The knee is a perfect joint that allows for flexion, extension, and slight lateral rotation. Such a complete structure requires care, because pain can arise when you least expect it. In these cases, even the simple act of walking can be exhausting and quite painful, sometimes even disabling. And it’s a mistake to think that knee pain only means you’re getting older. In today’s article, everything about one of the most important joints in the body.
Types of Knee Pain
Anatomically speaking, the knee is a complex joint – the largest in the human body. It is made up of four bones: the femur (in the thigh region), tibia (at the front of the leg), fibula (on the inside of the knee), and patella (or kneecap, at the front of the knee). In addition, it also has ligaments responsible for stabilizing the joint with the help of the menisci – whose role is to absorb the impact on the cartilages. The great complexity and importance of the knee for movement make it susceptible to acute injuries, which occur suddenly, or chronic in nature, such as repetitive strain. The two main types of knee pain are:
- Traumatic: occurs due to problems during physical activity
- Degenerative: such as osteoarthritis (cartilage wear)
The pain may present with varying intensity, depending on movement. And besides dealing with them, the person often has to watch for the onset of other symptoms, such as swelling and even fever – in these cases, inflammation is likely somewhere in the knee. 
Causes of Knee Pain
The list of causes of knee pain is extensive and is mainly associated with five factors: stability, misalignment, overload, advanced age, and possible trauma. It’s worth remembering that only a proper medical evaluation can accurately diagnose the problem. Usually, the reasons for knee discomfort may be:
- Tendinitis and bursitis
- Strains and sprains
- Knee wear, especially in the menisci
- Ligament and cartilage rupture
- Knee infections
- Patellofemoral pain syndrome – a musculoskeletal disorder affecting the knee joint, very common among soccer players
- Rheumatic diseases, such as arthritis, lupus, and gout
To help identify the causes of pain, we’ve listed some regions and situations where it occurs. However, it’s clear that each case is unique. In addition, given the complexity of the knee, these are only assumptions based on what is commonly observed:
- Pain at the front of the knee: This is characteristic of patellar chondromalacia, that is, wear of the kneecap cartilage.
- Pain on the side of the knee: May suggest Iliotibial Band Syndrome, an inflammatory injury generally caused by overload. It is common in people who run frequently.
- Pain behind the knee: Possibly refers to the so-called Baker’s cyst (or popliteal cyst), a benign lesion characterized by pain at the back of the knee, usually when squatting.
- Pain on the inside of the knee: Suggests an association with a sprain. It can be caused by injury to the medial collateral ligament, rupture of the medial meniscus, and goosefoot tendinitis, characterized by inflammation in the tendons.
- Pain when bending the knee: May be a sign of meniscus problems.
- Knee pain upon waking: Is possibly related to rheumatoid arthritis in the joint.
- Knee pain when extending the leg: May indicate a tendon injury or rupture of the patellar ligament.
- Knee pain when walking or standing for long periods: May result from knee wear due to osteoarthritis. The patient may feel knee stiffness when getting up in the morning.
- Creaking and pain when moving the knee sideways: Are associated with injuries in the anterior, posterior, or coronary cruciate ligaments, meniscus rupture, or fracture.
- Generalized knee pain: Can be due to some trauma, such as a fall, causing a bruise, twist, or even rupture of a ligament or muscle.
The many possible associations for knee pain prove the importance of taking as much care as possible to avoid injury. For this reason, preventive measures are so fundamental, such as exercising under professional supervision and maintaining a balanced diet. It is even known that one of the classic cases of knee overload is obesity.
Which Doctor to See for Knee Pain?
This is a very common question. The orthopedist is the doctor who treats mechanical problems involving the bones, such as fractures, dislocations, and other issues usually related to sports practice. Meanwhile, the rheumatologist is the one who diagnoses inflammatory diseases of joints and tissues, such as osteoarthritis. To know which specialty to look for, here’s a tip: if the pain or swelling appears after trauma, such as a sprain, you should see an orthopedist. But if symptoms are chronic and accompanied by signs such as redness and difficulty moving, a rheumatologist tends to be more appropriate. In some cases, however, a precise diagnosis can be made through the combined analysis of both.
Diagnosis and Treatment of Knee Pain
The doctor will ask the patient about complaints and symptoms, how long the problem has been occurring, if there was any trauma, and its exact location. After some tests, the patient should be asked to undergo a series of exams, such as X-rays, ultrasound, and arthroscopy, in order to reach a complete diagnosis. After thoroughly analyzing all the information and images, the best treatment will be prescribed. Typically, treatments are based on:
- Prescription of painkillers and anti-inflammatory ointments
- Physical therapy
- Recommendation to use insoles and other aids, such as orthoses
- Cold or heat treatment
- Acupuncture
- Rest
More urgent and complex injury cases may require surgery. But there’s no need to worry. Knee surgeries are usually safe, even though the patient needs to be meticulous with the required postoperative measures. Rest, attention to medication, and care with movements are essential.
Tips to Relieve Knee Pain
There are a few secrets to relieving pain and preventing knee problems. In addition to exercising with supervision and maintaining a good diet, it’s essential to respect your joints and your body’s limits, avoid repetitive activities, and steer clear of self-medication. Healthy habits benefit not just the knees, but the whole body. Just manage to adapt them to your routine! Try to supplement with vitamins; it will definitely help improve joint quality. Learn more about FamiPlena here. Also see: Skin Cancer: Main Causes, Treatments, and Prevention
