Some possible conditions • Knee Pain – Inside
The knee is a complex joint that is made up of bones, ligaments, tendons, and cartilage. One of the key structures in the knee is the meniscus, which is a C-shaped piece of cartilage that sits between the femur and the tibia. There is a medial and lateral meniscus which act as a cushion and shock absorber for the knee. Both of which help to distribute weight and protect the knee joint.
Symptoms of a meniscus tear can vary depending on the location and severity of the injury. Common symptoms include knee pain, stiffness, swelling, and a popping or snapping sensation. Most often pain is felt on the side of the affected meniscus or in the center of the knee, which often worsens with twisting or bending. The knee also may start to feel unstable or weak, and it may become difficult to fully extend the knee. There is a potential that if the tear is large enough or any meniscal displacement occurs, the knee might also tend to lock or “catch.”
Meniscal tears can be caused by a variety of factors, including trauma, degeneration, and overuse. Traumatic tears are caused by a sudden injury, such as a twisting or twisting force on the knee. Degenerative tears occur over time as the cartilage wears down and becomes more brittle. Overuse tears occur as a result of repetitive movements that put stress on the knee. Some people have a higher risk of meniscal tears due to factors such as age, arthritis, and playing sports that put stress on the knee.
Treatment for meniscus tears depend on the location and severity of the injury. Often resting and icing the area is a great start to treatment. The main goal of treatment is to help aid in regaining knee stability and strength. Seeking out physical therapy is a great start as improving the strength and flexibility of the knee joint post injury is key to long term knee health. If the injury is more severe, bracing is recommended to keep the knee and meniscus in the correct position, while also reducing pressure on the area. In severe cases, surgery may be necessary to repair the tear or remove the damaged part of the meniscus. It's important to note that early diagnosis and treatment can prevent the progression of symptoms. Additionally, if you experience any pain or discomfort in your knee, it's important to seek medical attention as soon as possible. With the right treatment and care, meniscus tears can be managed, and individuals can return to their regular activities.
Osteoarthritis is a common condition that often affects the knee joint. It occurs when the cartilage, which acts as a cushion between the bones of the lower limb wears down over time. As the cartilage deteriorates, the bones begin to rub against each other causing pain and inflammation. While it is most common in older adults, osteoarthritis can occur in at a younger age.
The most common symptom of knee osteoarthritis is pain, which can range from mild to severe. Depending on the affected compartment of the knee, pain can be felt throughout the knee joint. Most often osteoarthritis will occur in the medial compartment of the knee. Along with pain, people with knee osteoarthritis may experience stiffness and swelling in the knee joint, as well as decreased range of motion. These symptoms may be worse after sitting or standing for long periods of time, or after physical activity. Some people may also experience a cracking or popping sound when they move their knee.
Osteoarthritis of the knee is caused by a combination of genetic and environmental factors. With age comes the natural breakdown of the cartilage within the knee joint, which can aid in the development of knee osteoarthritis. Biomechanics also plays a significant role in the development of osteoarthritis because the position of our knee and how it moves can cause increased pressure throughout the area affected. Previous knee injuries or surgeries can cause damage to overall knee structure/cartilage, which can be another factor. Overuse of the knee joint is another cause of knee osteoarthritis as the more we work our knee, the faster cartilage breaks down. This is why jobs that involve a lot of walking, kneeling and lifting will have higher rates of workers with osteoarthritis.
Treatment for knee osteoarthritis often begins with non-surgical approaches, such as physical therapy, weight loss, and bracing or orthotics. Physical therapy can help to reduce pain and improve function by strengthening the muscles around the knee joint to aid with stability and increasing the range of motion. Weight loss is also an important aspect of treatment as it can help to reduce the pressure on the knee joint and alleviate symptoms of knee osteoarthritis that additional weight can cause. Often a brace or orthotic may be recommended to support the knee joint, as this can aid in pain reduction and improve the function of the joint. If non-surgical options are not effective, surgery may be considered as well by your doctor.
Pes Anserinus bursitis refers to the inflammation of the bursa that is located on the medial side of the knee where the semitendinosus, gracilis, and sartorius muscles insert. A bursa is a fluid-filled sac that is small in size and acts as a cushion between bones/tendons. It also serves to reduce friction and allow smooth movement of the knee This condition is often seen in athletes and active individuals who participate in activities that involve repetitive knee movements, such as running, cycling, and jumping.
The symptoms of pes anserinus bursitis can vary depending on the severity of the condition. The most common symptoms tend to be tenderness and pain on the inner edge of the knee, redness and swelling. The swelling often leads to reduced range of motion through the knee joint and a popping or snapping sensation in the knee joint may also be experienced.
Pes Anserinus bursitis is most often caused by the overuse of the knee joint during activities that cause repeated stress to the knee. Examples of the activities are running, cycling, and jumping. Other factors that may contribute to the development of pes anserinus bursitis include knee joint injuries, arthritis, or underlying medical conditions such as gout or rheumatoid arthritis that play a role in weakening the knee joint. Individuals who are overweight or obese may also be at a higher risk of developing this condition due to the added stress additional weight can place on the knee.
The treatment for Pes Anserinus bursitis depends on the severity of the condition. For mild cases, the RICE method (rest, ice, compression, and elevation) is typically recommended to reduce pain and swelling. Over-the-counter pain medication, such as ibuprofen, may also be recommended to manage pain. Physical therapy can also be beneficial for improving strength and flexibility in the knee joint and to prevent recurrences. In severe cases, a corticosteroid injection may be given to reduce inflammation. Surgery is only considered as a last resort if other treatments have failed.
It's important to note that catching the injury quickly and treating it early can prevent the progression of the symptoms. This will allow you to get back to normal activities quickly. In addition, it is also important to maintain a healthy weight, and to maintain good muscle strength and flexibility around the knee joint. To prevent recurrences, individuals should also be mindful of their activity levels and avoid activities that cause excessive stress on the knee joint.
The medial collateral ligament (MCL) is a band of tissue located on the inner side of the knee joint, which connects the femur to the tibia. It is responsible for providing stability to the knee joint (on the inside specifically) and preventing excessive side-to-side movement. MCL sprains are commonly seen in athletes who participate in sports that involve cutting and pivoting movements, such as soccer, basketball, and football. But MCL sprains are also commonly seen in daily life through activities like walking, lifting and jumping.
The symptoms of an MCL sprain can vary depending on the severity of the injury. A mild sprain may cause a discomfort and stiffness on the inner side of the knee. Whereas a moderate to severe sprain, on the other hand, can cause severe pain, swelling, and bruising on the knee. Individuals with a moderate to severe sprain may also feel a sense of instability in the knee joint and may have difficulty bearing weight on the affected leg. In some cases the joint may also become stiff and lock up, further increasing the difficulty of moving.
MCL sprains are typically caused by a direct impact or force to the outer side of the knee. This type of impact causes the knee to aggressively move inwards, causing the MCL to stretch or even tear in some situations. This can occur during a sports-related injury, a fall, car accident or even a simple slip on some ice outside. Additionally, individuals with pre-existing knee conditions, such as arthritis, or those who have a history of knee injuries, are at a higher risk of developing an MCL sprain as the knee joint is already in a weakened state.
The treatment for an MCL sprain depends on the severity of the injury. For mild sprains, the RICE method (rest, ice, compression, and elevation) is typically recommended to reduce pain and swelling. Knee bracing is a very common approach as it gives people the much-needed stability in the knee joint and can allow them to get back to activity quicker. At BioPed, you will find a range of compressive knee sleeves and bracing options. Physical therapy is also recommended to help improve the strength and flexibility of the muscles that support the knee, which will aid in increasing the stability of the joint. Surgery is only recommended in severe cases where the ligament is completely torn or detached. It's important to note that catching the injury quickly and treating it early can prevent the progression of the symptoms, which will allow you to get back to normal activities quickly.
