Sooner or later, most people experience knee pain. Knee pain can develop from everyday wear and tear, overuse, injury, or medical conditions such as arthrits.
Sudden (Acute) Injury
Sudden injuries are the most common cause of knee problems. Acute injuries include:
- Sprains or Strains
- Torn Meniscus
- Torn ACL or MCL
- Fractures
- Kneecap Dislocation - common under age 18
- Knee Joint Dislocation - Very Rare
Overuse Injuries
Overuse injuries occur with repetitive activities or repeated or prolonged pressure on the knee. Overuse injuries include:
- Bursitis
- Tendinitis
- Thickening or folding knee ligaments
- Pain in the front of the knee from overuse, injury, excess weight, or problems in the kneecap
- Irritation and inflammation of the band of fibrous tissue that runs down the outside of the thigh
Medical Conditions
Problems not directly related to an injury or overuse may occur in or around the knee.
- Osteoarthritis
- Rheumatoid Arthritis
- Osgood Schlatter Disease
- Popliteal (Baker's) Cyst
- Infection in the skin
- Pinched Nerves
- Osteochondritis Dissecans
Treatment of Knee Problems
When it comes to treating the pain associated with knee pain, we can help. You can help your doctor diagnose and treat your condition by being prepared to answer the following questions:
- What are your main symptoms?
- How long have you had your symptoms?
- What were you doing when your symptoms started?
- Have you had this problem in the past?
- What was the diagnosis?
- How was it treated?
- How and when did an injury occur? How was it treated?
- Have you had any injuries in the past to the same area? Do you have any continuing problems because of the previous injury?
- Have you ever had knee surgery?
- What activities, related to sports, work, or your lifestyle, make your symptoms better or worse?
- Do you think that activities related to your job or hobbies caused your symptoms?
- What home treatment measures have you tried? Did they help?
- What nonprescription medicines have you taken? Did they help?