The Knee Joint 

It is one of the joints that withstands the toils of daily walking, running, standing or sitting. According to the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, knee injury, (fracture, dislocation, sprain or ligament tear), is one of the most common reasons people see their doctors. The knee contains 4 main parts/elements: bones (thighbone, shinbone, and kneecap/patella), cartilage (articular and meniscal), ligaments (collateral and cruciate), and tendons. All components protect and help the knee perform the normal movement as needed. Although they are vulnerable to injury through repetitive exercise, daily movements, falls or unique characteristics of the individual body such as tightness or flexibility in the surrounding larger muscles. So, you should pay attention if you notice:

• Stiffness in the knee

• Chronic swelling 

• Stiffness in the knee in reaction to the time of day or activity level which signals osteoarthritis.

• Constant ache

• Sharp, shooting pain when in use during the day

• Dull burning discomfort

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Knee Meniscus Injuries

They can be traumatic or degenerative. A traumatic injury can be caused by a high impact activity, such as being tackled, sudden twisting or bending, and more. A degenerative injury happens when the meniscus gradually thins, then is torn by a relatively small force. Normally, you will often hear a “pop” when you tear your meniscus. You will experience swelling and stiffness. You may initially be able to bear weight on it. Your knee may also lock or give-way, both of which are common. For a large tear, surgery is often needed. If surgery isn’t necessary, you can go through physical therapy.

 

Knee Ligament Injuries

It happens when the ligaments are sprained or torn when exposed to trauma or excessive twisting/stretching. When you injure your knee ligament, you may experience immediate pain and swelling, as well as possibly not being able to bear weight or move normally. Recovery and treatment depends on the severity of the injury. If you have a grade 1 or 2 tear, surgery isn’t necessary, and you can achieve full recovery through personal therapy. If you have a grade 3 tear, you will likely need knee surgery.

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Patella Femoral Syndrome

Pain area around or under the kneecap, normally, caused by poor tracking of the kneecap on the femur. Sometimes you can feel grinding or popping sensation.

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Knee osteoarthritis

It is caused by prior trauma, surgery, or gradual wear and tear. It is common to experience stiffness, a deep ache, weakness in the muscle, and the inability to do some activities such as squatting, climbing stairs, standing for long periods of time, and more. Only in the most severe conditions, is needer complete knee replacement surgery.

Iliotibial Band Syndrome (ITBS): is one of the most common injury of runners, which occurs when the iliotibial band rubs against the outside of the knee joint, causing friction, pain, and inflammation. Some symptoms of ITB are a tight, inflamed, stiff, or achy feeling from the shin to the hip.