Have you ever wished you were born without knees? While those long, shapely legs are attractive, they are useless without knees. Knees are weight-bearing joints that connect the thigh to the leg.

The purpose of the knees is to allow the legs to move by flexing (bending) and extending (straightening) in order to do daily functions such as walking, sitting, standing, jogging, and even kicking. However, the number of problems related with knee conditions is increasing in today’s active culture and fast-paced lifestyle. 

Ligaments and cartilages may rupture as a result of acute knee injuries and trauma, resulting in knee soreness. Overuse of the knees, whether habitual or chronic, can result in inflammation, swelling and discomfort.

Knee pain is no longer a rare musculoskeletal disease; it has become a reasonably common reason for patients to seek medical attention. While knee discomfort may appear to be a minor inconvenience to some, it can result in significant misery and incapacity, especially if the damage is serious.

While injuries are the most prevalent cause of knee pain, medical conditions such as arthritis, gout, infections, and chondromalacia can also cause discomfort in the knee.

Acute knee pain is characterized as severe pain that arises suddenly as a result of an injury or infection. The following are a few of the more common knee injuries, along with their associated indications and symptoms:

Ligament Injuries: Ligament injuries can occur in a variety of ways. When the tough bands of tissue connecting the thighbone (femur) and lower leg bones (tibia and fibula) are torn as a result of a fall or contact trauma, the injured area will almost certainly experience instant pain.

There is a possibility of mild to severe discomfort. The discomfort is intensified when you walk or bend your knee. 

Injuries to the Tendons

Tendon Injuries (strong – – – – – – – – – Tendons are connective tissue strands that go between muscles and bones. Tendinitis is an inflammatory condition in which one or more tendons become inflamed and irritated.

It can affect one or both knees. In the front knee and below the knee cap, swelling and pain occur. When the tendons are totally ruptured, the knee cannot be straightened. 

Meniscus injuries/strong> Tears in the C-shaped cartilage that curves within the knee joint are indicative of this condition. It may restrict knee movement and cause the knee joint to lock, preventing you from fully extending your knee.

If this occurs, the knee must be surgically repaired.

 Vacant Body It occurs when a fragment of bone or cartilage breaks off and floats in the joint space as a result of an accident or bone or cartilage degeneration. This may not be problematic unless the loose body obstructs knee joint movement, in which case the effect is analogous to a pencil trapped in a door hinge, resulting in pain and a locked joint. 

Dislocated Kneecap/strong> It happens when the triangular bone covering the front of the knee (patella) slips out of position, typically to the outside. Your kneecap swings side to side, which indicates a dislocation.

You’re experiencing swelling and pain in the affected area, and you’re having difficulty walking or straightening your knee. Once a kneecap has been dislocated, the likelihood of it occurring again increases. 

Osgood-Schlatter Disease – Affects adolescents and preteens who like active sports. This overuse injury results in pain, swelling, and soreness at the bony prominence (tibial tuberosity) directly beneath the kneecap. It more frequently affects one knee, but can affect both.

Hyperextension of the Knee/strong> – is a condition in which the knee bends inward upon extension beyond its normal straightened position. When you attempt to extend your knee, you may feel slight discomfort and swelling.

On the other side, a hyperextended knee might result in a partial or complete ligament tear. 

Septic Arthritis) – is an infection that develops in the knee joint, causing swelling, pain, and redness. Fever is usually associated with septic arthritis.

Chronic knee pain may be the result of an injury. Pain that persists for an extended period of time is frequently caused by a medical condition such as: 

Rheumatoid Illness (RA) is an inflammatory arthritis that mostly affects the joints. This is the most severe type of arthritis, affecting practically every joint in the body, including the knees.

Apart from pain and swelling, you may have soreness and stiffness in the morning or during periods of inactivity. It may result in a loss of knee mobility and eventual joint abnormalities. 

Osteoarthritis – Degenerative arthritis, the most common type of arthritis, is sometimes referred to as rheumatoid arthritis. It is a condition caused by wear and tear on the cartilage in your knee as a result of use and aging.

It typically manifests gradually and causes varying degrees of discomfort and swelling when standing or walking, particularly prior to a change in the weather. Additionally, it can result in stiffness in the knee joints, particularly in the morning and after physical activity, as well as a loss of flexibility. 

Gout It is a form of arthritis that causes redness, swelling, and intense pain in the knee, typically at night. Typically, the pain lasts five to ten days before subsiding. The tightness subsides after one to two weeks, leaving your knee joints appearing normal and pain-free. 

A few minor occurrences of knee soreness respond well to self-care measures. Severe injuries, such as a ruptured ligament or tendon, may require surgery. 

Additionally, while not all knee conditions are preventable, certain steps can be done to minimize the risk of injury or disease. Dislocations and other injuries can be significantly decreased with appropriate therapy and strengthening of the muscles that control your kneecaps.-rw