Knee pain is a widespread issue that can affect individuals of all ages, often resulting from injury, overuse, or medical conditions such as arthritis. It can range from mild discomfort to severe pain that limits mobility. Common symptoms include swelling, stiffness, instability, and difficulty in bending or straightening the knee. One of the leading causes of chronic knee pain is Knee Osteoarthritis, a degenerative condition that occurs when the cartilage in the knee joint gradually wears away. This wear and tear leads to bones rubbing against each other, causing pain, inflammation, and stiffness..
●Swelling and stiffness: The knee may become swollen due to inflammation or fluid buildup, often accompanied by difficulty in bending or straightening the leg.
●Redness and warmth: Inflammation or infection can make the skin around the knee appear red and feel warm to the touch.
●Weakness or instability: You might feel like the knee could give way or cannot support your weight properly, especially while walking or standing.
●Ligament injuries: Damage to ligaments like the ACL (anterior cruciate ligament) or MCL (medial collateral ligament) can cause sudden pain, swelling, and instability.
●Meniscus tear: Twisting injuries can tear the cartilage (meniscus) that cushions the knee joint, leading to pain, swelling, anda locking sensation.
●Fractures: A broken kneecap (patella) or other bone in the knee due to trauma or falls can cause intense pain, swelling, and difficulty moving the knee.
●Loose body: A piece of bone or cartilage may break off and float in the joint space, causing pain, locking, or difficulty moving the knee.
●Dislocated kneecap (patella): The kneecap may shift out of place, causing sharp pain, swelling, and difficulty straightening the leg.
●Iliotibial band syndrome: The iliotibial band (a ligament from the hip to the shin) can rub against the outer part of the knee, especially in runners, causing pain and inflammation.
●Previous injuries: Past knee injuries (like ligament tears or fractures) increase the risk of future problems.
●Repetitive stress: Jobs or activities that involve frequent kneeling, squatting, or lifting can strain the knees.
●Sports participation: High-impact sports like football, basketball, or running can lead to overuse or acute injuries.
●Severe pain: If the pain is intense or sudden, especially after a fall or accident.
●Inability to bear weight: If you cannot stand, walk, or put weight on the affected leg.
●Signs of infection: Redness, warmth, fever, and swelling could indicate an infected joint (septic arthritis).
●Osteoarthritis: A degenerative joint disease where knee cartilage wears down over time, causing pain and stiffness.
●Rheumatoid Arthritis: An autoimmune condition that causes inflammation of the knee joint lining.
●Meniscus Tear: A common cartilage injury caused by twisting or overuse, often leading to pain, swelling, and locking.
●MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging): Provides detailed images of soft tissues like ligaments, cartilage, and tendons.
●X-ray: Used to detect bone fractures, alignment issues, or signs of osteoarthritis.
●CT Scan: Offers more detailed images than an X-ray and is useful for complex bone or joint issues.
●Osteoarthritis: A degenerative joint disease where knee cartilage wears down over time, causing pain and stiffness.
●Rheumatoid Arthritis: An autoimmune condition that causes inflammation of the knee joint lining.
●Meniscus Tear: A common cartilage injury caused by twisting or overuse, often leading to pain, swelling, and locking.
●Rest: Avoiding activities that worsen pain helps the knee recover and reduces strain on the joint.
●Ice Therapy: Applying ice packs reduces swelling and numbs the area to ease pain.
●Compression: Wearing a knee brace or elastic bandage helps control swelling and supports the joint.
What is it? A minimally invasive procedure that uses radiofrequency energy to heat and deactivate the genicular nerves, which are responsible for transmitting pain from the knee.
Why is it done? It’s used for chronic knee pain, especially in cases like knee osteoarthritis or pain after knee replacement surgery, when other treatments have failed.
How does it work? A needle-like probe is inserted near the genicular nerves under X-ray or ultrasound guidance, and controlled heat is applied to disrupt pain signals.
Anterior knee pain
Medial knee pain
Lateral knee pain
Posterior knee pain
