What hurts?
Some possible conditions • Knee Pain – Back
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Arthritis -
Blood Clot -
Baker’s Cyst
Some possible conditions • Knee Pain – Back
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.
A blood clot, known as Deep vein thrombosis (DVT), is a medical condition that occurs when a blood clot forms in a deep vein. These clots usually develop in the lower leg, thigh, or pelvis, but they can also occur in the arm. They can happen to anybody and can cause serious illness, disability, and in some cases, death. The good news is that a DVT is preventable, and treatable if discovered early. A DVT behind the knee is known as a popliteal vein thrombosis.
About half of people with a DVT have no symptoms at all. However, the following are the most common symptoms of a DVT in the knee:
• Swelling
• Pain
• Tenderness
• Redness of the skin
Items that cause a DVT include anything that damages the inner lining of a vein; e.g. surgery, an injury, or your immune system. If your blood is thick or flows slowly, it's more likely to form a clot, especially in a vein that's already damaged. People who have certain genetic disorders or more estrogen in their system are more likely to have blood clots. When the knee is bent, blood stays stagnant for longer.
People with a higher risk of getting a knee DVT are those who:
• Have cancer
• Have had surgery
• Are on extended bed rest
• Are older
• Smoke
• Are overweight or obese
• Sit for long times, like on a long airplane flight
Medication is often used to prevent and treat DVTs. Compression stockings (CS) are recommended to prevent DVTs and relieve pain and swelling. These need to be worn for at least 2 years if you’ve already had a DVT. In severe cases, the clot might need to be removed surgically. CS are an easy, preventative tool and are available at all BioPed clinics.
A baker’s cyst is a fluid-filled cyst that develops behind the knee. This condition is most commonly seen in middle-aged and older adults, but they can also occur in children and teenagers. They are usually benign and do not cause serious problems, but in some cases, they can cause discomfort and interfere with knee function.
The most common symptom of a Baker's cyst is a painful and swollen knee. The swelling may often be accompanied by stiffness or a feeling of tightness behind the knee. In some cases, the cyst may also cause a bulge or lump behind the knee, which can be felt or seen. The cyst can also cause a feeling of warmth or redness in the affected area.
Baker's cysts are caused by a build-up of synovial fluid from the knee joint. This can be caused by conditions such as osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, or an injury to the knee. It can also be caused by overuse of the knee joint, such as in sports that involve repetitive knee movements.
Treatment for Baker's cysts depends on the severity of symptoms and the underlying cause. In most cases, treatment is focused on reducing pain and inflammation. Rest, ice, and over-the-counter pain medication can be helpful in reducing pain and inflammation. Physical therapy, stretching and strengthening can be great tools to help improve the strength and flexibility of the muscles that support the knee. One option for treatment is knee bracing, as brace can help to keep the knee in the correct position and reduce pressure on the affected areas. If the cyst is causing significant discomfort or interfering with knee function, it may be drained or removed surgically.
In order to prevent the development of Baker's cysts, it's important to engage in regular physical activity, maintain a healthy weight and engage in proper stretching and warm-up exercises before participating in physical activity. 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, Baker's cysts can be managed, and individuals can return to their regular activities quickly.
