Your knees are one of the most important joints in your body. Unfortunately, they can also be susceptible to issues and injuries. As a result, most of us will have a knee problem at some point in our lives. Some of the most common include sports injuries, arthritis and fractures. We look at these problems and the treatment options available.
Runner’s Knee
Runner’s knee isn’t a knee condition in itself but a collective term for several problems that cause pain in the kneecap. It gets its name because it commonly affects runners but can impact anyone.
Runner’s knee is caused by repeated stress to the knee joint from running, walking, cycling or playing football, leading to a dull pain behind the kneecap, swelling and stiffness. However, a trauma, such as an injury or fall, can also cause runner’s knee.
The best way to treat runner’s knee is to rest the joint, apply ice and take anti-inflammatory medication to reduce the swelling. A physiotherapist can also develop a tailored programme of rehabilitative exercises to rebuild strength in the knee. While surgery is always a last resort, it may be recommended if your cartilage is damaged or your kneecap is out of alignment.
Jumper’s Knee
Jumper’s knee — also known as tendonitis — is a common knee problem that often affects athletes. It gets its name because it usually impacts those who engage in sports involving jumping, such as basketball, volleyball and long jumping.
It typically happens over time from repetitive force, which causes micro tears in the kneecap. The most common symptom is pain and tenderness — especially at the bottom of the kneecap — and aching after exercise.
You can treat jumper’s knee with rest, ice, compression and elevation (RICE). However, it’s vital not to begin intense exercise even if you feel better, as continued damage can lead to a chronic condition. More severe cases may require physiotherapy, stretching and strengthening exercises, or surgery. When surgery is needed, jumper’s knee can usually be treated with keyhole surgery, which involves removing the abnormal tissue.
Jumper’s knee is a common injury, but with the proper treatment, it does not have to end your athletic career.
Arthritis
This is a common condition that affects the joints. There are many different types of arthritis, but the most common is osteoarthritis. This degenerative form of arthritis is caused by the tissues around the joint wearing away over time. You cannot cure arthritis — it can only be managed — so treatment typically involves medication and physiotherapy. If your arthritis worsens and begins to impact your life, surgery may be recommended to replace the affected joint.
Knee Fracture
A knee fracture happens when you break one or more bones in the knee. This can occur from a sudden trip, fall, or more serious accident. The most common sign is severe pain, swelling, and difficulty moving the knee. If your knee is fractured, you likely won’t be able to put any weight on it, affecting your ability to walk.
You should get your knee fracture treated at accident and emergency, where your knee will be assessed and X-rayed before a treatment plan can be implemented. Depending on the severity of your injury, this may include painkillers and a splint or cast to protect your knee while the bone heals.
In some cases, you may require surgery to realign the bones and pin them in place to ensure your bones heal correctly.
Knee Hyperextension
Knee hyperextension is an injury that occurs when the knee joint is extended beyond its normal range of motion. This puts pressure on the joint, causing moderate to severe pain, bruising, swelling and limited range of motion.
Knee hyperextension can happen to anyone, but it’s especially prevalent among athletes who play contact sports. During contact, the knee joint can bend the wrong way, causing hyperextension.
Like most knee injuries, knee hyperextension is often treated with rest so the inflammation goes down and the joint heals. However, surgery may be needed if a major ligament is torn, and a new ligament will be created with a graft.
Knee problems like those we’ve covered above can cause severe pain, but they can be treated — often without surgery. If you’re experiencing pain and discomfort in your knees, it’s vital to seek medical attention. Whether you head to your local GP or go private, such as to a private hospital in London — a doctor will be able to diagnose your condition and develop a treatment plan that is right for you.
