Where Does Your Knee Hurt
Knee pain on the front of the jointcould be patellar arthritis or patellar tendonitis. These conditions tend to hurt when bending the knee, kneeling and/or squatting. Typically the deeper the knee bend the worse it will hurt.
Pain on the lateral or outside of the knee is common in runners.Iliotibial band syndromeis one of the most common knee ailments affecting the lateral aspect of the knee.
The discomfort localized to the medial or inside of the knee could indicate tibiofemoral arthritis or meniscal irritation.
Nagging pain or pressure that is localized to the back of the knee could be a sign that youve damaged your meniscus. It is also possible that you irritated the popliteal muscleand surrounding area.
Malpositioning Of The Implants
Surgeons make an effort to balance the knee at the time of surgery. This means finding the proper size and alignment of the knee replacement so that the knee joint is not too tight, and not too loose, and so this balancing is the same with the knee straight and bent.
This is precisely why a knee replacement is a difficult procedure, and the art of perfecting this takes many years. Errors in the positioning of an implant may not be apparent on the operating table and only become evident when the recovery is stalled.
Newer patient-specific knee replacements are tailor-made and may reduce the risk of malpositioning.
Read Also: How To Stop Limping After Knee Surgery
Recovery Time Following Meniscus Surgery
It is normal to experience some stiffness and soreness following knee surgery, but it should improve over time. If the stiffness or pain is severe, worsens over time, or occurs when you have other symptoms, it is critical to consult a doctor. After surgery, some patients may experience minor soreness, stiffness, and difficulty in their movement for a few weeks. In the majority of cases, those who recover well report excellent results, return to pre-operative activities, and maintain their level of activity within a few weeks. Meniscus surgery, also known as vena cava surgery, can be used to relieve pain and improve the health of the knee. In terms of long-term outcomes, the recovery time and effects of certain surgical procedures differ. If you have any questions or concerns about this medication, you should consult with your doctor.
Also Check: Where Can I Buy Incrediwear Knee Sleeve
What You Can Do
Take over-the-counter NSAID drugs like ibuprofen and naproxen to ease pain and swelling. RICE rest, ice, compression, and elevation can often help, too: Get off your feet. Raise your leg so its higher than your heart. Put a cold pack in a thin cloth or towel on your knee for 10-20 minutes at a time, several times a day. Wrap an elastic bandage around your knee when youre up and about, snug but not tight.
Physical Therapy For Knee Pain Relief
With a combination of treatments, including therapeutic exercises, stability training and manual therapies, the expert therapists at Rehab Access can help you overcome knee injuries to return to a healthy and active lifestyle. We believe in individualized treatment plans that are custom-designed for each patient based on their current state of health and treatment goals.
To learn more and schedule your initial appointment, contact us today.
Also Check: Loose Bodies In The Knee
Common Causes Of Knee Pain
Your knee is a complex joint, and pain can occur as a result of problems in the knee itself, as well as tightness or weakness in the muscles or inflammation in the tendons surrounding it.
Common causes of knee pain include:
- Knee arthritis pain while bearing weight or in motion, as well as stiffness and pain you feel while moving your knee out of a position it’s been in for an extended period of time
- Tendonitis of the quadricep or patella tendon tenderness or tightness either above the kneecap or below it , which may worsen after prolonged sitting, bending, jumping, or squatting
- Anterior knee pain pain around or under your knee cap that can cause stiffness in the knee when sitting, discomfort after prolonged running or hiking, and sensations of popping, grinding or crunching
- Knee injury sudden onset of pain accompanied by some level of damage to the meniscus or ligaments that cushion and stabilize the knee joint, respectively
“Most types of knee pain can typically be self-managed at home through over-the-counter pain relievers and stretching and strengthening exercises that help improve knee mobility and stability,” says Dr. Brooks.
Improving joint mobility involves daily stretching and flexibility-improving exercises. Improving stability entails strengthening the muscles that help support your knee, including your core muscles, gluteal/hip muscles, quadriceps muscles, hamstring muscles, and calf muscles.
Torn Anterior Cruciate Ligament
You hear a pop and can’t move after you suddenly change direction — often while playing soccer, football, or basketball. You may have torn your ACL, which connects the femur and the tibia and prevents the tibia from moving too far forward. Your knee will hurt and swell and feel unstable.
You can tear or strain any of the tissues that hold your knee together: Ligaments connect bones to each other tendons connect muscle to bone. Irritated tendons from using them too much? That’s tendinitis.
Don’t Miss: Bilateral Osteoarthritis Knee Icd 10
Why Does My Knee Feel Tight After Meniscus Surgery
After meniscus surgery, it is common for patients to experience a tightness in their knee. This is due to the fact that the meniscus is a type of shock absorber in the knee, and when it is removed, the knee no longer has this cushioning effect. This can lead to increased stiffness and a feeling of tightness in the knee joint. In most cases, this is a temporary side effect that will improve with time and physical therapy. However, if the tightness is severe or persists for a long period of time, it is important to consult with a doctor to rule out any other potential causes.
Following knee surgery, many people experience knee pain, popping, cracking, or swelling. These symptoms may appear uncomfortable and irritating, but most of the time they go away once the knee has healed completely. Ligaments, which are the type of tissue that connects bones, are the anatomy of the knee bones. Meniscal tears are not always accompanied by symptoms, but when they do, they can cause pain, swelling, stiffness, or locking of the joint, popping, or difficulty straightening the leg out. There are several treatment options for meniscal tears . Meniscal repairs are typically more difficult to complete due to their longer recovery time. Inflammation of the knees structural components could be to blame for the popping knee after surgery.
Are Knee Instability Symptoms Serious
The severity of your knee instability is ultimately dependent on the cause and the impact it has on your activity levels or quality of life.
- Not serious: A mild strain or sprain is a common sports injury and can be healed with rest and physical therapy.
- Moderately serious: Damage to the cartilage can lead to arthritis. The pain and instability of an acute injury may become chronic if not treated right away.
- Serious: A more severe injury, if neglected, can suddenly worsen if you overdo it. For example, a partial tear may become a complete tear.
You May Like: Can I Regrow Cartilage In My Knee
Also Check: Best Exercise For Bad Knees To Lose Weight
How Long Is Swelling After Meniscus Surgery
Management of swelling As a normal part of healing, it is normal to experience swelling. According to the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, people frequently experience moderate to severe swelling in the first few days after surgery and mild to moderate swelling for three to six months after surgery.
Possible Causes Of Tightness Behind Knee
1. Bakers Cyst
A lump at the back of your knee could be due to Bakers cyst which can be caused by torn cartilage or fluid accumulation around the knee. Bakers cyst is alleviated by treating the underlying cause, as well as draining the knee with a syringe or needle. Youll be advised to rest your knee and use ice packs to ease the swelling.
2. ACL or PCL Injury
Rough play, awkward landings, pivoting and side-stepping can cause anterior cruciate ligament rupture. Following an ACL tear, patients feel intense knee pain which persists during walking, running and bending the knee.
The posterior cruciate ligament controls how far you can bend your knee. It is the primary stabilizing ligament within the knee. Injury to the PCL often causes the knee to stiffen and swell.
3. Pulled Hamstring
Sports commonly lead to thigh muscle strain or injury, causing tightness behind knee. This injury can also be due to poor conditioning, tightness, fatigue or imbalance in the muscles.
4. An Arthritic Origin
Osteoarthritis, degeneration of the knee joint, is one of the main reasons for disability in patients over 65, who may experience joint pain or stiffness. The condition is often linked with Bakers cyst.
You May Like: How To Get Up Off The Floor With Bad Knees
What You Can Do About Stiff Knee Pain
Nearly 20% of the U.S. population experiences stiff knee pain, with the incidence and severity of pain increases with age. Those who experience knee pain have difficulty moving the knee joint or loss of range of motion in the knee. These can be detrimental to the strength, flexibility, and stability of the entire leg. The inability to bend or straighten your knee also has a negative effect on daily living.
Why Does Bending Cause Knee Pain
Knee pain when bending can be split into two types:
Weight-Bearing:when there is weight going through the knee as you bend it such as when you squat down, go up and down stairs and as you sit down in a chair
Non Weight-Bearing:when there is no weight going through the knee when you bend it e.g. when sitting in a chair and moving the knee or standing but with the leg lifted off the floor as you bend it
Knee pain when bending tends to be worse when there is weight going through the knee as you bend it due to the compression and pressure on the different structures in the knee.
This should come as no surprise when we realise how large the forces going through different parts of the knee.
For example, when bending the knee to climb stairs, a force approximately three times body weight goes through the knee.
When squatting down the force is even greater at seven times body weight and when jumping, a huge force ten times body weight goes through part of the knee.
Don’t Miss: How To Prevent Knee Pain
Osteoarthritis And Rheumatoid Arthritis
Osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis are two common types of arthritis that can lead to knee tightness. Osteoarthritis causes the cartilage in the knee to erode, leading to malalignment. Rheumatoid arthritis causes damage to the lining of the joints, which leads to inflammation. Both types of arthritis can lead to limited function and range of motion, deformity, and tightness.
Exercises that strengthen the surrounding muscle groups may help your range of motion and knee stability.
Arthritis Of The Knee Causing Pain Behind Knee
Osteoarthritis is a common cause of pain behind the knee. Typically, arthritis causes bone spurs leading to inflammation at the back of the knee. Often, you feel tight and restricted in the movement of the knee joint.
Generally, the best form of treatment for knee arthritis is exercise and load management. Also, wearing a knee sleeve can help. Occasionally, we use injection therapy to help with arthritis such as cortisone or platelet-rich plasma.
Don’t Miss: Does Physical Therapy Help Arthritis Of The Knee
Knee Pain Treatment In Boynton Beach Fl
If you are experiencing knee pain, the orthopedic specialists at Personalized Orthopedics of the Palm Beaches can examine your knee and quickly diagnose the condition or injury responsible for it. Part of the customized treatment plans we offer our patients is top-notch physical therapy to restore knee strength, flexibility, range of motion, and function.
To diagnose and treat your knee pain, make an appointment with one of our orthopedic doctors today. Call 733-5888 or use our online request form. We look forward to serving you in our state-of-the-art facility.
Common Causes Of Pain Behind The Knee
Where do we start with making an accurate diagnosis?
Generally, most doctors use a methodological process to confirm or rule out causes. Firstly, we perform a thorough assessment to test the joints, ligaments, and tendons that pass across the back of the knee. Then, we consider imaging to confirm our thinking. X-rays often pick up major arthritis in the knee. MRI can detect soft tissue problems such as tendonitis or muscle tear. Occasionally, we perform other tests such as blood, ultrasound, or nerve studies depending on the presentation.
Generally, the more common causes of pain behind the knee include:
Read Also: Best Medication For Knee Pain
What Is Wear And Tear Arthritis
How can you tell if you have osteoarthritis?
If you have pain inside your knee, under your kneecap,especially when kneeling, squatting or going up and down steps, its usuallywear-and-tear arthritis, says Dr. Nickodem.
Cartilage, the cushioning betweenbones, deteriorates throughout life. It can erode more quickly in some peopledue to injury or genetics. As cartilage thins, your bones begin to rubtogether, causing pain, swelling and stiffness.
Sometimes the level of pain does notalways correlate to the severity of the condition.
Other Causes Of Knee Pain When Bending
Other less common causes of knee pain when bending include:
Don’t Miss: Where Is Acl Pain In The Knee
Extent And Success Of Meniscus Repair
It’s best to keep as much of the meniscus as possible. If the meniscus can be repaired successfully, repairing it reduces the chance of knee joint degeneration compared with removing all or part of the meniscus.
Meniscus repair is more successful if:
- You are younger. Experts think people younger than about age 40 do best.footnote 2
- Your knee has good stability from the ligaments.
- The tear is in the outer edge of the meniscus.
- The repair is done soon after the injury.
Meniscal repair may prevent degenerative changes in the knee joint. Many doctors believe that a successful meniscus repair lowers the risk of early-onset arthritis, because it reduces the stress put on the knee joint.
When To Call Your Doctor
If your pain and swelling are gettingworse and you can no longer put weight on your knee, see your doctor. A simpleX-ray can show if there is osteoarthritis and, if needed, an MRI scan can checkfor meniscal tears or loose chips of cartilage.
Arthroscopic surgery can sometimes remove loose cartilage. Partial or total knee replacements are other surgical options, especially for those who can no longer stay as active as theyd like. Sometimes computer assistance is used for some complicated knee replacements.
Surgery is a last resort, though,says Dr. Nickodem. Its something to consider when nonoperative treatmentsarent helping.
You May Like: How To Help With Knee Pain After Running
Low Flexibility Or Strength
Maintaining flexibility throughout the body can help prevent some types of knee stiffness.
To avoid stiffness from tight muscles, add stretching to your fitness routine and prioritize strength-building exercises.
- Gentle stretching can improve the ability of your joints to move through their normal range of motion with minimal restriction and tightness.
- Strengthening muscles around your knee joints can also make them less prone to injury.
Muscles Weak And Strong
Maintaining flexible muscles around your knee that are strong enough to support your body may help to alleviate or prevent tightness in the knee area. Strong legs, hips, and buttocks are thought to reduce knee tightness.
Research surrounding the benefits of strong leg muscles in relation to knee tightness varies. According to a 2010 study that looked at over 2,000 knees of men and women who had or were at risk for osteoarthritis, neither hamstring nor quadriceps strength predicted frequent knee symptoms such as pain, aching, and stiffness.
Still, having strong quadriceps may help to reduce the risk of knee problems, since stronger muscles can help to support the knee joint.
A 2014 study that was conducted over five years with 2,404 participants who also had or were at risk for osteoarthritis, found that weak quadriceps were associated with an increased risk of worsening knee pain in women but not in men. Researchers acknowledged that their longer study built on similar studies of shorter duration , and smaller group sizes, to support the link between leg muscle strength and knee pain. Their study suggests there may also be sex-specific differences in risk factors for worsening knee pain.
Don’t Miss: Alternatives To Knee Replacement Bone On Bone
How To Treat Knee Tightness And Pain When Bending
Exercise Exercise can help a great deal with knee tightness and pain when bending. By doing regular exercise, you loosen all the pent up tension in your knee muscles that causing it to be rigid. Once all your muscles are relaxed they can finally function properly, allowing you to bend and stretch your knee without going through any restrictive painful process. You have to note however to exercise carefully and gradually so you dont cause more knee problem. If your knee pain worsens, call your doctor.
PRICE PRICE is one of the immediate responses that you can apply when you experience knee tightness and pain when bending. PRICE stands for protecting, rest, ice compression and elevation. Protect means wearing a knee brace or support to avoid causing damage to your knee joint. Rest is for you to slow down and take it easy, but of course you must still do some light movement or exercises. Once compression is an effective way to relieve swelling or inflammation. Elevation is how you must position your leg while resting, the elevation helps rid of any fluid build up in your knee.
Stay in Motion When you have knee tightness and pain when bending you must keep moving your affected knee. Never hold the same position for long or you might risk build up of fluid in the affected area. The more fluid you accumulate in your knee more tightness youll experience which make knee movement more painful.
About Us
Contact