This results in less activity, weight gain and a higher risk of medical issues such as hypertension, diabetes, depression and metabolic syndrome. The goal of treatment is to reduce pain and improve function so patients can maintain an active lifestyle, thereby reducing the risk of illness.
If all else fails in the stepwise approach to knee arthritis, and if knee pain, combined with a loss of joint motion, is causing a reduction in activity, knee replacement offers the next step in treatment for thousands of patients each year. The decision on when to proceed with a knee replacement is complicated and depends on a number of factors including general health, age and the ability to undergo the difficult rehabilitation process that follows a knee replacement.
This decision is best made between a patient, family and medical team. For the right patient, knee replacement therapy offers a definitive cure for painful and limiting arthritis. Here are two common injuries that befall knees.
Often an athlete is running or skiing, twists quickly and feels a pop in a knee. This is often associated with a tear of the anterior cruciate ligament A.
The A. Although this injury is serious, an A. The best advice for diagnosis is to remember that a popping sensation in the knee, caused by a twisting movement and followed by swelling or a feeling of instability, needs to be seen by a physician to determine if a more serious injury such as an A. For most athletes under the age of 40, A. Each patient is different and the decision to proceed with A. For those patients who elect to pursue a surgical option, there is generally a high level of patient satisfaction.
There is evidence that certain A. The key here is not to rush into any decision and take the proper time to discuss treatment options. The decision of whether to proceed with A. The two plates of cartilage between the femur and tibia, known as the medial and lateral meniscus, provide cushion and support for knees of all ages.
The menisci heal poorly when torn. However, with advances in M. The only caveat is to make sure that nonsurgical options have been properly discussed because the removal of cartilage from inside the knee joint is an irreversible procedure. As medical technology has evolved, arthroscopic knee surgery has become increasingly common. According to the most recent data available, the rate of arthroscopic procedures on the knee rose about 50 percent between and alone.
As arthroscopic techniques have become popularized, studies have been done to assess whether these surgeries offer an improvement to nonoperative care. The researchers concluded that most meniscus tears in arthritic knees did not require surgery. In younger patients, meniscus surgery can offer life changing help. There is not a one-size-fits-all formula for each situation and every knee.
Evolving technology has allowed doctors to better assess knee anatomy and make better treatment decisions. X-ray: Radiographs X-rays are an important diagnostic tool for bone injuries such as fractures, and also to assess the presence of arthritis. The benefit of X-rays of the knee is that they can be taken in a standing position,which offers clues to the ability of the knee to withstand force while standing and walking.
Arthroscopic Surgery: In the s, arthroscopic techniques allowed physicians to look inside the body using a small camera. Over time, arthroscopic techniques have allowed physicians to perform less invasive surgeries inside the knee. The decision to proceed with knee surgery is serious. This includes a less invasive arthroscopic procedure all the way to knee replacement.
Deciding to proceed with knee surgery should always be made with a solid base of information combining information about the specific patient, their lifestyle, limitations, a physical examination and the findings on their imaging.
Your knees are precious assets. No matter your age, pay attention to your knees and treat them respectfully so they can work for you for years to come.
Jordan D. Metzl, M. He is the author of five books, including "Dr. This is especially likely if you already have existing knee conditions. But if you sit in this position frequently, it may cause some health problems. Your hip flexors front of hips and quadriceps muscles front of thighs stabilize your knee joint.
They also work to extend your leg. However, if these muscles are too tight, your leg can overextend. As a result, you may have knee pain and discomfort. Patellofemoral syndrome is when you have pain in the patella or kneecap. It may be caused by:. These conditions cause pain by irritating the tendons and ligaments attached to your kneecap, as well as the cartilage underneath. Sitting with your legs folded under can cause even more irritation. Osteoarthritis , or chronic joint inflammation, is another cause of knee pain.
These symptoms can affect any joint, but they often affect the knees. You may also experience knee symptoms if you have osteoarthritis in the ankles. A bursa is a fluid-filled sac that acts as a cushion between tissues. There are more than bursae in your body, including several in your knee. This causes:. Often, knee bursitis is due to frequent kneeling on hard surfaces. This adds friction on the bursa, resulting in inflammation and pain. Ligaments are tough and fibrous tissues; they act like strong ropes to connect bones to other bones, preventing too much motion and promoting stability.
The knee has four:. These tough bands of soft tissue provide stability to the joint. They are similar to ligaments, but instead of linking bone to bone, they connect bone to muscle. The largest tendon in the knee is the patellar tendon, which covers the kneecap, runs up the thigh, and attaches to the quadriceps.
Although they are not technically part of the knee joint, the hamstrings and quadriceps are the muscles that strengthen the leg and help flex the knee. The quadriceps are four muscles that straighten the knee. The hamstrings are three muscles at the back of the thigh that bend the knee. The gluteal muscles — gluteus medius and minimus — also known as the glutes are in the buttocks; these are also important in positioning the knee. The joint capsule is a membrane bag that surrounds the knee joint.
It is filled with a liquid called synovial fluid, which lubricates and nourishes the joint. There are approximately 14 of these small fluid-filled sacs within the knee joint.
They reduce friction between the tissues of the knee and prevent inflammation. Knees are most often injured during sports activities, exercising, or as a result of a fall. Pain and swelling, difficulty with weight bearing, and instability are the most common symptoms experienced with a knee injury. Sprains and strains are injuries to the ligaments. These injuries usually happen in sports such as soccer, football, and basketball where the knee might experience a sudden twisting motion, a rapid change in direction, or an incorrect landing from a jump.
Often a pop or snap is heard followed by swelling. Symptoms also include tenderness along the joint line and pain with walking. Besides targeted exercises, there are other things you can do to prevent having to have knee surgery:. You need to have X-rays and an imaging test called an MRI to determine if your knee bones or soft tissues are damaged. You may have to have a blood test to rule out other causes for pain. Learn about the different orthopedic knee and leg care services as well as the joint replacement options we offer at Mercy Health.
Sign up to receive regularly scheduled updates from us packed with healthy news, tips, research, recipes, and more — right to your inbox! Why do knees deteriorate? Your knees usually begin to deteriorate because of: Your age: The most common types of arthritis to cause knee deterioration and pain in aged knees include osteoarthritis worn out cartilage , rheumatoid arthritis autoimmune disease , gout acid buildup in joints and septic arthritis infected knee joint.
An injury: Overuse and unexpected twists from sports and activities cause deterioration. These injuries include ACL tears, fractures, torn meniscus, bursitis and tendinitis. A malfunction: Genetics and age can cause parts of your knee to function poorly. Your kneecap could slip out of place. A piece of bone or cartilage can break off and float in the joint space. Tissue around your hip or knee can tighten and rub against bone, resulting in pain. Signs and symptoms of knee problems Knee pain can affect your daily life.
These are signs and symptoms of knee problems that may need attention: Mild stiffness Minor swelling Popping sensation Temporary weakness Inability to fully straighten These issues might worsen by themselves through home treatment such as rest, icing and exercise.
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