The knee pain It is one of the most common pains that leads patients to visit a trauma specialist. This pain may be the consequence of an injury to the area or a symptom of an infection. Knee pain can have devastating effects on our daily habits, so it is essential to visit a professional for a diagnosis.
Why do knees hurt?
Every year, numerous patients with the same symptoms come to the specialized trauma clinics. Most describe their pathologies as knee pain that extends to the ankle, pain in the knees when bending, or discomfort on the inside of the knee.
It is to be expected that throughout life our knees will suffer one or more injuries. This is because it is these joints that allow you to walk normally, run, jump, swim and carry out normal activities. They even give us the flexibility and stability necessary to maintain an active life. Furthermore, if we add some factors such as being overweight or doing some impact sports, the pressure to which the knees are subjected is even greater. Therefore, it is not surprising that they are a part of the body prone to injuries and other pathologies.
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Request diagnosisAll this makes it one of the most necessary and delicate joints. There are many reasons why we can feel pain in your knees. That is why when we suffer from knee pain it is essential to go to a doctor. knee specialist to give us a medical diagnosis and propose a treatment.
Main injuries and causes of knee pain
The knee joint, although it is the one that suffers the most injuries, is also a delicate and sensitive system. It comprises a double joint that joins three bone structures: the femur, the tibia and the patella. A primary part of this system are also the ligaments and muscles. The most important ligaments are: the anterior and posterior cruciate ligaments, the internal and external lateral ligaments, and the patellar ligament. The muscles that are also essential for its functioning are: the quadriceps, the knee flexors, the knee extensors and the hip muscles.
Now that we have an overview of all the elements involved in the proper functioning of the knee joint, we will be able to better understand the injuries it can suffer and why we feel pain. Below we will see a detail of the main injuries and pathologies that can affect the knee.
Anterior cruciate ligament rupture
This cruciate ligament injury It is common in athletes and is generated when a rupture or tears occur in the ligament.
Posterior horn tear of medial meniscus
It is one of the most common injuries when we talk about the knee. This pathology is the result of a tear or fissure in one of the parts of the meniscus, which normally occurs due to sudden trauma.
Chondromalacia patella
Produced by a excessive pressure on cartilage, which can cause inflammation of the underside of the kneecap and softening of the cartilage. It is frequently reflected in pain in the front of the knee.
Iliotibial band syndrome
Commonly called runner syndrome, this injury is caused by excessive pressure on the iliotibial band causing its inflammation. Among the symptoms we can mention a stinging pain or burning sensation on the outside of the knee.
Gonarthrosis
Known as the knee osteoarthritis, is a chronic, progressive and degenerative disease that results in the loss of cartilage.
Knee joint effusion
Consequence of a excessive buildup of synovial fluid in the knee. Joint effusion in the knee is often accompanied by swelling, stiffness and pain.
Minimally invasive surgery: knee arthroscopy
Any knee pain or injury limits our usual activities. It is essential that the patient make a consultation with a knee specialist who will be in charge of making a diagnosis and explaining the possible treatments. One of the minimally invasive techniques that exist today for some of these pathologies is knee arthroscopy.
What is knee arthroscopy?
The knee arthroscopy It is performed through minimal incisions in the skin, thanks to this procedure, the joint can be visualized in its entirety. With a clearer view of the injury, the trauma specialist will be able to make a more precise diagnosis of the pathology, and in this way, only the small surgical instruments necessary for its treatment will be introduced.
Is it possible to operate on my meniscus with this non-invasive technique?
Yes. There are various injuries that can be treated through this non-invasive surgery and a meniscus tear is one of them. Traumatic meniscopathies, cruciate ligament injuries, injuries to the articular cartilage of the knee and joint chondromalacias, among others, can also be treated using this microsurgery.
If you feel pain or discomfort in a joint and want to start taking care of the health of your joints, request a consultation with a traumatology specialist. Remember that joints are delicate systems that need quality medical care. At Clínica Elgeadi we offer personalized treatment thanks to our great medical team of traumatologists.
