Knee pain is a rather vague diagnosis. It may be pain in the front part of the knee just under the kneecap or deep in the knee joint itself. The location of the pain is important because it will suggest the most likely cause.
Knee pain is very common and usually goes away by itself after the activity causing it is found and stopped.
The many causes include a sprained or torn ligament, torn cartilage, and arthritis of the kneecap or the whole joint. These inflammatory conditions affecting the knees include rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis.
Pain, swelling, and sometimes a clicking or popping feeling are common symptoms. Sometimes, the knee can catch and lock. In that case, a piece of torn cartilage is trapped in the joint and stops the knee from bending or straightening.
The health care provider will make a diagnosis from the medical history and physical examination. X-rays of the knees and sometimes blood tests may be done. If fluid is present in the knee (knee effusion), the health care provider may put a needle in the knee and take fluid out. The fluid will be sent to a laboratory for study.
The most important thing to do is find out the cause, especially if an activity such as aggressive walking or jogging was started recently. Many people who participate in sports on a court that involve sideways movement have knee symptoms. When these activities are stopped for 2 to 6 weeks, symptoms slowly go away.
Over-the-counter nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such as ibuprofen or naproxen, help inflammation (swelling, redness) and pain. These drugs can cause stomach problems and should be taken with meals and only for short periods. People who have ulcers or bleeding ulcers should check with the health care provider before using these drugs.
Kneecap pain can usually be managed with physical therapy to strengthen the quadriceps muscles (front of the thigh) and stretch hamstring muscles (back of the thigh) and calf muscles (lower leg). Sprained ligaments often heal with rest and time. Torn ligaments around the knee sometimes need immobilization and then aggressive physical therapy. If the knee pain persists or worsens despite treatment, a surgeon may suggest an operation (arthroscopy) to repair the damage. After symptoms have stopped, activities can be restarted slowly, beginning with activities such as walking or cycling.
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Copyright © 2016 by Saunders, an imprint of Elsevier, Inc.
Ferri’s Netter Patient Advisor