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Knee pain

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By Optimal365 Chiropractic
29/10/2024
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Knee pain is a common condition that occurs when the knee experiences issues related to joint issues or injuries. It not only impacts mobility but can also lead to serious complications, such as reduced function or even paralysis, if not treated promptly. According to statistics from the Ministry of Health, up to 30% of individuals over the age of 40 experience varying degrees of knee pain. This article by Optimal365 Chiropractic will provide detailed information about the causes, symptoms, and ways to prevent knee pain.

What is Knee Pain?

Knee pain is characterized by discomfort, pain, or stiffness in the knee area. This common symptom can arise from various causes, including injuries to hard tissues (bones, cartilage) or soft tissues (inflammation, tendonitis, bursitis), leading to serious issues that restrict mobility.

In some cases of knee pain, individuals may recover quickly without treatment. However, if left untreated, certain cases can lead to severe complications, even disability.

Knee pain is the condition of damage to hard and soft tissues in the knee area.
Knee pain is the condition of damage to hard and soft tissues in the knee area.

Causes of Knee Pain

Basic injuries: Knee injuries

Ligament injuries

Tearing of the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) is a common condition in sports involving sudden stops or twists, such as soccer and basketball. In this case, the anterior cruciate ligament (one of the four main ligaments connecting the thigh bone and the shin bone) is torn or ruptured, causing severe pain, swelling in the injured area, and restricting the knee’s ability to move. Anterior cruciate ligament injuries can not only limit short-term mobility but can also cause arthritis if not diagnosed and treated promptly.

Anterior cruciate ligament injury causes knee pain and limits the patient's mobility
Anterior cruciate ligament injury causes knee pain and limits the patient’s mobility

Tearing of the meniscus

Meniscus tears usually occur during sudden twisting movements or quick turns, particularly common among athletes. The role of this type of cartilage is to stabilize and cushion the knee joint. The meniscus acts as a cushion, helping to absorb shock and distribute pressure on the knee joint during activities such as walking, running, or jumping. A meniscus tear can cause pain, swelling, and hinder the knee joint’s ability to move.

A meniscus tear leads to sharp pain and swelling in the knee joint
A meniscus tear leads to sharp pain and swelling in the knee joint

Bone fractures

Fractures in the knee occur when one or more bones forming the knee joint are cracked or broken. The knee joint consists of three main bones: the femur, tibia, and patella. Depending on the bone fractured and the severity of the injury, a fracture in the knee can significantly affect mobility and cause considerable pain.

Fractures usually cause sharp pain deep within the knee when touched, swelling, and bruising due to bleeding. If there is a complete fracture, it can lead to a total loss of mobility and deformity of the knee joint.

Fractures are also one of the causes of knee pain
Fractures are also one of the causes of knee pain

Dislocated patella

Patellar dislocation is a very common injury in sports requiring vigorous movement, such as soccer, basketball, and athletics. This condition occurs when the patella, tibia, or femur slips out of its original position within the knee joint.

Patellar dislocation is commonly encountered in sports that involve vigorous movement
Patellar dislocation is commonly encountered in sports that involve vigorous movement

Bursitis of the knee

Bursae are components that protect and reduce friction between tendons and bones when the knee moves. Bursitis of the knee is the inflammation of the bursae (fluid-filled sacs) surrounding the knee joint. When the bursae become inflamed, it results in burning pain and swelling in the knee joint, limiting movement and causing inconvenience in daily activities. Common causes include excessive knee activities such as continuous running, direct injuries from falls or accidents. Additionally, individuals who frequently engage in jobs that put pressure on the knee are also at high risk for this condition.

Bursitis of the knee causes pain and swelling in the joint
Bursitis of the knee causes pain and swelling in the joint

Patellar tendonitis

Patellar tendonitis is the inflammation and irritation of one or more tendons, the fibrous tissues that connect muscles to bones, commonly occurring after injury in the patellar tendon area. This condition is common among individuals who frequently run, cycle, or engage in sports involving jumping.

 Patellar tendonitis is commonly seen in runners and cyclists
Patellar tendonitis is commonly seen in runners and cyclists

Osgood-Schlatter disease

Osgood-Schlatter disease is a knee pain condition that often appears in adolescents. Symptoms include swelling and pain below the knee, where the tendon connects the patella to the tibia. Typically, this condition occurs after excessive exercise or localized stress below the knee and resolves after some time.

Chronic condition: Signs of joint disease
Chronic condition: Signs of joint disease

Chronic condition: A sign of musculoskeletal disorders

Knee osteoarthritis

Knee osteoarthritis is one of the main causes of knee inflammation and pain, often seen in older adults. However, this condition can also occur in younger individuals due to obesity, which puts significant pressure on the knee, traumatic injuries, excessive and improper movements, a lack of physical activity, or an unhealthy diet.

Degeneration of the knee joint leads to inflammation and pain in the knee
Degeneration of the knee joint leads to inflammation and pain in the knee

Knee arthritis

Between the knee joints, there is a smooth cartilage layer that acts as a cushion to absorb shock and reduce friction during movement. Knee arthritis occurs when this cartilage layer gradually wears away, losing its ability to cushion, causing the underlying bone surfaces to become rough and uneven. Additionally, it increases friction as the bones rub against each other, resulting in pain and limited movement.

Rheumatoid arthritis

Rheumatoid arthritis is a chronic autoimmune condition. The cause is that the immune system mistakenly identifies joint tissues as harmful agents, triggering an attack that causes inflammation and damage to the knee joint. In this condition, the synovial membrane (the lining inside the joint) becomes inflamed and swollen, causing knee pain and limiting movement. Over time, this condition can damage the joint cartilage and bones, potentially leading to cartilage loss and bone damage, resulting in deformity and joint fusion.

Flatfoot syndrome

Flatfoot syndrome is a deformity of the foot arch, where the arch is lower than normal or absent. This causes the entire surface of the foot to contact the ground when standing, leading to imbalance in the legs and feet, and affecting the structures and functions of other joints in the body, with the knee joint being the most affected.

The deformation of the soles due to flat foot syndrome also affects the knee joints during movement
The deformation of the soles due to flat foot syndrome also affects the knee joints during movement

Knee pain from gout and pseudo-gout

Gout is a condition where uric acid crystals accumulate in the joints, leading to the formation of urate crystals in the joints, causing pain and inflammation. If untreated, the pain can last from several days to several weeks, and in the long term, can lead to knee pain. Additionally, the presence of calcium crystals in the joint fluid can cause similar symptoms, known as pseudo-gout.

Patellar dislocation is commonly encountered in sports that involve vigorous movement
Patellar dislocation is commonly encountered in sports that involve vigorous movement

Factors of lifestyle: Unhealthy lifestyle

Overweight and obesity

Obesity is a significant risk factor for knee pain. Excess body weight puts pressure on the knee joint, leading to osteoarthritis and, in the long term, resulting in knee pain, promoting cartilage degradation, and potentially leading to knee osteoarthritis. A study from the Annals of the Rheumatic Diseases shows that for every 1 kg of additional weight, the risk of developing knee arthritis can increase by up to 4%.

Factors of lifestyle: Unhealthy lifestyle
Factors of lifestyle: Unhealthy lifestyle

Weak and inflexible muscles

When inactive, muscles weaken and lose flexibility, lacking the strength to protect or support the knee joint. This condition makes it difficult to move, especially when transitioning from sitting to standing, and increases the risk of knee injury during improper movement.

Overuse of the knee joint

People who perform jobs that require continuous knee joint activity or athletes in sports that involve a lot of movement, such as soccer, basketball, and track and field, are also at high risk of knee joint injuries.

Symptoms of Knee Pain

The following symptoms will alert you to a knee joint issue:

  • A sensation of pain and stiffness in the knee joint.
  • Pain often occurs when walking, climbing stairs, standing up or sitting down, or when performing activities that impact the knee joint.
  • Stiffness in the morning or after prolonged sitting. Patients may have difficulty bending or straightening the knee.
  • Swelling of the knee due to inflammation, fluid accumulation, or injury. Swelling can appear immediately after an injury or develop over a few hours to a few days.
  • Redness and warmth around the knee joint area.
  • Movement or shifting of the knee joint may produce crackling or grinding sounds due to damaged cartilage.
  • In severe cases, the knee joint may become deformed due to cartilage and bone damage, becoming bent or indented.
  • Loss of sensation in the knee, with an inability to bend or straighten it.
  • May be accompanied by fever and chills.
Common Symptoms of Knee Pain
Common Symptoms of Knee Pain

Treatment and Recovery for Knee Pain

Pain Relief Medications

Typically, doctors will prescribe pain relief and anti-inflammatory medications to help patients effectively reduce pain and inflammation. Additionally, cartilage-protecting medications may be used for osteoarthritis patients to help protect and regenerate cartilage.

In some cases, corticosteroid injections may be administered directly into the joint for quick relief from inflammation and pain. However, patients should not self-medicate or abuse pain relief medications, as this may lead to unwanted side effects such as liver and kidney damage, gastric ulcers, and brittle bones.

Thuốc giảm đau được bác sĩ chỉ định khi đau khớp gối
Thuốc giảm đau được bác sĩ chỉ định khi đau khớp gối

Adequate Rest

For ordinary knee pain, patients can reduce pain by resting and limiting movement. This process helps the damaged tissues gradually recover, alleviating pain and avoiding a greater risk of injury. It is important to note that rest does not mean sitting or lying still for too long, as this may cause joint stiffness and muscle weakness.

Physical Therapy for Joint Rehabilitation

Physical therapy exercises will help strengthen the muscles around the knee, providing better joint stability. Some therapy methods include cold/heat treatment using hot or cold compresses to quickly reduce swelling, inflammation, and pain.

Support the treatment of knee pain with physical therapy
Support the treatment of knee pain with physical therapy

In addition, shockwave therapy uses energy waves to stimulate the body’s healing mechanisms, deeply affecting painful areas and damaged muscle tissues. Ultrasound and laser therapies improve blood circulation, reduce inflammation, stimulate cell regeneration, and promote the healing process of the knee joint.

Knee Pain Relief Exercises

Once the knee joint is stabilized and has recovered, patients should practice exercises for the knee. These exercises aim to improve flexibility, increase strength, and enhance the endurance of upper leg muscles, such as the quadriceps, thereby limiting knee pain. However, to achieve the best results and avoid the risk of injury, patients should exercise under the guidance of physical therapy and rehabilitation specialists.

Knee Pain Treatment Protocol at Optimal365 Chiropractic

Chiropractic treatment is a natural, non-surgical method that does not involve medication, preserving the musculoskeletal system, and has helped millions of patients worldwide heal from injuries and alleviate knee pain.

Safe and effective knee pain treatment at Optimal365 Chiropractic
Safe and effective knee pain treatment at Optimal365 Chiropractic
  • At Optimal365 Chiropractic, a team of doctors with over 20 years of experience will adjust any misaligned structures in the knee joint using gentle manual pressure. This method stimulates the body’s self-healing mechanisms, addressing pain at its source, preventing recurrence, and stopping the development of bone spurs, thereby protecting the knee joint from long-term damage.
  • Additionally, Optimal365 Chiropractic utilizes Shockwave and high-intensity Laser therapy to help patients with knee pain reduce inflammation, swelling, and promote the regeneration of cartilage tissues, rapidly relieving pain.
  • To accelerate the recovery process, the team of doctors and physiotherapists at Optimal365 Chiropractic will guide patients in simple exercises to enhance knee flexibility that can be performed at home.

To maintain sustainable treatment results, the medical team at Optimal365 Chiropractic will advise patients on lifestyle changes, scientific living methods, and healthy dietary habits to help prevent pain recurrence.

At Optimal365 Chiropractic, we are committed to providing a comprehensive, personalized treatment plan based on each client’s needs and goals, helping them not only reduce pain and recover quickly but also improve their quality of life sustainably.

Ways to Prevent Knee Pain

To protect joints and prevent knee pain, you should pay attention to the following issues:

  • Follow a balanced diet, supplementing with nutrients beneficial for joint health such as calcium, magnesium, potassium, and vitamins B, C, and E.
  • Engage in regular physical activity and ensure proper warm-ups before exercising.
  • Maintain correct posture, limiting prolonged sitting or lying down.
  • Avoid overexertion, lifting objects correctly; if knee pain occurs, stop immediately.
  • Choose shoes that fit your foot size and body structure.
  • Manage your weight, avoiding overweight and obesity.
  • Consider using supplements that help increase joint flexibility.

The knee joint plays an essential role in movement but is easily injured due to accidents, trauma, or improper movement. Therefore, if you experience persistent knee pain or abnormal symptoms, you should visit medical facilities or specialized clinics for timely examination and treatment by a doctor.

Reference source:

1. Mayo Clinic. (2023, January 25). Knee pain – Symptoms and causes. Mayo Clinic. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/knee-pain/symptoms-causes/syc-20350849

2. Cleveland Clinic. (2024, April 30). 4 questions that help solve your knee pain mystery. Cleveland Clinic. https://health.clevelandclinic.org/4-questions-help-solve-knee-pain-mystery/

3. Faaem, B. W. M. F. (2022, July 15). Knee injury (ACL, MCL, LCL) causes, symptoms, test, treatment & recovery time. eMedicineHealth. https://www.emedicinehealth.com/knee_injury/article_em.htm

4. NHS. (2023, December 21). Knee pain. NHS. https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/knee-pain/

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