What hurts?
Some possible conditions • Knee Pain – Outside
-
Arthritis -
Lateral Collateral Ligament Sprains
Some possible conditions • Knee Pain – Outside
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.
The lateral collateral ligament (LCL) is a band of tissue located on the outer side of the knee joint, which connects the femur to the fibula. It is responsible for providing stability to the knee joint (specifically the outer side) and preventing excessive side-to-side movement. LCL sprains are commonly seen in athletes who participate in sports that involve direct impact or contact, such as football and hockey. But sprains can also occur with daily activities like walking, lifting, jumping, etc.
The symptoms of an LCL sprain can vary greatly depending on the severity of the injury. A mild sprain may cause a slight discomfort and stiffness on the outer side of the knee. But a moderate to severe sprain can cause severe pain, swelling, and even 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.
LCL sprains are typically caused by a direct impact or force to the inner side of the knee. This type of impact causes the knee to aggressively move outwards, causing the LCL to stretch and even tear in some situations. This can occur during a sports-related injury, a fall, car accident or even as simple as a 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 LCL sprain as the knee joint is already in a weakened state.
The treatment for an LCL 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 also 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 early can prevent the progression of the symptoms, which will allow you to get back to normal activities quickly.
