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Get relief from knee pain

Get relief from knee pain

Above exercises should be done as preventive exercises and not when you are experiencing  pain in the knee.

Knee Joint :

The knee joint’s main function is to bend and straighten for moving the body. The knee is more than just a simple hinge. It also twists and rotates. In order to perform all of these actions and to support the entire body while doing so, the knee relies on a number of structures, including bones, ligaments, tendons, and cartilage.

Possible causes of knee pain:

  • Overuse in or around the knee due to wiping the floors in kneeling position, vigorous cycling, extensive walking etc. causes knee pain, stiffness in the knee.
  • Ligament sprain or tear
  • Quadriceps weakness
  • Hamstring tightness.
  • Muscle pull
  • Weight Gain
  • Cartilage Tear
  • Arthritis :Osteoarthritis , Rheumatoid Arthritis

Type of knee pain and Treatment

What causes Acute knee pain ?

Fractures: Fractures of any of the bones of the knee are traumatic injuries typically caused by moderate to high forces due to sports injury or accidents.

Sprained and torn collateral ligaments . Medial collateral ligament (MCL) is the most commonly injured ligament in the knee. Like all ligaments, this ligament may be sprained or torn. A sprained ligament may be partially ruptured. A torn ligament is completely ruptured.

Severe MCL sprains or tears often produce a tearing or ripping sensation along the inner joint line of the knee. You may also notice knee instability and swelling may be observed at knee.

ACL partial /complete tear.

Treatment:

Rest: Sufficient Rest should be given to the knee joint to reduce the pain and swelling. Weight bearing on the affected knee should be avoided.

Anti-inflammatory medicines should be given to reduce the inflammation.

Icing :Icing should be done three to five minutes every two hours.

Compression: Crepe bandage should be tied in the figure of eight manner around the knee joint or hinge knee cap should be used.

elevation: The leg should be kept elevated to reduce swelling and support the knee.

Physiotherapy Treatment :IFT or ultrasound or TNS can be used to get instant relief .

Manual Therapy : Manual Therapy can be given once the swelling is reduced .

After the pain relief , relaxation exercises ,range of motion exercises ,quadriceps strengthening exercises should be done to avoid relapse of acute knee pain.

What causes Chronic Knee pain ?

Arthritis: Arthritis of the knee is an inflammation of the knee joint that is often painful along with stiffness and loss of range of motion in the knee. Osteoarthritis is caused by degeneration of cartilage in the knee. In its extreme form, the menisci (cartilage) will be completely eroded, and the femur will rub on the tibia, bone on bone.

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a disease of the whole body that affects many joints, often including the knee. The knee can be warm to the touch and swollen. Rheumatoid arthritis may produce morning stiffness and pain

Gout arthritis : These severely painful forms of arthritis are caused by crystals that form in the knee and other joints. Defects in the absorption or metabolism of various natural substances such as uric acid and calcium pyrophosphate results in the formation of crystals. Gout and pseudo gout cause a rapid-onset, markedly inflamed knee joint. The knee can be exquisitely painful, swollen, and warm with loss of range of motion.

Bursitis: As a result of trauma, infection, or crystalline deposits, the various bursae of the knee may become inflamed. Acute or chronic trauma causes a painful and often swollen knee from the inflammation of the bursae. A particularly common bursitis occurs in people who work on their knees. It is often referred to as housemaid’s knee.

Treatment:

If there is an excessive swelling on the knee , anti-inflammatory medicines and ICING are highly recommended .

Analgesics should be given for extreme pain for initial pain relief.

Physiotherapy Treatment :Shortwave Diathermy/ IFT/Ultrasound or Paraffin wax bath is recommended depending upon the need and patient’s condition.

Exercises : Static quadricep , quadriceps drill , progressive resisted exercises , straight leg raising ,cycling ,gait training , knee range of motion exercises and squatting.

Preventive measures to avoid knee pain

  • Stay slim and stay fit as weight gain causes knee pain .
  • Thirty minutes walk for five /six days in a week .
  • Avoid high heel shoes
  • Avoid long standing on one leg
  • Correct posture prevents knee pain