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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Knee Pain Info About Arthritis

Knee pain info about arthritis--One of the most common causes of knee pain in older adults is osteoarthritis. It usually surfaces after the age of forty-five, but it's not uncommon for people as young as their twenties and thirties to begin suffering from the disease. Arthritis is not just an old person's disease. Sport injuries and excess body weight also contribute to damaged joints.


Symptoms of Osteoarthritis

• painful joint(s)
• stiffness in joint(s)
• usually not much swelling
• usually no redness

Causes of osteoarthritis

• overuse of a joint
• injury to a joint
• being overweight
• poor eating habits

How it happens

The cartilage in your knee joint protects the bones from rubbing against each other. With healthy cartilage, the knee cap glides smoothly when you bend and straighten your knee. When cartilage is damaged (see causes above), the bones can rub against each other, causing pain. Also, when cartilage degenerates, bone regrowth can occur, causing painful bone spurs in your knee.

Knee pain info on how to manage your pain

STRENGTHENING--Strong muscles will help protect your joints. Strengthening the muscles above your knee, the quadriceps, will provide support, absorb shock, and prevent injury. Don't forget to do strengthening exercises for your hamstrings, the muscles at the back of your thigh, to provide extra balance and stability.

STRETCHING--Gentle stretching should be performed everyday to maintain and increase flexibility in your muscles, ligaments, tendons, and joints. Flexibility allows you to perform your daily activities with more ease, comfort, and safety. Sprains and strains can occur when you are tight. Stretching is especially important before any exercise program, including walking.

AEROBIC EXERCISE--Aerobic exercise has a whole host of benefits. It improves your overall health by increasing your energy, lowering your blood pressure, controlling your weight, and improving your mood. It doesn't have to be strenuous. The simpler you make it, the more willing you'll be to do it. Walking is simple and free. If you can walk in your neighborhood, great. It's just outside your front door. Or grab a friend and walk at a nearby park. Treadmills and stationary bikes are also great aerobic activities.

If you experience stiffness or soreness after exercise, try putting a cold pack on your knee for about 20 minutes. There are over-the-counter creams and balms that may ease the pain. Ace wraps and knee braces can add extra support for weak knees. Rebuilding cartilage with glucosamine chondroitin supplements has mixed results. Some people report improvement in knee pain and function while others report no change at all. The same goes for healing magnets--some users report benefits and others report no change.

Make sure you see your doctor before starting any type of exercise program. If the damage to your knee is severe and limits your quality of life, knee replacement surgery may be your best option. Your doctor can usually determine the amount of damage with an xray or MRI.

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