Knee pain is common among people of different ages. Often, pain is accompanied with swelling, weakness/instability, redness, crunching noises among other symptoms.
Conditions that cause knee pain include:
1. Arthritis
This is an inflammation of the knee joints that causes stiffness and pain. Osteoarthritis is the most common type of arthritis. It is a wear-and-tear condition that affects the cartilage in the joints as individuals get older. It can also occur sue to excessive weight which causes stress on the joints.
Another form of arthritis is rheumatoid arthritis which is an autoimmune condition that also affects younger persons. Other types are gout and septic arthritis among others.
2. Tendonitis
Overuse of a tendon in the knees can cause inflammation. Sports activities such as jumping, running, cycling or swimming are common causes of strain on the tendons.
3. Knee injuries
These include strains, sprains or tears. Sports players are more likely to experience knee injuries, which causes inflammation and pain.
Management of knee pain can involve home-care remedies such as wearing knee braces to support or protect the joints and exercises to strengthen the muscles. In more severe cases, medications, injections or surgery is recommended.
It is vital to seek medical attention where in the case where:
- You cannot bear weight on your knee.
- You are unable to flex or straighten the knee out
- The knee is deformed or misshapen
- The pain is severe, and if it goes beyond 3 days after home treatment
- You experience knee clicks or locks.
- You have a fever, redness or warmth around the knee, bluish discoloration or a lot of swelling.
- You still have pain after 3 days of home treatment.