Understanding knee pain
Normal body movements rely on joints working smoothly and without pain – maintaining maximum joint function allows us to enjoy an active and fulfilling life. The knee is the largest and one of the most complex joints of the body, as well as the one most likely to be injured at some point during your lifetime.
The knee is responsible for a wide range of movements – from walking and running to turning and squatting. As long as the knee remains healthy, we often take its functioning for granted, not appreciating just how much we rely on it for our daily mobility. However when problems arise, the resultant pain and stiffness reduce the joint’s flexibility, impeding our ability to perform everyday activities.
Whilst the knee joint is made up of a number of moving elements – bones, cartilage, muscles, ligaments and tendons – the different causes of knee pain are actually relatively few in number. In general, most conditions arise from only a narrow range of injuries or disorders.
Arthritis is a common cause of knee pain arising from damage to the cartilage within the joint. Mechanical problems can also arise as a result of an injury or sudden movement that places too much stress on the joint, straining it beyond its normal range of movement.
| Arthritis of the knee Arthritis is a frequent cause of knee pain, of which there are three main kinds – osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis and post-traumatic arthritis. |
| Other causes of knee pain There are a range of other conditions which can also be responsible for causing pain or discomfort in the knee joint. |
Treatment
If you are suffering from knee pain, it is of course essential that you seek detailed advice about your symptoms and treatment options from a qualified medical practitioner. For a general overview on treatments available and to help you prepare for this first meeting,follow the following links:
| Non-surgical treatments Non-surgical options are normally considered first in most instances of knee pain – successful treatment may consist of a combination of approaches. |
| Surgical treatments Where non-surgical treatments are no longer effective, it may be necessary to consider a partial or total knee replacement. |
Important: The information and guidance provided here is general in nature and should not be considered as medical advice in any way. You should always seek detailed advice from a qualified medical practitioner.
