The main function of a knee joint is to bend, straighten, and bear the weight of the body with the help of the ankles and hips. The knee acts and works more than just a simple hinged joint because it can also twist and rotate. To support the entire body while doing all of these actions, the knee relies on a number of structures including bones, ligaments, tendons, and cartilage. However, the function of the knee comes to a screeching halt when there is pain in the knee.
Approximately 18 million patients visit a doctor or hospital each year due to knee pain. It is a very common condition. Knee pain can be caused by a variety of reasons. Some of the most common reasons for knee pain are health conditions and injuries. Here are some of them:
Osteoarthritis
Osteoarthritis is the most common form of arthritis that affects people worldwide. It develops gradually and progresses with age. Osteoarthritis causes the protective cartilage of your knee, which serves as a cushion to your joints, to wear down over time. Although the damage in the cartilage is irreversible, pain symptoms can often be managed with physical therapy, weight management, lifestyle changes, and medication. In some cases, joint replacement surgery is necessary for long-term relief.
Rheumatoid Arthritis
Rheumatoid arthritis is a long-term, progressive, and debilitating autoimmune disease. It is a chronic inflammatory ailment that can affect more than just the joints. In some instances, the condition can damage body systems like skin, heart, eyes, and blood vessels. Unlike osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis affects the lining of your joints which causes painful swelling that can result in bone erosion and joint deformity. Like osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis symptoms can be managed with a help of a good orthopedic physician who can provide treatment options best suited for your symptoms.
Gout
Gout is a form of inflammatory arthritis that develops among patients who have high levels of uric acid. It causes severe and sudden pain, swelling, warmth, and tenderness in joints. The large toe is often the most affected. Gout usually results from an excessive amount of uric acid in the body that results in abnormal deposits of uric acid crystals in soft tissue and joints.
Bursitis
Bursitis is a painful condition that affects the joints. There are over 150 bursae in the body, and they cushion and lubricate points between muscles, tendons, and bones near the joints. Overuse injuries, sudden injuries, and infections from gout or rheumatoid arthritis may cause bursitis.
Overuse injuries
Another common cause for knee pain are overuse injuries. When the knee is moved in repetitive movements over and over again, the knee joint can get damaged. This type of injury develops over time and will continue to get worse. Overuse injuries are most common among athletes and individuals with jobs that require them to use their knees a lot. An example of an overuse knee injury is patellar tendonitis (Jumper’s knee).
Knee Pain Treatment in Austin, Texas
The experts at All-Star Orthopedics of Austin diagnose and treat all types of orthopedic conditions and injuries, including many that cause knee pain. If you are experiencing knee pain and want to find relief, we would love to help. Make an appointment today by calling (512) 346-4933 today or request an appointment online. We look forward to serving you!
