causing an injury to the knee. A rotator cuff injury can be a debilitating and painful injury, but with the right treatment and rehabilitation, people can often return to their activities and sports.
Tibiofemoral joint pain (Knee pain)
Tibiofemoral joint pain is a common knee pain affecting the inside of the knee joint. This pain is often due to a breakdown of the cartilage inside the knee joint and is often associated with osteoarthritis. Tibiofemoral joint pain is usually felt as a dull ache or a general discomfort on the inside of the knee. This pain can become worse when squatting, climbing stairs, or getting up from a seated position.
Patellofemoral joint pain (Knee pain)
Patellofemoral joint pain is a knee pain associated with the knee cap (patella) and the surrounding muscles and tendons. This pain can be due to overuse, improper biomechanics, and a variety of other factors. Pain is felt either behind or underneath the knee cap, especially when squatting, climbing stairs, or getting up from a seated position.
Conclusion
Knee injuries and disorders are incredibly common, but luckily, most are treatable. The knee is a complex joint and is susceptible to injury due to its continuous use and heavyweight. It’s important to take care of your knees and maintain a healthy lifestyle to keep them strong and healthy.
It’s also important to note that knee pain is often an indication that something is wrong and that you should see a doctor as soon as possible. In order to prevent knee injuries and knee pain, it’s important to exercise regularly and maintain a healthy weight. In addition, you should wear appropriate and supportive footwear, especially when exercising. A podiatrist can help you find the best type of footwear for your particular situation.
