Knee Pain Info

Knee pain info--Your knees take a pounding every day. And that's just with your typical daily activities at home and at work. A normal activity, like going up and down stairs, increases the load and puts tremendous stress on
your knees. If you're an active person or an athlete, the chances of developing knee pain or injury increases over time.

There are many different reasons for knee pain, some more serious than others. Osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, meniscus tear, ligament tear, cartilage damage, patellofemoral pain, and tendon damage are just a few of the types of knee injuries or diseases that can cause pain.

The knee is a complex joint and is extremely important for functional mobility. The joint is composed of four basic components: the femur, the tibia and fibula, and the patella (the thighbone, the shinbones and the knee cap). Ligaments connect the components and provide stability. The muscles above the knee, the quadriceps in front and the hamstrings in back, provide strength and stability to the joint. Tendons connect the muscles to the bones.

The knee cap glides on the knee joint when the knee bends. The joint is protected by meniscal and articular cartilage, which is smooth and slick, and covers the ends of the bones. It prevents the bones from painfully rubbing against each other. If the cartilage is damaged or worn away, such as with osteoarthritis, a very painful condition can develop and surgery may be necessarily to alleviate pain and prevent further joint damage.

It's difficult to diagnose knee pain without seeing a doctor. Your doctor can perform an examination which will probably include an xray or MRI. A blood test may determine if your pain is associated with rheumatoid arthritis. Not all knee pain results in surgery. Sometimes rest, or changing bad movement or running habits, can relieve the pain. For instance, years ago I experienced sharp pain in my right knee while jogging. This went on for weeks. As it turns out, the pain resulted from running on slanted driveways on sidewalks. I found another place to run with level surfaces and the pain disappeared completely.


Knee pain info about relieving pain

There are things you can do to help alleviate the pain. One of the major causes of knee pain or damage is excessive body weight. It's true that heavier people have stronger bones and are less likely to develop osteoporosis (brittle bones), but the extra weight is damaging to joints. The knees are especially vulnerable.

Daily stretching and exercise will keep your muscles and joints stronger and healthier. Stretching increases flexibility and prevents injury. Don't bounce when stretching, and don't overstretch to the point of pain. Walking is a great way to lose weight and build strong bones. Running can take a toll on your joints with the constant pounding. Swimming, and walking in a pool, is great exercise and helps build muscles without stressing the joints. Adversely, the buoyancy of the water interferes with the weight bearing that's essential for building strong bones.

Always see your doctor first before starting any exercise program.
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