Common knee problems encompass a variety of conditions affecting the ligaments, cartilage, tendons, and bones surrounding the knee joint. These issues can cause pain, swelling, stiffness, and instability, significantly impacting mobility and quality of life.
Common Knee Problems
Based on the provided reference, here's a breakdown of the common knee problems:
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Sprained or Strained Ligaments: Ligaments are strong bands of tissue that connect bones. A sprain occurs when these ligaments are stretched or torn, often due to sudden twisting or impact. Strains, on the other hand, involve stretching or tearing of muscles or tendons.
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Cartilage Tears: Cartilage acts as a cushion between the bones in your knee. Tears, particularly of the meniscus, can occur due to twisting injuries or age-related wear and tear.
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Tendonitis: Tendons connect muscles to bones. Tendonitis is inflammation or irritation of these tendons, often caused by overuse or repetitive movements. Patellar tendonitis (jumper's knee) is a common example.
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Arthritis: Arthritis is a degenerative joint disease that causes pain, inflammation, and stiffness. Osteoarthritis, the most common type, involves the breakdown of cartilage in the knee.
Diagnosing Knee Problems
Diagnosing a knee injury or problem typically involves:
- Medical Examination: A doctor will physically examine the knee to assess its range of motion, stability, and pain points.
- Diagnostic Procedures: To further evaluate the injury, one or more diagnostic procedures may be used, including:
- X-ray: To visualize bones and detect fractures or signs of arthritis.
- MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging): To create detailed images of soft tissues like ligaments, tendons, and cartilage.
- CT Scan (Computed Tomography): To provide cross-sectional images of the knee, useful for detecting bone problems.
- Arthroscopy: A minimally invasive procedure where a small camera is inserted into the knee joint to visualize the inside structures.
