Table of contents:
- Definition
- What is a sore knee?
- How common is this condition?
- Signs & symptoms
- What are the signs and symptoms of knee pain?
- When should I see a doctor?
- Cause
- What causes knee pain?
- Risk factors
- What puts me at risk for knee pain?
- Medicines & Medicines
- What are the treatment options for sore knees?
- What are the usual tests for knee pain?
- Home remedies
- What are some lifestyle changes or home remedies that can help treat sore knees?
- Don't rest too much
- Get some exercise
- Don't do activities that risk causing you to fall
- Use the right shoes
Definition
What is a sore knee?
Knee pain is pain that occurs on the front of the knee, which is located under the kneecap or within the knee joint itself. This pain can come from any of the bone structures of the knee such as the knee joint, kneecap, or ligaments and cartilage.
Pain in the knee is a condition whose diagnosis is difficult to confirm. Some people with sore knees experience only mild symptoms, but others can experience excruciating pain.
The exact location of the pain you are feeling is very important because it can pinpoint the main possible cause of your knee pain.
How common is this condition?
Knee pain is very common and usually goes away on its own after the activity causing it is found and stopped.
Knee pain can be experienced by people of any age, although it is more common in the elderly.
This can be overcome by reducing your risk factors. Please discuss with your doctor for more information.
Signs & symptoms
What are the signs and symptoms of knee pain?
The location of the pain itself is very important because it can pinpoint the cause.
Pain, swelling, and crepitus (a “clicking” sound when the knee is moved) are some of the symptoms of knee pain
. Sometimes, the knee can lock (immovable). In that case, a piece of torn cartilage becomes trapped in the joint and stops the knee's ability to bend and straighten.
Some of the signs and symptoms of knee pain may not be listed above. If you have a complaint about a symptom, please consult your doctor.
When should I see a doctor?
You should contact your doctor if you experience any of the following:
- You've been on medication but still have symptoms.
- If you are doing physical therapy or rehabilitation but your symptoms are getting worse.
- If you experience side effects of drugs
- Your knee looks deformed
- You have a fever, redness, or burning sensation around the knee, or swelling in the knee
- You experience pain, swelling, numbness, or tingling in the calf of the affected knee
- There is locking of your knee or crepitus (you can hear a “click” when the knee is moved) followed by pain (painless crepitus is not a problem)
If you experience any of the signs or symptoms listed above or still have questions, please consult your doctor. Everyone's body has a different way of functioning. It is always best to discuss with your doctor the best course of action for your condition.
Cause
What causes knee pain?
There are many causes of knee pain, including sprained or torn ligaments, torn cartilage, and arthritis of the kneecap or in the entire knee joint. Common causes include:
- Sprains or strains
- Pain in the front knee (pain around the kneecap)
- Injury to the meniscus (knee pad) or to cartilage
- Osteoarthritis
- Tendinitis
- Bursitis (Housemaid's Knee / maid's knee)
- Bleeding in the joint
- Osgood-Schlatter disease
- Gout
- Septic Arthritis (infection of the knee joint)
Risk factors
What puts me at risk for knee pain?
There are many risk factors for knee pain, namely:
- Overweight.
- Biomechanical problems.
- Lack of flexibility or muscle strength.
- Certain sports.
- Previous injuries.
Medicines & Medicines
The information provided is not a substitute for medical advice. ALWAYS consult your doctor.
What are the treatment options for sore knees?
To treat sore knees, the most important thing that needs to be done is to find the cause. Many people who do sports with a sideways movement have symptoms of knee pain.
However, after these activities are stopped for approximately 2-6 weeks, the symptoms of knee pain will gradually disappear.
Over-the-counter non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such as ibuprofen or naproxen, can help treat inflammation (swelling or redness) and pain. These medicines can cause stomach problems and are recommended to be taken after meals.
People who suffer from stomach ulcers or stomach ulcers are advised to check with a doctor before using these drugs.
Knee cap pain can usually be treated with physical therapy to strengthen the quadriceps (quadriceps) muscles, stretch the hamstrings (hamstrings), and calf muscles (lower legs).
A sprained ligament often heals on its own with time and adequate rest. Torn ligaments around the knee sometimes require immobilization and are followed by active physical therapy.
If the pain in the knee does not decrease or gets worse with treatment, a surgeon may recommend an operation (arthroscopy) to repair the damage.
After the symptoms have been successfully relieved, previous activities can be carried out slowly as usual, starting with activities such as walking or cycling.
What are the usual tests for knee pain?
The doctor will make a diagnosis based on a medical history and physical examination. X-rays of the knee and sometimes blood tests will be done.
If there is fluid in the knee (knee effusion), the doctor will insert a sterile needle to suck out the fluid. The fluid will then be sent to a laboratory for study.
Home remedies
What are some lifestyle changes or home remedies that can help treat sore knees?
Quoted from Web MD, lifestyle and home remedies below may help you to deal with knee pain:
Don't rest too much
Too much rest can weaken your muscles, which can actually cause sore muscles. Find an exercise program that is safe for your knees and be consistent in doing it.
If necessary, consult your doctor first.
Get some exercise
Cardio exercises can strengthen the muscles that support your knees and can increase your flexibility. Some sports options to avoid this condition are walking, swimming, or water aerobics.
Don't do activities that risk causing you to fall
A sore or unstable knee can increase the likelihood of falling. This will cause more damage to the knee and of course cause pain.
Minimize the risk of falls by making sure your house lights are well lit, using handrails on stairs, and using sturdy ladders.
Use the right shoes
Soft soles can reduce pressure on your knees. For knee osteoarthritis, doctors often recommend special insoles that you can tuck into your shoes.
If you have any questions, consult your doctor for the best solution to your problem.