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Know Your Pain: Knee Pain – Symptoms, Causes and Treatments
By Alpro Pharmacy
August 15, 2022
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Aduh! Why Does My Knee Hurt So Much?
The knee is the largest and most complex joint in the body. It is coordinated with a number of surrounding structures, including bones, ligaments, tendons and cartilage to perform its functions. The knee joint carries the full weight of the body which makes it particularly vulnerable to damage and pain. Knee pain is a common musculoskeletal complaint that affects people of all ages with an estimated 4 million primary care visits annually and has a deleterious effect on daily function and quality of life. Depending on the causes, knee pain can either be acute or chronic.
Knee Pain
Signs & Symptoms
The severity and location of knee pain may vary, depending on the root cause. Signs and symptoms that appear alongside knee pain include:
- Swelling, redness or warmth to the touch
- A feeling of stiffness, locking or grinding in the knee
- Weakness or instability
- Popping or crackling sounds
- Inability to fully straighten or bend the knee
- Frequent muscle cramps around the knee
- Painful or restricted movement
Why Do We Experience Knee Pain?
There are many conditions that can lead to knee pain. It can be a result of the aging process and continual wear and tear on the knee joints. Besides, knee injury or a sudden movement that strains the knee may contribute to knee pain as well. Certain factors such as being overweight, old age, having weak or tight leg muscles, doing certain sports and having an old injury may increase the risk of knee pain. Some of the common causes include:
Arthritis. Example osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis or gout.
Sprains and strains. Injuries to the ligaments or muscles caused by a sudden twisting motion or a direct blow to the knee.
Tendonitis. Inflammation of tendon which is usually caused by overworking or overstretching a tendon from repetitive activities such as playing sports.
Runner’s knee. Pain in and around the kneecap which usually occurs after running.
Kneecap dislocation. Injuries may cause the kneecap to move or slide out of place, leading to swelling and pain in the knee joint.
How Do We Get Tested?
In addition to a comprehensive medical history and physical examination, other tests may be required to confirm a diagnosis and determine the best treatments. These tests include:
- X-ray
- Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)
- Computed tomography (CT) scan
- Ultrasound
- Bone scan
- Blood tests
Treatment
Knee pain treatment may differ depending on the underlying causes and severity of the knee pain. It may include a combination of treatment options to achieve pain relief and, if possible, cure the underlying problem.
a) Medication. This includes over-the-counter medicines such as paracetamol and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). NSAIDs are useful to provide immediate relief and reduce inflammation when necessary, and the suitable types of NSAIDs will depend on the other existing health conditions. Always consult a doctor or pharmacist before taking any medications.
b) Physiotherapy. Perform knee pain exercises to strengthen muscles around the knee, increase range of motion and improve balance.
c) Complementary Therapy. Example anti-inflammatory supplements, massage, acupuncture, yoga, Tai Chi, or transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS)
d) Self-care measures. Use P.R.I.C.E method to reduce swelling, prevent further injuries and speed up healing
Photo from: https://www.icewraps.com/blogs/news/the-4-most-common-knee-injuries
e) Knee Support. There are numerous types of knee support in the market which come with different functions. Choosing the right type and size of knee support is important to help with different knee conditions.
f) Doctors may suggest knee surgery such as total knee replacement or partial knee replacement for those who have not responded to non-surgical treatment.
If knee pain persists for more than 1 week, you should visit your healthcare provider. An early diagnosis and the right treatment can prevent more serious or permanent damage to the knee joint and its surrounding structures.
Tips For Prevention
Should I continue to walk if I have knee pain? Yes, you should continue to walk under proper protection.
- Do not reduce your daily activity as this will weaken your leg muscles and lead to increased chances of injury.
- Exercise regularly to strengthen leg muscles and maintain stability in knees. Always increase the intensity of exercise slowly. May always check with the physiotherapist if you are unsure of your suitable exercise types and level.
- Wear knee support especially during exercises to provide protection and prevent injury.
- Do warm-up and cool-down stretches before and after exercise
- Opt for low impact exercises like swimming and cycling that strengthen muscles without putting stress on knee
- Maintain a healthy weight
- Wear sensible shoes with a good fit to maintain balance and proper leg alignment
Dealing with Knee Pain?
Come to Alpro Pharmacy or Consult Now!
We have PainWISE Accreditated Pharmacists who can help you to understand your pain, empower YOU in managing pain and achieve a Pain-FREE life!
Managing pain well involves multidisciplinary care, it is not only about medication.
References
- Harvard Health. (2022). Oh, my aching knees. [Photograph]. https://www.health.harvard.edu/pain/oh-my-aching-knees
- Bunt, C. W. (2018). Knee Pain in Adults and Adolescents: The Initial Evaluation. Am Fam Physician. https://www.aafp.org/pubs/afp/issues/2018/1101/p576.html
- Mayo Clinic. (2021). Knee Pain. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/knee-pain/symptoms-causes/syc-20350849
- Arthritis Foundation. (2017). Tai Chi for Knee Osteoarthritis. [Photograph]. http://blog.arthritis.org/osteoarthritis/tai-chi-for-knee-osteoarthritis/
- Vaughn Chiropractic. Can a chiropractor provide drug-free pain management? [Photograph]. https://www.vaughnchiropractic.net/estim-solutions
- Therapylogic Physio-Active Clinic. Physiotherapy treatments. [Photograph]. https://www.therapylogic.co.uk/7. IceWraps. (2021). The 4 most common knee injuries. [Photograph]. https://www.icewraps.com/blogs/news/the-4-most-common-knee-injuries
