The knee is a joint formed by the femur, the tibia and the patella (kneecap). It is a hinge joint meaning it has
a range of movement including a hinge-like or swinging motion. If something affects the function of the knee joint,
the result is knee pain. If it is within the kneecap, it is deep and aching.
Causes
There are many different reasons why you can suffer from knee pain. Some are obvious. There is an accident
resulting in an injury to the joint. This may be the result of a sporting event or activity or a fall from a tree.
An individual may twist the knee joint after tripping or go one way when the knee is heading the other.
Any of these can make a knee painful. Yet, in terms of medical problems, the knee joint is most frequently
effected by arthritis. The 2 most common types of knee joint pain arise from osteoarthritis (OA) and rheumatoid
arthritis (RA). Other diseases can also affect the knee, including bursitis and septic arthritis.
Types of Medical Issues Causing Knee Pain
Arthritis is a general or umbrella term used to describe a specific group of diseases featuring joint swelling.
Yet, arthritis is not the only health problem that can create knee pain as it relates to knee joints. This section
lists several specific types of knee joint pain problems.
Osteoarthritis (OA) – This is the most common of all joint problems. With osteoarthritis, cartilage that acts as
a liner for the joints and cushions it against bone actions, begins to degenerate. It therefore allows the bones to
rub against each other. The disease is restricted in the body parts it may affect. Osteoarthritis is characterized
by joint pain and swelling.
Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) – This is an autoimmune disorder. The body’s own immune system produces anti-bodies
against its own cells. In the case of rheumatoid arthritis , the targeted cells are the synovium or soft tissue
layer of joints. If rheumatoid arthritis attacks the knee joints, knee pain is the result with stiffness and
even knocked knees. Rheumatoid arthritis is systemic featuring immunogenetic factors. The joints may be
stiff, swollen and difficult to move.
Septic (Infectious) Arthritis – This is a severe cause of knee pain. If a person suffers from this form of
arthritis, he or she has an infection directly in the knee joint, not in an associated or nearby part. The area
tends to feel hot. The knee joint is reddened with possible swelling, limited movement and severe joint pain.
Bursitis – Bursitis is a form of arthritis that affects the bursae. These fluid-filled sacs that act as a
cushion around knee and other joints become inflamed. There are different types of bursitis. Two specifically
affect the knee joints. Prepatellar bursitis is commonly called “housemaid’s knee,” while the nickname for
infrapetallar bursitis is “clergyman’s” or “jumper’s knee.”
Treatment
The treatment for knee pain varies in accordance with the type of medical condition. The basics for most forms
of mild arthritis include initial ingestion of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) or analgesics.
Disease modifying anti-rheumatic drugs (DMARDs), steroids or viscosupplementation comprise other options. Surgery
of the knee and knee joint are the final choice for many.
Individuals may wish to help the process by taking supplements. They may also turn to non-traditional forms of
treatment. These may include yoga, acupuncture, massage, Reiki and therapeutic touch. Talk to a medical
professional for an assessment of your condition and to determine what method of treatment will prove to be the
most effective in your case.
Conclusion
Knee pain can be a serious problem. It may negatively affect all aspects of an individual’s normal life. If, in
spite of all preventative measures, you suffer from knee pain, get it diagnosed as quickly as possible. Only after
learning what is causing the knee pain can you treat it. Early discovery will help increase the likelihood of
reducing the severity of the problem.