Knee injuries are a prevalent and significant health concern in the United States. Here’s an overview of the incidence, cost, and seriousness of knee injuries in the US:
Incidence
Cost
Seriousness
In summary, knee injuries are common, costly, and can have a significant impact on an individual’s quality of life. Preventive measures, early intervention, and effective rehabilitation are essential to manage the incidence, cost, and seriousness of knee injuries in the US.
Healing knee pain is important for all age groups.
In some cases, certain medical conditions may cause knee pain as well.
Although several kinds of this pain respond well to self-care, knee pain therapy, or even knee braces, in more severe cases, surgery may be required to address the issue.
The following are the most common causes of knee pain. They can be classified into injuries, mechanical problems, arthritis, and other issues:
Bursitis
Bursae are the fluid-filled sacs located near muscles, joints, and bones that facilitate movement by reducing the friction. In the knee, the bursae is located above the joint, just under the skin. Pain, swelling, and inflammation can occur when there is repeated bending or a fall. This condition is called prepatellar bursitis or the preacher’s /Housemaid’s knee.
Fractures
Accidents or falls can cause the bones in the knee, including the kneecap, to break. In some cases, weakened bones because of conditions like osteoporosis can cause fractures in the knee even with just a misstep.
Patellar Tendonitis
Tendons are the thick and fibrous tissues that connect muscles to bones. Tendonitis is the inflammation of these tissues. This happens when the patellar tendon, the tendon that connects the kneecap to the shinbone, is injured. This condition is more common with athletes who run, kick, or jump.
ACL Injury
The anterior cruciate ligament or ACL is one of four ligaments that connect the thigh bone to the shinbone. A tear in this ligament can cause pain in the knee region. This condition is particularly common in athletes who play sports that require them to immediately change directions.
Torn Meniscus
The rubbery cartilage that acts as a shock absorber between the shinbone and the thigh bone is called the meniscus. A tear in this tough tissue can cause pain in the knee. This can happen when a sudden twist occurs in the knee region while it is bearing weight.
Patella femoral tracking dysfunction
Patellofemoral tracking dysfunction, often known as “runner’s knee” or “knee cap problems,” is a common issue that affects the knee joint. In simple terms, it occurs when the patella (knee cap) doesn’t move smoothly within its groove on the thigh bone (femur). This can lead to discomfort and various symptoms, such as:
Patellofemoral tracking dysfunction can be caused by factors like muscle imbalances, overuse, improper alignment, or even structural issues. It’s important to seek medical advice if you’re experiencing these symptoms. Treatment may include exercises, physical therapy, and, in some cases, lifestyle adjustments to help your knee function better and relieve discomfort.
Dislocated kneecap
Also called patellar dislocation, this happens when the kneecap or the small triangular bone in the middle of the knee joint slides out of place. The patella is usually displaced to the outside of the knee. In some cases, the dislocation may be readily visible. This can cause pain and swelling.
Foot or Hip Pain
Pain elsewhere in the body, including pain in the hip or foot areas, can force an individual to alter the way they walk. This can eventually lead to knee pain because of excessive unnecessary stress on the knee joint.
Loose Body
When there is injury or degeneration of bone or cartilage, loose pieces may interfere with the movement in the knee joint causing pain or discomfort.
Iliotibial Band Syndrome
The Iliotibial band is the tough band of tissues extending from outside the knee to outside the hip. In some cases, this band becomes tight enough that it begins to rub against the outer part of the thigh bone. This is more common in cyclists and distance runners.
Here are the types of arthritis that usually cause knee pain:
Osteoarthritis – This is the most common type of arthritis. Age and use can cause the deterioration of the cartilage in the knees.
Rheumatoid arthritis – This autoimmune condition causes knee pain when the immune system of the body attacks the knee joints.
Septic arthritis – Infection in the knee joint can lead to septic arthritis. It is usually accompanied by fever. This can cause pain, swelling, redness, and severe damage to the cartilage in the knee.
Gout – This happens when uric acid levels cause crystals to develop in the knee joint.
Pseudo gout – Similar to gout, crystals that have calcium develop in the joint fluid. This often affects the knee joint.
MRI is one of the most effective diagnostic procedures for knee pain. Doctors use this over the x-ray because it gives a clear picture of the bones, the cartilage, the tendons, the muscles, the ligaments, and even some of the blood vessels in the knee. An MRI scan can readily identify if there is damaged cartilage, infections, bone fractures, torn tendons, torn ligaments, and even tumors. It can also determine if surgery is needed.
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Overview of How Proper Knee Examination Can Diagnose Most Issues
A thorough knee examination is a critical step in diagnosing a wide range of knee issues, from injuries to underlying medical conditions. Here’s an overview of how a proper knee examination can lead to accurate diagnoses:
By following this comprehensive examination process, physical can diagnose a wide range of knee issues, including ligament injuries, meniscus tears, cartilage problems, arthritis, and more. Accurate diagnosis is crucial for developing an effective treatment plan and improving the patient’s knee health and function.
Pain in the knee is medically treated using the following methods:
Medication – Doctors may prescribe medication to relieve pain and treat conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis or gout.
Injection – Doctors sometimes recommend injections of corticosteroids, hyaluronic acid, or platelet-rich plasma to address arthritis, lubricate joints, or promote healing, respectively.
Bracing – Bracing is a common method used to treat knee pain and various knee-related conditions. Here’s an overview of how bracing can be beneficial:
It’s important to note that while knee braces can be effective in managing knee pain and providing support, they are not a one-size-fits-all solution. Knee braces are typically used as part of a broader treatment plan, which may include physical therapy, exercise, and medications, depending on the underlying cause of the knee pain.
Surgery – Injuries and other conditions may require knee surgery which includes the following options:
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Although these traditional treatment options may alleviate knee pain in the short-term, they may not be able to address the underlying cause. This can result in recurring pain in the knee. Additionally, these methods reportedly only work 45% of the time.
For lasting knee pain relief, we recommend one or more of the following treatment options.
Heat and Cold Therapy
These treatments may be used by themselves or together. They alter blood flow and effectively relieve pain. Cold treatment also reduces swelling, while heat treatment relaxes muscles and promotes the healing of damaged tissues.
Blood flow restriction, technology
Blood flow restriction (BFR), also known as occlusion training or vascular occlusion, is a rehabilitation technique that involves using specialized cuffs or wraps to partially restrict blood flow to a specific area of the body, typically an injured limb. Here’s a brief overview of the use of blood flow restriction for injuries:
BFR is increasingly used in the rehabilitation of knee injuries, particularly those involving muscles and joints. It can aid in the recovery process after injuries such as muscle strains, ligament injuries, and even post-surgical rehabilitation.
Functional rehabilitation processes
Applied Functional Science (AFS) is an approach to lower extremity rehabilitation that takes a holistic and personalized perspective, addressing not just the injured area but the entire body’s movement patterns and functional needs. In AFS, the lower extremity problem is seen as a result of interconnected factors, including joint mobility, muscle imbalances, and movement dysfunctions. The rehabilitation process begins with a thorough assessment to identify the root causes of the issue, focusing on how the body moves in its daily activities. Based on this assessment, a customized treatment plan is developed, incorporating exercises and interventions to improve biomechanics, mobility, strength, and overall function. AFS aims to restore not only the specific injured area but also the body’s natural movement patterns, promoting long-term recovery and preventing future problems by addressing the body as a whole. This approach empowers individuals to regain their optimal movement capabilities and improve their quality of life, making it an effective and comprehensive method for lower extremity rehabilitation.
Taping
McConnell taping, also known as patellar taping, is a technique used to address knee pain and instability, particularly related to conditions like patellofemoral pain syndrome or patellar malalignment. It involves the application of specialized tape to reposition the patella (kneecap) and modify its tracking within the femoral groove, aiming to alleviate pain and improve joint stability. The tape is strategically placed to influence the direction in which the patella moves during knee flexion and extension. This technique helps distribute forces more evenly, reduce pain, and enhance proper patellar alignment, allowing individuals to engage in activities with less discomfort and improved knee function. McConnell taping is often utilized as part of a broader treatment plan in collaboration with physical therapy and exercises to provide comprehensive knee rehabilitation.
Kinesio taping
K taping is a technique that utilizes elastic therapeutic tape to provide support and relief for various knee problems. This method is designed to facilitate the body’s natural healing process while offering several benefits. Kinesio tape can enhance blood and lymphatic circulation, reduce pain, and provide additional structural support to the knee joint. It can aid in the correction of biomechanical issues, reduce swelling, and improve muscle function. Kinesio taping is often used in the management of knee injuries, such as patellar tracking issues or ligament strains, as well as for post-surgical rehabilitation. It allows individuals to maintain a greater range of motion while receiving the support they need to alleviate discomfort and promote knee stability during daily activities and physical therapy.
Class IV laser
Class IV lasers, used in various medical and therapeutic applications, work by emitting focused and powerful beams of light in the infrared spectrum. These lasers generate energy that penetrates into the body’s tissues and interacts with cellular structures. The energy is absorbed by cells, particularly those with higher metabolic activity, and this absorption can stimulate several beneficial physiological responses. These responses include increased cellular energy production (ATP), improved blood circulation, reduced inflammation, and accelerated tissue repair. Class IV lasers are used to promote healing, reduce pain, and address a range of conditions, from musculoskeletal injuries to wound healing, by harnessing the therapeutic effects of laser energy on living tissues.