CAUSES OF KNEE PAIN

Knee pain is a common symptom in people of all ages. It may start suddenly, often after an injury or exercise. Knee pain also may begin as a mild discomfort, then slowly get worse.

CAUSES OF KNEE PAIN

Knee pain can have different causes. Being overweight puts you at greater risk for knee problems. Overusing your knee can trigger knee problems that cause pain. If you have a history of arthriris, it could also cause knee pain.

MEDICAL CONDITIONS

Arthritis – Including rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, lupus and gout.

Baker cyst – A fluid- filled swelling behind the knee that may occur while swelling (inflammation) from other causes, such as arthritis.

Cancers that either spread to your bones or begin in the bones.

Osgood- Schlatter disease.

Infection in the  bones around the knee.

Infection in the knee joint.

INJURIES AND OVERUSE

Bursitis – Inflammation from repeated pressure on the knee, such as kneeling for a long time, overuse, or injury.

Tendinitis- Inflammation of the tendon with change in activities, can be related to overuse or deconditioned tissue.

Dislocation of the kneecap.

Fraccture of the kneecap or other bones

IIiotibial band syndrome- Injury to the thick band that runs from your hip to the outside of your knee.

Patellofemoral syndrome – Pain in the front of your knee around the kneecap.

Torn ligament – An anterior cruciate ligament (ACL ) injury , or medical collateral ligament (MCL) injury may cause bleeding into your knee, swellling, or an unstable knee.

Torn cartilage (a meniscus tear ) – Pain felt on the inside or outside of the knee joint.

Strain or sprain- Minor injuries to the ligaments caused by sudden or unnatural twisting.

HOME CARE

Simple causes of knee painn often clear up on their own while you take steps to manage your symptoms. If knee pain is caused by an accident or injury, you should contact your health care provider.

If your knee pain has just started and is not severe, you can:

Rest and avoid activities that cause pain. Avoid putting weight on your knee.

Apply ice. Firt, apply it every hour for up to 15 minutes. After the first day, apply it at least 4 time per day. Cover your knee with a towel before applying ice. Do not fall aleep while using ice. You can leave it on too long and get frostbite.

Sleep with a pillow underneath or between your knees.

Follow these general tips to help relieve and prevent knee pain:

Always warm up before excercising and cool donw after excercising. Stretch the muscles in the front of your thigh (quadriceps) and in the back of your thigh (hamstrings)

Avoid running down hills – walk down instead.

Bicycle, or better yet , swim instead of run.

Reduce the amount of exercise you do.

Run on a smoth, soft surface, such as a track, instead of an cement or pavement.

Lose weight if you are overweight.

If you have flat feet, try special shoes inserts and arch supports (orthotics).

Make sure your running shoes are well made, fit well, and have good cushioning.