IRIS
Knee pain is a universal issue that can happen to anyone at any age. Whether you are a student who plays sports, a working professional who sits long hours, or a senior citizen who has joint stiffness, knee pain can happen in your life. It may be something as light as little discomfort or excruciating pain, and may be acute in nature or be a slow-developing issue over a period of time.
Knee pain is not necessarily the result of an injury. In some cases, it can be due to joint wear and tear, infections, autoimmune diseases, or poor posture. The understanding of the cause of your knee pain is extremely crucial in order to receive appropriate treatment. If not treated, some of the conditions can worsen and impair your mobility for life.
The knee is the second largest and most intricate joint of the human body. It supports the total weight of the upper body and accomplishes movements such as walking, running, climbing stairs, and squatting. Due to its continuous usage and load, the knee is susceptible to injury, wear-and-tear, and illnesses.
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Following are 7 of the most frequent causes of knee pain, described with symptoms and their treatment options.
Osteoarthritis is the most frequent cause of chronic knee joint pain. It often occurs in older adults, but younger individuals can acquire it if they have a history of joint trauma or obesity.
In osteoarthritis, the cartilage covering your knee bones gets worn out. This allows the bones to rub against one another, resulting in pain, stiffness, swelling, and decreased movement. Getting up from sitting for a long time or climbing stairs can seem challenging.
Osteoarthritis is treated by:
The knee contains a number of ligaments that bind the bones and stabilize the joint. They are the ACL, PCL, MCL, and LCL. They are frequently injured in sportsmen or individuals who engage in high-impact sports.
An ACL tear, on the other hand, may occur when there is a sudden twist, jump, or fall. There will be a pop sound and immediate pain, along with swelling and an inability to move the knee.
Ligament injury treatment varies with severity and can involve:
Meniscus is a rubbery, cartilage disc in your knee that serves as a shock absorber. Sudden twisting, turning, or lifting can cause a meniscus tear. Meniscus tears also occur in older people because of degeneration of cartilage due to aging.
The signs and symptoms include knee swelling, pain, and catching or locking sensation during walking or bending the knee.
Treatment includes:
Patellar tendinitis, or jumper's knee, involves the tendon that joins your kneecap to the shinbone. It is most prevalent in jumpers and runners, but anyone may develop it due to overuse or poor technique during exercise.
Symptoms are pain at the front of the knee, particularly when walking downhill, kneeling, or jumping.
Treatment is:
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Bursae are fluid-filled sacs that cushion between tissues in your knee. When the sacs become inflamed, bursitis results. It can result from repetitive kneeling, infection, or trauma.
The knee can become red, warm, swollen, and painful to the touch. It becomes painful to move the knee.
Treatment typically involves:
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Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is an autoimmune condition in which the immune system targets healthy tissues in the joints. It occurs in individuals of all ages and most commonly involves both knees.
Symptoms are pain, swelling, heat, and stiffness, particularly in the morning. RA can also cause deformity and destruction of the joint if left untreated.
Treatment involves:
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Fractures of the bones near the knee or dislocation of the kneecap are severe injuries typically resulting from falls, road traffic accidents, or sports injuries. Such injuries result in acute and severe pain, swelling, and inability to move the leg.
If it's a dislocation, the knee can look abnormal. An X-ray or MRI is required to assess for bone or ligament injury.
These are the treatment choices:
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Diagnosing knee pain correctly is the key to successful treatment. Your doctor will take a detailed history and perform a physical examination. Imaging tests like X-rays, CT scans, or MRIs help check for bone, cartilage, or ligament damage. Blood tests may be needed if an autoimmune condition is suspected.
In some cases, fluid may be drawn from the knee to check for infection or inflammation.
If you’re suffering from chronic or worsening knee pain, it’s important to consult an orthopedic specialist. The best knee replacement hospital in Kolkata can provide expert diagnosis and personalized treatment plans.
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Most knee conditions can be treated without surgery, especially if caught early. Conservative treatment options include:
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If other treatments do not help or if the injury is too extensive, surgery can be the way to go. Procedures for knee surgery include:
The top knee replacement hospital in Kolkata provides the latest surgery methods with shorter stay in the hospital, less scar tissue, and quicker healing.
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Recovery depends on the surgery type and the overall condition of the patient. Simple procedures such as arthroscopy can take a few weeks. A complete knee replacement can take between 6 to 12 weeks of physical therapy and up to 6 months to fully recover.
Following your doctor’s advice, doing exercises regularly, and attending follow-ups is essential for a successful outcome.
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Knee pain can interfere with your job, recreations, and everyday activities. However, the good news is that with prompt treatment, most knee joint pain causes can be treated or even healed. From minor inflammation to serious arthritis or trauma, knowing what's behind the pain is the key to relief.
If your symptoms do not get better with home remedies, do not delay. See a skilled orthopedic surgeon at IRIS Hospital, the best knee replacement hospital in Kolkata for appropriate treatment.
Address: 82/1, Raja S. C. Mullick
Road, Kolkata 700047
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+91 8929579509
