Anyone can develop knee pain, regardless of whether you are an athlete. You can sustain a knee injury by simply walking down the stairs or bending your knee in the wrong way. Medical conditions such as arthritis can trigger Fair Lawn knee pain. Fortunately, Alliance Spine Associates, LLC offers various treatments, such as steroid injections and surgery to restore mobility in your knee.
Osteoarthritis
Active persons who suffer from osteoarthritis have a difficult time. Cartilage acts as a shock absorber and makes joint mobility easier. As your cartilage degrades, your bones begin to grind against one another. Inflammation, stiffness, and pain in the joints are possible outcomes. In the knee, the condition is especially notorious for causing discomfort among older adults or those with a history of knee damage. Intense activity and idleness worsen knee pain and stiffness in the early stages. As the problem worsens, your knee joint may become stiff and painful. The joint may also swell or distort, making it difficult to perform normal tasks.
Bursitis
Bursitis, an overlooked cause of knee pain, is the inflammation of your knee’s bursae. Bursae cushion the bones, tendons, and muscles around your knee, minimizing friction and promoting mobility. This disorder can cause knee discomfort, edema, and stiffness. Athletes, runners, and kneelers have a higher risk of developing knee bursitis or prepatellar bursitis than others. Knee bursitis causes kneecap soreness and agony, especially when you bend or apply pressure. Your knee may feel heated, puffy, and red or bruised. Inflammation can make walking and climbing stairs difficult. Rest, ice, compression, and elevation (RICE) may relieve knee bursitis swelling and pain.
Meniscus tears
Although meniscus tears are more prevalent in athletes and physically active people, you can still develop the injury by simply skipping the stairs. The meniscus is a flexible tissue that acts as a shock absorber between your tibia and femur. Your knee consists of two pieces of this tissue. When either piece inflames, you may experience excruciating pain, knee instability, swelling, and stiffness which can interfere with your mobility.
Anterior cruciate ligament tears
The anterior cruciate ligament facilitates the back-and-forth movement in your knee joint. An ACL tear can compromise the integrity of your joint, leading to knee instability and debilitating pain. You may also hear a popping sound during the injury. This injury is often due to sudden movements, such as changing direction abruptly or coming to a sudden stop. Like gymnasts, people who engage in sports activities that involve a lot of pivoting and jumping are more susceptible to this injury. Early diagnosis and treatment can help you recover quickly, allowing you to resume your physical activities.
Kneecap dislocation
This injury occurs when your kneecap slips out of its original position, distorting your knee joint. It can result in excruciating pain, tenderness and swelling, weakness, and difficulty straightening your leg. Kneecap dislocation can occur due to sudden twisting in your knee or hitting your knee against a wall. In some cases, the kneecap can return to its original position without help, while in others, you may need the help of a medical professional.
If you experience persistent knee pain or a significant deformation in your knee, call the Alliance Spine Associates, LLC office or schedule an appointment online for diagnosis and treatment.
