Understanding the Anatomy of Knee Joint Pain
What Causes It and How to Treat It

knee joint pain treatment

The knee joint is a remarkable weight-bearing joint, capable of supporting the body’s weight while performing a variety of movements. Despite its incredible strength and flexibility, however, the knee joint is susceptible to injury and degenerative wear and tear over time.

No doubt, Knee joint pain can be a frustrating and debilitating experience that can greatly impact your quality of life. So, we will look into the anatomy of the knee while it’s in pain and gain a deeper understanding of its causes. and appropriate knee joint pain treatment.

Understanding the anatomy of the knee during pain

The knee joint is a complex structure connecting the thigh bone to the shin bone. It also includes the kneecap (patella), which moves within a groove on the end of the thigh bone. 

Knee pain is felt when the components of knee joints, such as cartilage, bone, meniscus, ligament, tendon, or surrounding muscles, are hurt due to knee injury, overuse, or knee conditions such as 

  1. Osteoarthritis: A degenerative condition that affects the knee joint cartilage, leading to pain and stiffness.
  2. Knee injuries: These can range from stress and sprains due to more serious injuries such as ligament tears or fractures.
  3. Patellar tendinitis: It is also known as jumper’s knee; this condition is characterised by pain and inflammation in the patellar tendon that connects your kneecap to your shinbone.
  4. Bursitis: Bursae are small fluid-filled sacs that protect and cushion the outside of your knee joint. The inflammation of the bursae is bursitis.
  5. Gout: is a type of arthritis that occurs due to uric acid crystals buildup in the knee joint, which can cause sudden and severe pain in the knee.

Typically knee joint pain symptoms include swelling, stiffness, and limited motion in the knee joint. Pain may also be present during physical activity or even while resting.

Understanding the specific location and cause of the pain is crucial in determining the appropriate knee pain treatment plan.

 

Diagnosis of knee joint pain

To diagnose knee joint pain, Dr El Toukhy will conduct a physical examination to check the common signs of swelling, soreness, tenderness, warmth, and bruises in the knee joint. 

He will also examine knee joint motions to check the structural integrity of the knee joint.

Additionally, you may be recommended imaging tests such as X-rays, CT scans, ultrasonic imaging, or MRI to detect bone fractures, abnormalities, or soft tissue injuries. 

Note: Proper diagnosis is essential to determine the root cause of the knee joint pain and to develop an effective treatment plan.

 

Knee joint pain treatment: A great relief to the patient

There are various knee pain treatment options. But your treatment will depend on the underlying causes. The following knee joint pain treatments are prescribed. 

Medications such as pain relievers and drugs to treat underlying conditions like rheumatoid arthritis or gout may also be prescribed.

Strengthening the muscles around the knee through physical therapy or other strengthening activities can increase its stability. 

Intra-articular knee injections of hyaluronic acid (HA) and platelet-rich plasma (PRP) are minimally invasive therapies that have been shown to reduce knee pain. Genicular nerve blocks involve injecting a local anesthetic and steroid medication into the nerves that supply the knee joint, providing temporary relief from knee pain. 

 

knee joint pain treatment

 

Radiofrequency ablation (RFA) and cryoablation are minimally invasive procedures used to alleviate knee pain caused by certain conditions such as osteoarthritis and chronic knee pain. RFA involves using a specialized needle to apply heat generated by radio waves to specific nerves in the knee, while cryoablation uses extremely cold temperatures to destroy nerve tissue in the knee joint. Both procedures are generally considered safe and effective, with low risks of complications.

Most knee pain subsides with appropriate pain management. Hence it is advised to seek knee pain treatment at the earliest to defer surgery or stringent treatment approaches. 

 

Book an appointment with Dr El Toukhy, a highly revered pain management specialist, and live a zealous and active life without knee pain.