It is very likely that you have or know someone who has or has experienced knee pain. The main joint of the lower limbs can suffer due to several factors.
It is very likely that you have or know someone who has or has experienced knee pain. The main articulation of the lower limbs can suffer due to several factors – and identifying them correctly is the first step in seeking the most appropriate treatment.
Joint wear due to older age, overweight, or sports injuries are among the most common causes, but the conclusion is not always so obvious. In most cases, only after a doctor’s appointment or laboratory tests can one be sure of the diagnosis.
From more serious problems to simpler injuries, we have listed here some of the main causes of knee pain – and what to do in each case.
Trauma injuries
Joint injuries can occur due to a number of factors, such as falls, knocks, sprains, or fractures. When this occurs, the pain is usually severe in the first few days, but it tends to subside over time. It is important to identify the degree of the injury so that the correct treatment can be applied.
Milder injuries, which do not have any type of fracture, can be treated with rest and cold compresses two to three times a day. In more severe cases, the ideal is to resort to a specialist’s drug treatment after consultation and tests.
Tendonitis
Tendonitis is nothing more than a type of inflammation in the tendons. The location of the central point of pain indicates which tendon may have been affected: patellar (frontal part of the knee), iliotibial (lateral part of the knee), or goose leg (internal part of the knee).
The most common symptom in cases of tendonitis is the sensation of pain when stretching the leg. This is a frequent injury among those who practice physical activities such as football, athletics, or basketball. Cold compresses can ease the pain, but only a doctor can prescribe anti-inflammatory drugs, if necessary.
Rheumatoid arthritis
Chronic, autoimmune, and inflammatory disease, rheumatoid arthritis is responsible for causing symptoms such as stiffness and swelling in the joints. In this case, the sensation of pain in the knee is more intense in the morning or just after rest, but it tends to decrease according to the movement during the day.
It is important to note that the patient may experience swelling in the region in many cases, even if he has not had any type of trauma. In this case, the doctor’s evaluation is essential for a more accurate diagnosis and treatment, including painkillers or anti-inflammatory drugs.
Patellar problems
The patella is one of the points that can suffer from wear or softening of the cartilage. Problems known as patellar chondropathy or patellar chondromalacia are frequent due to obesity, aging, or running.
The sensation of pain in the knee is perceived with greater intensity in more sudden movements, such as climbing or descending stairs or squats. In most cases, the indication will be to decrease the intensity of movements for a period or resort to muscle strengthening exercises in the region.
Bursitis
The Bursa is a small bag that contains liquid and acts as a kind of shock absorber, reducing the friction of the bones with the tendons and muscles. When there is some type of irritation or inflammation in the bursae, the region swells, and the patient feels pain.
Rest and ice packs are among the most recommended punctual treatments. More severe cases may require monitoring with anti-inflammatory drugs or injections of corticosteroids. The decision is up to the doctor, based on the clinical analysis and the patient’s history.
Don’t let your symptoms get worse before you seek help. When you notice continuous pain in your joints, seek immediate medical attention.
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