Osteoarthritis is a degenerative process where the cartilage in the joint gradually wears away. It often affects middle-age and older people. Osteoarthritis may be caused by excess stress on the joint such as repeated injury or being overweight. Rheumatoid arthritis can also affect the knees by causing the joint to become inflamed and by destroying the knee cartilage. Rheumatoid arthritis often affects persons at an earlier age than osteoarthritis. In addition to a complete medical history and physical exam, other tests for knee problems may include:.
This test uses invisible electromagnetic energy beams to make images of internal tissues, bones, and organs onto film. Magnetic resonance imaging MRI. This test uses large magnets, radiofrequencies, and a computer to make detailed images of organs and structures within the body; can often determine damage or disease in a surrounding ligament or muscle. This test uses X-rays and computer technology to make horizontal, or axial, images often called slices of the body.
A CT scan shows detailed images of any part of the body, including the bones, muscles, fat, and organs. CT scans are more detailed than general X-rays.
A minimally-invasive diagnostic and treatment procedure used for conditions of a joint. This procedure uses a small, lighted, optic tube arthroscope , which is inserted into the joint through a small incision in the joint.
Images of the inside of the joint are projected onto a screen; used to evaluate any degenerative or arthritic changes in the joint; to detect bone diseases and tumors; to determine the cause of bone pain and inflammation. Those who had true acupuncture scored higher in pain and function scores, compared with the others.
Tai chi is a form of meditative exercise, and the benefits of exercise alone are discussed above. A year-long study of participants with knee osteoarthritis concluded that tai chi might have similar, if not greater, benefits compared with standard physical therapy. The average age of participants was 60 years. Improvements in primary outcome scores were recorded in both groups at 12 weeks, and these continued throughout the program.
In addition, those who did tai chi also saw significant improvements in symptoms of depression and the physical aspects of quality of life, compared with those who underwent standard physical therapy. Recent approval of the use of cannabidiol CBD , also known as medical marijuana, has provoked interest in it as a solution to a range of health problems. CBD is not the compound in marijuana that produces psychotropic effects, but it does appear to have a number of pharmacological effects. Animal studies have suggested that it may improve joint pain, because it:.
Clinical trials have not proven its safety or effectiveness for use in rheumatic disease, but researchers suggest it should not be ruled out as an option in the future. According to some sources, apple cider vinegar ACV has anti-inflammatory properties that can help relieve arthritis and other types of pain. However, there is a lack of scientific evidence to support this.
Pain at the front of the knee is one of the most common aches and pains. It is second only to lower back pain — around a quarter of people will get it at some point in their lives. It commonly affects teenagers, especially young female athletes. It is the most common overuse syndrome in sportspeople. Most cases of front knee pain are injuries from overuse, or from poor preparation for exercise. The problems usually go away on their own, and sporting activities can resume after the pain subsides.
Osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis , sprains, and gout are some of the most common causes of knee pain. One common reason for long-term knee pain is a type of arthritis known as osteoarthritis. It is thought to be caused by wear and tear in the joint. It affects mostly older people over 65 years. The knee bends and straightens smoothly because of the cartilage that covers the ends of the bones in the healthy joint.
Long-term damage to this cartilage leads to osteoarthritis. Movement becomes restricted and pain gradually increases. Rheumatoid arthritis tends to involve swelling of the knee. Sore joints will tend to be red, tender, warm, and swollen.
The pain involves more general stiffness that is typically worse in the early morning. There can be afternoon fatigue. Knee pain with these symptoms needs the attention of a doctor for correct diagnosis and treatment.
Rheumatoid arthritis benefits from early treatment. Sprains and strains happen when tissues in the knee become stretched by unusual or increased activity, or an awkward twist or trip.
If the skin is broken, or you have stitches, do not cover in oil. Instead, protect the area with a plastic bag, as this will stop it getting wet. Check the colour of your skin after 5 minutes. If it is bright pink or red, remove the ice pack. If it is not pink, leave it on for another 5 to 10 minutes. Ice can be left on for 20 to 30 minutes — if it is left on for longer, there is a risk of damaging the skin.
This can be repeated every 2 to 3 hours. If you need a painkiller , you might take paracetamol regularly, for a few days. These can help with pain, inflammation and swelling. There are many types and brands. This means you can buy them over the counter, at supermarkets and pharmacies. Other types of anti-inflammatory painkillers do need a prescription. NSAIDs carry a number of potential side effects, so you should ask your doctor or pharmacist if they are suitable for you before taking them.
You can also read the patient information leaflet that comes in the packet. These are also called topical painkillers. Some can be bought over the counter, at pharmacies, while others need a prescription.
It is unclear whether rub-on anti-inflammatory painkillers work better than tablets. However, the amount of the medication that gets into your bloodstream is much less with rub-on painkillers, and there is less risk of side effects.
Knee pain will usually go away without further medical treatment, using only a few self-help measures. If you need help you might first see a physiotherapist or your GP. You might also have the option of paying to see a physiotherapist privately. You might wish to see your GP if the pain is very bad or is not settling. Your doctor will often be able to diagnose your knee problem from your symptoms along with a physical examination of your knee.
Occasionally, they may suggest tests or a scan to help confirm a diagnosis — especially if further, more specialised treatment may be needed. This may involve trying to make your hip muscles stronger, or help with foot problems, each of which can affect knee pain. If your pain is severe, you may be prescribed stronger painkillers such as codeine. Because this has more side effects than standard painkillers, it may only be prescribed for a short time and your doctor will probably suggest other treatments to tackle the causes of your pain.
These might include physiotherapy , talking therapies and pain management programmes, surgery or injections. Physiotherapy may help your knee pain, depending on what has caused it and what part of your knee hurts. For many, the culprit behind that nagging soreness is osteoarthritis, which affects an estimated 31 million Americans — quite often, in this particular joint — according to the Arthritis Association. But there are other common causes of knee pain, stemming from the fact that knees are our largest, most complex joints.
Hip joints and ankles are both pretty stable by themselves, but the knee is just three bones trying to be good friends, and they need muscles and ligaments for stability. Knee pain is not to be taken lightly. A Japanese study, published last year in the Journal of the American Geriatrics Society , found a link between the onset of knee pain in people 65 or older and depression. And a recent study from the University of North Carolina School of Medicine Thurston Arthritis Research Center and Harvard's Brigham and Women's Hospital found that knee pain in men and women over age 45 correlated with higher rates of death.
So how do you know if your knee pain is bad enough to see an orthopedist? During a standard knee exam, explains Michael Fredericson, M. Your physician will also order an X-ray and possibly an MRI of your knees. For those worried that a knee pain diagnosis will inevitably lead to knee replacement surgery , take heart: Many knee problems respond well to noninvasive treatments that allow you to either avoid surgery or at least delay it. This condition, which frequently comes on gradually and worsens with age, involves deterioration of the knee cartilage and adjacent bone.
Biomechanics can be a factor, too. It could be that they have loose kneecaps. It's just anatomy. The menisci, two rubbery pieces of cartilage inside the knee, serve as shock absorbers between the thighbone and the shinbone. Partial or total meniscal tears, which often result when the knee is twisted, can range from small, innocuous tears that the patient doesn't even feel to traumatic tears, say, from skiing or tennis, that cause sudden, severe pain.
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