Knee Pain

Knee pain is one of the most common complaints. It can result from trauma, rheumatic diseases and infections.

1) LIGAMENT INJURIES

These are often caused by trauma and occur in sports injuries. There is sudden pain, as well as pain and difficulty when walking and bending the knee. The most common is anterior cruciate ligament injury.

Anterior Cruciate Ligament Injury:

The injury occurs with sudden, forceful movements of the knee. Pain, swelling and limited joint movement are prominent. In chronic cases, a “giving way sensation” develops in the knee. The diagnosis is made with X-rays and MRI. Treatment is planned taking into account the patient's age, activity level and other accompanying problems.

In young, active patients, surgery should be considered. However, whatever treatment is chosen, early and effective rehabilitation is essential.

2) TENDINITIS

It can develop as a result of overuse, and it can also be a sign of rheumatic diseases.

Patellar Tendinitis:

This is the most important cause of pain below the kneecap. It is also known as jumper's knee. It is common in sports such as volleyball, basketball and tennis. Inadequate warm-up, intense training and reduced flexibility of the hamstring muscles predispose to tendinitis. Pain and stiffness occur after prolonged sitting or climbing stairs. Physical therapy modalities are highly effective in treatment.

3) MENISCUS INJURIES

The meniscus is a cartilage structure between the bones of the knee joint that absorbs and distributes the load placed on the joint. It can be injured by degeneration during the aging process or by trauma. Medial meniscus tears are more common. Pain, swelling and locking of the knee are the most important complaints. The diagnosis is made with MRI. In young athletes, physical therapy and rehabilitation are planned after surgery, whereas in degenerative tears, physical therapy and rehabilitation are the first choice.

4) BURSITIS

Bursae are small sacs that reduce friction between bones and tendons.

There are 11 bursae around the knee joint. Repeated minor trauma, acute trauma and injections can cause inflammation of the bursae. Local pain, swelling, redness and warmth occur. In physical therapy, a steroid injection can be given into the bursa. Local cold application, rest and anti-inflammatory medications are used.

5) PATELLOFEMORAL PAIN SYNDROME

This is the most common cause of knee pain in young people. It is more common in women. Imbalance in muscle strength and biomechanical problems are the most important causes. Patients usually complain of pain at the front of one or both knees. The pain increases when walking after prolonged sitting (the moviegoer's sign) and when going up and down stairs. The diagnosis is made by clinical examination. Rehabilitation techniques are important in treatment. In cases where rehabilitation is carried out well, surgery is not needed.

6) OSTEOARTHRITIS

This is a degenerative process that occurs in the knee joint with age. It affects one third of the elderly population. It is more common in women and usually affects both knees. Pain, swelling and stiffness are the main complaints. Physical therapy modalities, intra-articular injections and adjustment of daily living activities are important steps in treatment.