The knee joint is complex, and a range of factors can lead to damage and pain.
When the components of the knee are not working properly, pain, inflammation, and other symptoms can occur. Problems can result from trauma or a medical condition.
Read on to find out more about the causes of knee pain and what people can do to relieve it.
To understand what causes knee pain, it may help to know what makes up the knee joint.
The knee is the joint where the thighbone, shinbone, and kneecap (patella) connect. It also involves cartilage, ligaments, menisci, and tendons.
Cartilage is a slippery substance on the ends of the bones in the knee. It lets the bones rub or pass smoothly over one another as the leg bends and straightens.
The menisci act as cushions between the femur and tibia that also act as shock absorbers.
Ligaments hold the bones together and give the knee its stability. Damage to the ligaments can result from overuse, as in sports, or from a traumatic injury.
Tendons are the connective tissues that attach the muscles in the leg to the bones they control.
When all these pieces work together, the knee functions as it should, and the person can move around freely.https://7c4e4bad87c913552bb0b1de67282859.safeframe.googlesyndication.com/safeframe/1-0-38/html/container.html
Falling from a height, receiving a direct blow to the knee, making a sudden change in direction, or making repetitive movements during sports training are all causes of traumatic knee injuries.
Causes: Trauma
These can lead to:
- dislocation of the kneecap
- a fracture of the kneecap, femur, or tibia
- torn ligament
- meniscus tear
Injuries can happen if a person:
- does not warm up before or after exercise or works too hard in an activity
- participates in some sports, especially without using protective equipment
- has a road traffic accident or a fall
Accidents, falls, and physical activities are common causes of traumatic knee injury. They can put the knee under extreme strain. If the knee does not heal properly, chronic pain can result.
Common problems include bone fractures, dislocated kneecaps, and torn ligaments.
