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Patellar Tendinitis: Symptoms, Causes, and Treatment of Swollen Knee Tendon

What are the common symptoms of patellar tendinitis. How is patellar tendinitis caused. What are effective treatments for swollen knee tendon. When should you seek medical attention for knee pain. How can athletes prevent patellar tendinitis.

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Understanding Patellar Tendinitis: A Common Cause of Knee Pain

Patellar tendinitis, also known as jumper’s knee, is a condition characterized by inflammation of the patellar tendon, which connects the kneecap (patella) to the shinbone. This condition often affects athletes and fitness enthusiasts, causing significant knee pain and impacting mobility.

The patellar tendon plays a crucial role in knee function, transmitting the force of the quadriceps muscles to extend the knee and enable movements like jumping, running, and climbing stairs. When this tendon becomes inflamed or damaged, it can lead to pain and reduced performance.

Key Characteristics of Patellar Tendinitis

  • Primarily affects the tendon connecting the kneecap to the shinbone
  • Often associated with repetitive jumping or running activities
  • Can cause significant pain and limit athletic performance
  • May develop gradually or occur suddenly due to intense activity

Recognizing the Symptoms of Patellar Tendinitis

Identifying the symptoms of patellar tendinitis is crucial for early intervention and proper management. The primary indicator is pain, but the nature and location of this pain can vary depending on the severity of the condition.

Common Symptoms

  • Pain directly over the patellar tendon, just below the kneecap
  • Increased pain with movement, especially when running, jumping, or climbing stairs
  • Stiffness in the knee, particularly after periods of inactivity
  • Swelling around the tendon
  • Weakness in the affected leg

Do symptoms worsen over time. In many cases, patellar tendinitis symptoms start mild and gradually intensify if left untreated. Initially, you might only experience pain after physical activity, but as the condition progresses, pain can become more persistent and severe, potentially interfering with daily activities.

Causes and Risk Factors of Patellar Tendinitis

Understanding the causes and risk factors associated with patellar tendinitis can help individuals take preventive measures and manage their activities more effectively.

Primary Causes

  1. Overuse: Repetitive stress on the patellar tendon, often from activities involving jumping or running
  2. Sudden increase in training intensity or duration
  3. Poor biomechanics or muscle imbalances
  4. Inadequate warm-up before physical activity

Risk Factors

  • Participation in sports with frequent jumping (e.g., basketball, volleyball)
  • Running on hard surfaces or uneven terrain
  • Obesity or sudden weight gain, increasing stress on the knees
  • Tight leg muscles, particularly the quadriceps and hamstrings
  • Age-related changes in tendon elasticity

Can certain occupations increase the risk of patellar tendinitis. Yes, occupations that involve repetitive knee stress, such as construction work, delivery services, or jobs requiring frequent climbing of stairs, can increase the likelihood of developing patellar tendinitis.

Diagnosing Patellar Tendinitis: When to Seek Medical Attention

While mild cases of patellar tendinitis can often be managed at home, persistent or severe symptoms warrant medical attention. A proper diagnosis is essential for developing an effective treatment plan and preventing further damage to the tendon.

Diagnostic Process

  1. Physical examination: The doctor will assess knee mobility, tenderness, and swelling
  2. Medical history review: Discussion of symptoms, activities, and previous injuries
  3. Imaging tests: X-rays, ultrasound, or MRI may be ordered to rule out other conditions and assess tendon damage

Is self-diagnosis of patellar tendinitis reliable. While the symptoms of patellar tendinitis are often distinctive, self-diagnosis can be risky. Other knee conditions, such as meniscus tears or patellofemoral pain syndrome, can present similar symptoms. A professional medical evaluation is crucial for accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment.

Effective Treatment Strategies for Patellar Tendinitis

Treatment for patellar tendinitis aims to reduce pain and inflammation while promoting healing of the affected tendon. The approach may vary depending on the severity of the condition and the individual’s activity level.

Conservative Treatment Options

  • Rest and activity modification
  • Ice therapy to reduce inflammation
  • Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) for pain relief
  • Physical therapy exercises to improve flexibility and strength
  • Patellar tendon strap or knee brace for support during activities

Advanced Treatment Modalities

  1. Corticosteroid injections for severe inflammation (used cautiously due to potential tendon weakening)
  2. Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injections to promote healing
  3. Extracorporeal shock wave therapy (ESWT) to stimulate tendon repair
  4. Surgery in rare, severe cases that don’t respond to conservative treatment

How long does recovery from patellar tendinitis typically take. Recovery time can vary significantly depending on the severity of the condition and adherence to treatment. Mild cases may improve within a few weeks with proper care, while more severe cases can take several months. Consistency in following the prescribed treatment plan and gradually returning to activities is key to successful recovery.

Rehabilitation and Exercises for Patellar Tendinitis

Rehabilitation plays a crucial role in recovering from patellar tendinitis and preventing its recurrence. A well-structured exercise program can help strengthen the muscles around the knee, improve flexibility, and promote proper biomechanics.

Key Components of Rehabilitation

  • Stretching exercises for quadriceps, hamstrings, and calf muscles
  • Eccentric strengthening exercises for the quadriceps
  • Balance and proprioception training
  • Core strengthening to improve overall lower body stability
  • Gradually progressive return to sport-specific activities

Beneficial Exercises

  1. Eccentric squat on a decline board
  2. Isometric wall sits
  3. Straight leg raises
  4. Hamstring curls
  5. Calf raises

Should exercises be performed if they cause pain. It’s important to differentiate between discomfort and pain. Mild discomfort during rehabilitation exercises can be normal, but sharp or intense pain should be avoided. Working with a physical therapist can help ensure exercises are performed correctly and at an appropriate intensity level for your stage of recovery.

Preventing Patellar Tendinitis: Strategies for Athletes and Active Individuals

Prevention is key when it comes to patellar tendinitis, especially for those engaged in high-risk activities. Implementing proper training techniques and maintaining overall knee health can significantly reduce the risk of developing this condition.

Preventive Measures

  • Gradual progression in training intensity and volume
  • Proper warm-up and cool-down routines
  • Regular stretching and flexibility exercises
  • Strengthening exercises for the quadriceps, hamstrings, and calf muscles
  • Use of appropriate footwear and orthotics if necessary
  • Attention to proper technique in sports and exercise
  • Adequate rest and recovery between training sessions

Can dietary changes help prevent patellar tendinitis. While there’s no specific diet that prevents patellar tendinitis, maintaining a healthy weight and consuming a balanced diet rich in anti-inflammatory foods can support overall tendon health. Foods high in vitamin C, omega-3 fatty acids, and collagen-boosting nutrients may be particularly beneficial.

Long-Term Management and Considerations for Patellar Tendinitis

Managing patellar tendinitis often extends beyond the initial treatment phase. Long-term strategies are essential for maintaining knee health and preventing recurrence, especially for athletes and active individuals.

Ongoing Management Strategies

  1. Regular assessment of knee function and pain levels
  2. Maintenance of a consistent strength and flexibility routine
  3. Periodic review and adjustment of training programs
  4. Use of supportive equipment during high-risk activities
  5. Attention to proper biomechanics in daily activities and sports

Potential Complications

  • Chronic pain if left untreated
  • Tendon rupture in severe cases
  • Decreased athletic performance
  • Development of compensatory movement patterns

Can patellar tendinitis recur after successful treatment. Yes, patellar tendinitis can recur, especially if the underlying causes are not addressed. Factors such as returning to high-impact activities too quickly, neglecting maintenance exercises, or failing to correct biomechanical issues can lead to recurrence. Ongoing attention to proper training techniques and knee health is crucial for preventing future episodes.

Understanding patellar tendinitis, its symptoms, causes, and treatment options is crucial for anyone experiencing knee pain or engaging in activities that put them at risk. By recognizing early signs, seeking appropriate medical care, and implementing preventive strategies, individuals can maintain healthy, active lifestyles while minimizing the impact of this common knee condition. Remember, while self-care measures can be effective for mild cases, persistent or severe symptoms should always be evaluated by a healthcare professional to ensure proper diagnosis and treatment.

What Is Tendinitis? – Knee Pain Center

Got knee pain? If you’re an athlete or fitness enthusiast, you may have tendinitis. “Many people who participate in sports or fitness activities will get tendinitis at one time or another,” says Steven Stuchin, MD, director of orthopaedic surgery at NYU Hospital for Joint Diseases in New York City. The result can be severe knee pain.

What Is Tendinitis?

Tendinitis is an inflammation of the tendon, a flexible band of tissue that connects the muscles to the bones. The pull of the muscles is transmitted to the bone by the tendons, which allows movement. When the tendons are inflamed, the pulling action of the muscle is impaired and movement becomes painful. There are several large tendons around the knee area. When one or more of them becomes inflamed, this is called knee tendinitis.

Tendinitis Symptoms and Risk Factors

“Pain with movement is the most common symptom of knee tendinitis,” says Dr. Stuchin. Moving even slightly can cause severe knee pain. The pain will be worse when running, walking fast, or going up and down stairs. There may also be swelling from the inflammation.

Overuse is a common risk factor for tendinitis. When the tendon is stretched repeatedly by doing the same kind of exercise over a long period of time, the tendon can become strained and inflamed. Runners often get tendinitis for this reason. Tendinitis can also be caused by intense exercise over a short period of time. “Someone who tries to get in all their exercise over the weekend is a prime candidate for tendinitis,” says Stuchin. Being middle age or older is another risk factor. Tendons become more brittle with age, making them vulnerable to stress and strain.

Another type of knee pain caused by tendinitis is called jumper’s knee. In this type of tendinitis, injury to the knee occurs with jumping activities when too much strain is placed on the patellar tendon, which connects the kneecap (patella) to the shinbone. Pain is felt directly over the patellar tendon. “You’ll feel pain just below the kneecap,” says Stuchin. There may be inflammation too. Jumper’s knee is common among basketball and volleyball players.

Treating Tendinitis

Tendinitis doesn’t normally require a doctor’s care. Follow these recommendations to relieve the knee pain.

  • Rest. Refrain from the activity that caused the tendinitis. “The more you work the tendon by running or jumping, the worse the injury will become and the longer recovery will take,” says Stuchin.
  • Ice. Apply ice wrapped in a towel for 15 minutes once or twice a day. Ice helps reduce swelling, which will lessen knee pain and speed healing of the tendon.
  • Elevate. Lie down and place your knee on a pillow so that it’s higher than your heart. This will aid blood flow and help reduce swelling.
  • Take OTC medicine. “I recommend taking over-the-counter non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications, such as ibuprofen and naproxen,” says Stuchin. “They not only relieve pain, but they also reduce swelling.” Advil, Motrin, and Aleve are examples of these medications.
  • Compress. Wrapping the knee in an elastic knee bandage can help reduce swelling and ease knee pain.
  • Ease back into activity. After your tendinitis disappears, don’t immediately go back to the same level of activity that caused your knee pain. Overdoing it can cause a recurrence of tendinitis. Warm up and stretch before beginning exercise. Then go slowly for a few weeks.

Recovering from tendinitis requires patience. With proper care, the knee pain will become less noticeable in about three weeks, but complete healing from tendinitis may require six weeks, says Stuchin. By taking it easy for a month or so, your tendinitis should disappear and you’ll be on the go again.

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Patellar Tendonitis: Symptoms, Treatment, and More

What is patellar tendonitis?

Patellar tendonitis is a common injury or inflammation of the tendon that connects your kneecap (patella) to your shinbone (tibia). Your pain may be mild or severe.

Anyone can get patellar tendonitis. But it’s such a frequent injury of athletes, especially those who play volleyball and basketball, that it’s called jumper’s knee. Among recreational volleyball players, an estimated 14.4 percent have jumper’s knee. The prevalence is even higher for top professional athletes. An estimated 40 to 50 percent of elite volleyball players have jumper’s knee.

Keep reading to learn more about why this happens, how to identify it, treatment options, and more.

Patellar tendonitis comes from repetitive stress on the knee, most often from overuse in sports or exercise. The repetitive stress on the knee creates tiny tears in the tendon that, over time, inflame and weaken the tendon.

Contributing factors can be:

  • tight leg muscles
  • uneven leg muscle strength
  • misaligned feet, ankles, and legs
  • obesity
  • shoes without enough padding
  • hard playing surfaces
  • chronic diseases that weaken the tendon

Athletes are more at risk because running, jumping, and squatting put more force on the patellar tendon. For example, running can put a force of up to five times your body weight on your knees.

Long periods of intense sports training are associated with jumper’s knee. A 2014 study noted that jump frequency was also an important risk factor for amateur volleyball players.

Pain and tenderness at the base of your kneecap are usually the first symptoms of patellar tendonitis. You may also have some swelling and a burning feeling in the kneecap. Kneeling down or getting up from a squat can be especially painful.

The pain may at first be sporadic, occurring only after sports or exercise activity. As the tendon becomes more damaged, the pain can become progressively worse. It can interfere with any athletic activity, as well as with daily activities, such as climbing stairs or sitting in a car.

See your doctor if any pain or swelling lasts more than a day or two.

At the start of your appointment, your doctor will ask about:

  • your physical activity
  • what symptoms you’re experiencing
  • when the symptoms occur
  • any remedy you’ve tried that eases the pain

Your doctor will physically examine your knee, probe for where you feel pain, and test your range of knee motion by bending and extending your leg.

Your doctor may also order imaging tests to look at your kneecap and tendon to determine if there’s any damage to the tendon or bone. These tests can also help rule out other possible causes of your pain, such as a fracture.

Your doctor may perform:

  • an X-ray to look at the bone to determine whether you have a kneecap fracture or if your kneecap is displaced
  • an MRI to look at the tendon and show any damage to the soft tissue
  • an ultrasound to look at the tendon and show any soft tissue damage

If you don’t have medical treatment, patellar tendonitis can worsen. You may damage your tendon more severely, limiting your everyday functioning.

Resting your legs and stopping activity can be emotionally difficult for athletes, in particular. They may not want to stop playing, even though it’s painful. For professional athletes, patellar tendonitis can be a career-ender if left untreated.

The outlook for patellar tendonitis varies depending on the severity of the injury. The subject is one of ongoing research, because it’s such a common occurrence for runners and other athletes. There are many opinions on what works best for rehabilitation.

For some athletes, the condition may be chronic. For others, therapy enables a return to normal functioning and sports.

Recovery for mild injuries can be 3 weeks, while more severe injuries may require 6 to 8 months or more.

Important factors in recovery are:

  • sticking to your rehabilitation program and regularly exercising
  • resuming your sports activity gradually
  • paying attention to pain, and resting as necessary
  • using OTC remedies and ice to help with returning pain

Talk to your doctor if you have concerns about how long your recovery is taking.

types, symptoms, causes, diagnosis and treatment

Moscow, st. Partizanskaya, 41

Kuntsevsky
medical and rehabilitation center.

The knee is a large joint with a large and constant load. Not surprisingly, injuries are common here and the risk of diseases of the knee joint is high. Periodic knee pain bothers almost 50% of people at the age of 40, and by the age of 70 it becomes a constant companion. One of the most common pathologies of this joint is bursitis of the knee joint. At the same time, the periarticular sac becomes inflamed, fluid accumulates in it. Movement becomes limited and painful. How to recognize and treat bursitis is known to the doctors of the Kuntsevo Medical and Rehabilitation Center. Clinic specialists are ready to help with acute and chronic forms of the disease with the most modern, safe and effective methods.

Knee bursitis and its types

The term “bursitis” is applied to the inflammatory process that occurs in the anatomical structure of the joint – the bag (bursa).

This is a kind of hydraulic airbag – a cavity of dense connective tissue that protects the joint from external damage. Outside, it consists of dense tendons, ligaments, which provide a strong outer covering. Inside is a layer of cells that produce synovial fluid. This is a special joint lubricant that facilitates the sliding of the heads of bones in it, protecting the tendons from friction, nourishing and moisturizing the tissues of the joint. When moving, cartilage, like a sponge, absorbs this fluid along with nutrients.

The knee is a complex joint, in which there are several synovial bags: above, below and in front of the patella, on the lateral ligaments, tendons, heads of the gastrocnemius and popliteal muscles. Inflammation can appear in each of them or in several at the same time.

Bursitis occurs at the site of inflammation:

  • Anterior patella – prepatellar – inflammation and swelling occur as a result of diseases such as rheumatism, gout and from constant injury. For example, with the specifics of work with frequent support on the knee. Bursitis of a maid or priest – this is what they say about this type of pathology, in which the front of the knee swells.
  • Popliteal – tendon bursae in the lower part of the patella become inflamed. A characteristic cause for this type of pathology is falls and strong blows to the knee, injuries and ruptures of the meniscus. Traumatic bursitis of the knee joint is typical for people with arthritis or overweight.
  • Goose – or Baker’s cyst. Inflammation occurs in the inner or back of the joint. It is manifested by pain in the knee when moving, walking up the stairs, more often affects overweight women.

Knee bursitis is classified according to the flow:

  • Acute – arising suddenly, with noticeable and intense signs and lasting up to a month.
  • Subacute.
  • Chronic – lasts up to a year.
  • Recurrent – periodically aggravated.

Bursitis occurs according to the type of cause:

  • Aseptic is a non-infectious pathology caused by injuries (post-traumatic bursitis of the knee joint), gout, autoimmune diseases.
  • Septic – caused by bacteria or infections (tuberculosis, syphilis, etc.).

According to the type of accumulated synovial fluid: serous, purulent and others.

An accurate classification of bursitis is needed to understand its cause and what treatments will be effective.

Symptoms

Common signs of knee joint bursitis (they will be in case of damage to different joint capsules) include:

  • Pain – disturbs at rest or when moving: running or walking up the stairs. Pain with knee bursitis often occurs in the morning and gradually increases with increasing strength or intensity of exercise.
  • Swelling – knee in general or area of ​​a specific joint capsule.
  • Rise in temperature – both local (there is a feeling of heating in the knee), and in body temperature as a whole.
  • Limitation of the possibility of movement – from slight stiffness and soreness (the leg bends and unbends worse), to the complete impossibility of transferring body weight to the leg and walking normally.
  • Signs of general intoxication in infections and purulent inflammation.
  • Local symptoms of knee joint bursitis: swelling and pain in the area of ​​the inflamed bursa.

Causes

The main causes of knee joint bursitis:

  • Knee injuries – from severe (during falls, bumps) to microtraumas with regular physical exertion on the knees.
  • Heavy physical exertion due to obesity, carrying weights, doing strength sports.
  • Diseases in which salts are deposited in the joint in the form of microcrystals.
  • Arthritis of various nature (rheumatic, psoriatric and others).
  • Spread of bacterial infections.
  • Diseases of an autoimmune nature.
  • Osteoarthritis of the knee joint (gonarthrosis).
  • Malfunctions of the endocrine system.

Diagnosis

Consulting a doctor will help confirm bursitis. Examination of the joint, palpation and a series of tests will be required. Moreover, with bursitis of the right knee joint, you need to pay attention to the left knee (and vice versa). An orthopedic traumatologist assesses soreness, swelling and other signs, asks to make some movements in order to understand what exactly causes the most pain and where the inflammation occurs.

Instrumental diagnosis of bursitis:

  • Ultrasound – for visualization of periarticular tissues, meniscus, amount and nature of intraarticular fluid, location and boundaries of inflammation.
  • MRI is the most informative method for diagnosing soft tissues.
  • X-ray (an alternative to computed tomography) – assessment of bone structures – the presence and foci of their degeneration, destruction.
  • Diagnostic puncture – collection and laboratory study of fluid.

Laboratory methods:

  • Tests to look for diseases that could cause bursitis.
  • Blood test for general and specific indicators that will indicate the autoimmune nature of bursitis.
  • Joint fluid analysis.

Treatment of knee bursitis

Both conservative methods and surgical interventions are used.

Conservative treatment:

  • Medications – for the treatment of knee bursitis, depending on its cause, the following can be used: anti-inflammatory, painkillers, antibiotics (in tablets, gels and ointments or preparations for injection). The course of taking the prescribed drugs is 5-7 days. If the clinical picture remains without positive changes, the drugs are changed.
  • Puncture – a puncture is done to remove accumulated intra-articular fluid, rinse the cavity of the bag with anti-inflammatory drugs. With purulent inflammation, drainage is installed for the internal cavity of the joint in order to remove the accumulating pus to the outside.
  • Physiotherapy procedures – techniques such as laser, ultrasound, magnetic, electric, shock wave therapy activate blood circulation and lymphatic drainage, reduce inflammation, swelling and pain, accelerate healing processes, “break” salt deposits. One effective way to relieve swelling and pain is to apply a cold compress.
  • Therapeutic physical training – classes on an individual set of exercises (and preferably under the supervision of a doctor or exercise therapy instructor) speed up recovery.

Operation – opening and even removal of the inflamed bursa in case of failure of conservative procedures and development of an abscess or phlegmon (spill of purulent contents outside the bursa and “melting” of its walls).

How exactly to treat knee bursitis will differ depending on the type of pathology. So, with acute bursitis, which developed for the first time, it is necessary to ensure temporary immobility in the joint (at least reduce the load). Supportive bandages, wearing an orthosis, taping, temporary withdrawal or reduction in physical activity will help with this.

In chronic inflammation, immobility in the joint is less important. In this case, more attention is paid to an individually selected set of exercise therapy exercises and the appointment of anti-inflammatory drugs.

In septic inflammation it is necessary to act on the causative agent of inflammation. You can not do without antibiotics and (in many cases) without the drainage of the joint cavity.

Why knee bursitis is dangerous

Without timely and proper treatment, a chronic form of the disease and serious complications can develop: purulent bursitis, abscess, phlegmon, arthritis, osteomyelitis.

Where to treat bursitis in Moscow? To do this, we have all the necessary equipment and doctors with extensive experience.

We are ready to offer the safest and most effective treatments. The clinic has a specially equipped day hospital for minimally invasive procedures and an exercise therapy room with all the necessary exercise equipment. Classes are held in small groups or individually.

Book a consultation by phone: +7 (495) 480-75-77.

References:

  1. Modern approaches to the treatment of bursitis (recommendations for an outpatient surgeon). breast cancer. Medical review. 2016;24(3)
  2. Kubyshkovsky AL. Treatment of bursitis / A.L. Kubyshkovsky, B.F. Borisov, A.I. Lomako // Bulletin of Surgery. I.I. Grekov. -1988. -№8
  3. Vorgul V.N. Treatment of acute and chronic bursitis // Clinical Surgery. 1987
  4. Chronic traumatic bursitis of the knee and elbow joints [Text] / S. D. Reznik, Ph.D. honey. Sciences. – Kyiv: Gosmedizdat of the Ukrainian SSR, 1962

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What to do if the knee is swollen and hurts?

Almost all diseases and injuries of the knee joint are accompanied by the development of edema and inflammation of the soft tissues. If your knee is swollen and it hurts, there can be many reasons.

Possible causes of swelling and pain

  • Knee ligament injury. When the knee ligaments are torn, sprained, or otherwise damaged, it visibly swells, severe sharp pain and a feeling of instability appear. For example, if the anterior cruciate ligament is damaged – severe pain and instability of the joint will not allow you to step on the sore leg, it will be almost impossible to walk.
  • Inflammation of the tendons – tendonitis. Tendons are thick, dense connective tissue fibers that attach muscles to bones. When they are irritated, inflamed or damaged, the knee swells, and when walking, running or rotating movements, a sharp pain appears in the joint.
  • Inflammation of the joint capsule (bursitis) leads to inflammation, pronounced swelling and redness of the soft tissues around the knee joint. When bending the leg, severe pain occurs.
  • Displacement of the patella is accompanied by swelling, discomfort, difficulty walking. When straightening the leg, the pain intensifies, sometimes it is not possible to straighten the leg to the end.
  • Knee contusion is accompanied by swelling, redness and pain on movement.
  • Rheumatoid arthritis is a debilitating chronic condition in which the knee can be permanently swollen and painful with any movement, especially in the morning.
  • Osteoporosis is accompanied by swelling and pain of varying severity, discomfort occurs when the joint moves. Often the pain is weather-dependent (intensifies before any weather changes).
  • Septic arthritis accompanied by swelling, redness, pain, and sometimes fever.
  • In gout the knee hurts, swells, reddens, suddenly severe pain occurs, which lasts for several days, and then subsides.

As you can see, there are many reasons for the appearance of a tumor and pain in the knee, and it is impossible to independently determine why they arose in your particular case. Seek medical attention for this.

Methods of diagnosis and treatment

After examining the affected knee, the doctor may order an x-ray, computed tomography (CT), or MRI. If an infection is possible, a blood test will be required. In some cases, to clarify the diagnosis, a joint puncture is performed: a sample of blood or intra-articular fluid is taken for analysis through a small puncture.

Treatment will depend entirely on the diagnosis.

First aid

If you feel severe discomfort and intense pain in your knee, you can try to relieve these symptoms before contacting a doctor. Here are the quick home remedies:

  • Rest the knee, try not to put any weight on the affected leg as much as possible.
  • Apply ice to the joint for 15 to 20 minutes to reduce swelling and pain. If there is no ice at hand, you can use any item from the freezer (a bag of frozen dumplings and a piece of frozen meat will do).
  • Compress of tincture of horse chestnut flowers. For 50 g of flowers, take 500 ml of vodka, leave the mixture in a glass bowl for a week in a dry, cool place, then rub the knee at night or with increased pain.
  • Compress from a mixture of iodine, camphor, medical alcohol (taken in a ratio of 1:1:1) and 10 tablets of analgin. Dissolve analgin in a mixture of alcohols and iodine, make a compress on the sore knee. Keep for about 30 minutes, then, when the pain subsides, gently rinse with warm water and walk around for a while

If you managed to temporarily relieve the pain – this is not a reason to postpone a visit to the doctor. Do not wait for complications, try to solve the problem immediately!

Risk factors

Each of us can get a knee injury or get arthritis, but there are categories of people who are constantly at risk:

  • Overweight people. Excess weight significantly increases the load on the knees even during normal walking, because of which the joints can be deformed and destroyed.
  • People whose activities involve high physical exertion, such as athletes.
  • In women after 40 years of age, the risk of developing osteoporosis increases significantly, and in general, representatives of the weaker sex are more prone to rupture of the knee ligaments than men.
  • Sedentary people who have a lack of muscle flexibility. Such muscles support the knee joint worse and do not smooth out the load on it.
  • People with certain anatomical features, such as flat feet or legs of different lengths.

If you know that you are at risk – try not to overload your knees without good reason. Overweight people should think about correcting their lifestyle and nutrition, because excess weight affects not only the joints, but also the heart, blood vessels and other internal organs. And do not take your health lightly – pain and swelling of the knee should be the reason for an early visit to the doctor.

Source sustavzdorov.