Understanding and Managing Knee Pain: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment Options
Knee pain is a prevalent issue that can stem from various factors like running, ligament damage, and arthritis. Interestingly, more than one in five individuals over the age of 40 suffer from chronic knee pain, according to global estimates. However, just because it is common does not mean you have to live with it. While chronic pain can affect your physical activity, experts suggest that basic exercises can considerably alleviate most knee problems. In this article, MailOnline interviews experts to uncover the causes of knee pain and how it can be treated.
Causes of Knee Pain
In most cases, knee pain is the result of trauma from sports injuries or workplace incidents. These traumas can lead to damage to the cartilage inside the knee and ruptured ligaments that hold the knee together. While cartilage tears can sometimes heal on their own, experts caution that ligament damage may require surgery. Interestingly, the causes of knee pain vary depending on age. In younger individuals, knee pain is commonly caused by injury or sudden movements that strain the knee. This strain can result in sprained or strained knee ligaments, torn cartilage, or inflammation of the tendons due to overuse. On the other hand, knee pain in people over 40 is more commonly associated with arthritis and tendon problems caused by the accumulation of minor knee damage over time.
Understanding Osteoarthritis
Osteoarthritis, often referred to as ‘wear and tear’, occurs when the surfaces within joints become damaged. Over time, the cartilage covering the ends of bones thins out, while the bone thickens. In the UK, approximately one-third of people aged 45 and over suffer from osteoarthritis, equating to roughly 8.75 million individuals. At least 20 million people in the US are also affected by this condition. It should be noted that osteoarthritis differs from rheumatoid arthritis, which is a long-term autoimmune disease characterized by painful, swollen, and stiff joints. Osteoarthritis often necessitates joint replacements due to the deterioration and agonizing pain experienced, particularly in the front of the knee. This pain is usually associated with issues in the tendon that the kneecap sits in or the position of the kneecap.
Symptoms to Watch Out For
Arthritis manifests itself through symptoms such as swelling, pain, and stiffness in the joints. It affects people of all ages, including children, across the UK. In some cases, the affected joint may feel warm to the touch, and there may be popping or crunching sounds during movement. More severe cases may result in an inability to fully straighten the knee or significant pain when walking or applying weight to the leg. It is important to differentiate between different triggers for knee pain and types of arthritis. Mechanical joint problems, including tendon issues and osteoarthritis, often cause stiffness in the first few minutes after waking up or sitting for a prolonged period. The pain tends to improve with movement but worsens with prolonged standing. In contrast, inflammatory arthritis, like rheumatoid arthritis or gout, leads to morning joint stiffness lasting for hours or painful acute flares. Infections, such as salmonella, can also cause acute inflammatory arthritis, resulting in a swollen knee. Furthermore, clicking joints are usually not a cause for concern, but a sensation of the knee ‘giving way’ often indicates weak thigh muscles rather than ligament damage.
Knowing When to Seek Medical Attention
If knee pain worsens with movement or does not show signs of improvement, it is important to consult a doctor. An immediate check-up is recommended for individuals experiencing acute knee swelling within an hour after an obvious knee injury, as it could indicate a torn ligament. Additionally, significant knee swelling without any trauma, accompanied by a hot or tender knee and a fever, should be evaluated by a healthcare professional. If you already have a known arthritis condition like gout or rheumatoid arthritis and experience increased knee pain or swelling, a change in medication may be necessary. However, for gradual onset knee pain or non-high-impact traumatic injuries, patients can try managing the pain through rest, applying ice to reduce swelling, and using over-the-counter painkillers like paracetamol. Individuals over 45 who have activity-related joint pain and morning stiffness may receive an osteoarthritis diagnosis without the need for an X-ray or MRI scan, according to guidelines established by the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE).
Exercise for Knee Pain with Weak Muscles
Objective: Reduce pain by strengthening the thigh/quadricep muscles, improving standing, chair mobility, and walking ability.
The exercise:
- Lie down on a flat surface, such as a bed or couch.
- Place a rolled-up towel under your LEFT knee (while bending the other knee).
- Lock your knee by firmly pressing it onto the towel while lifting your heel off the bed and pulling your toes toward your head.
- Maintain a locked and straight leg position, holding for 10 seconds.
- Slowly lower your leg and relax for 3 seconds.
- Repeat steps 3-5 until your leg becomes tired or your thigh begins to ache. Start with 10 repetitions.
- Switch sides and repeat the exercise for your RIGHT leg using a new towel.
Progression:
- Gradually increase the duration of time you hold your leg up.
- Perform more repetitions, aiming for 30 per side.
- When the exercise becomes too easy, remove the towel and try straight-leg raises, following the same technique.
How often? Perform these exercises in the morning and evening, incorporating them into your daily routine by doing them while watching TV or relaxing.
Source: Professor Conaghan’s MSK Clinic – Chapel Allerton Hospital
Even after receiving a diagnosis, surgery should always be considered a last resort, according to Professor Barker. It is essential to exhaust alternative treatments such as weight loss management, exercises, physiotherapy, and painkillers before considering surgery, especially for severe cases of osteoarthritis that have not responded to non-surgical interventions for at least 3-6 months.
Managing Knee Pain
Knee pain can be attributed to weak muscles, making it important to strengthen the muscles surrounding the knee. Weak muscles often precede knee pain and can lead to tendon pain around the knee. As individuals age, muscle loss becomes more pronounced, particularly among those with sedentary jobs. Similarly, individuals experiencing knee pain tend to lose muscle mass at a faster rate. This highlights the need for overall thigh muscle strengthening. Signs of weak thigh muscles include difficulty getting up from a low chair or car without using your arms, struggling to get out of the bath, or a sensation of the knee ‘giving way.’
While there are several exercises that…
Denial of responsibility! Vigour Times is an automatic aggregator of Global media. In each content, the hyperlink to the primary source is specified. All trademarks belong to their rightful owners, and all materials to their authors. For any complaint, please reach us at – [email protected]. We will take necessary action within 24 hours.
