CHRONIC KNEE PAIN
Chronic knee pain is a common problem that includes all types of knee pain affecting the knee and surrounding area. The knee joint is complex and one of the most used joints in the body. Many different factors can lead to damage and chronic pain symptoms, which can detrimentally affect the quality of one’s life.
CAUSES
There are several factors that can cause knee pain which may progress into chronic knee pain:
- Excessive physical activity which could cause a strain or inflammation of the tendons that pass over the kneecap (patella)
- Knee ligament and cartilage injuries due to unusual movements
- Arthritis, which is a degenerative condition that causes the bones at the knee to deteriorate. The knee with arthritis becomes stiff and swollen with very painful movements
- Meniscal tear
- Bursitis, which happens with any repetitive movement of the knee causing fluids to build up in the joint. This condition causes joint swelling and tenderness around the knee
- Gout, a condition when uric acid builds up in the body forming crystals in the joints
- Bleeding in the joint due to a serious injury known as hemarthrosis
- Bad Posture
- Improper stretching
- Age
- Being overweight or obese
SYMPTOMS
Apart from pain in and around the kneww, symptoms may include:
- Knee weakness and inability to stand
- Swelling and stiffness
- Redness and warm feelings around the knee
- Popping sounds
TREATMENT
The diagnosis of chronic knee pain depends on the symptoms and the underlying cause. The condition will be diagnosed with a physical exam and anamnesis, X-ray, MRI and a CT scan of the affected knee.
Each of the chronic knee pain symptoms requires specific treatment, but the most usual treatments include:
- Physical therapy
- Medication
- Joint Injections
- Knee support
- Surgery
