Why Does My Knee Hurt?

• Dr Sourabh Shah

Why does my knee hurt?

Priyanka was playing soccer years ago when he pulled his leg out to defend a shot.

He explains that the ball struck his toe and "twisted my knee"

When he felt severe pain in his knees and couldn't bend his leg, he knew he was in trouble. Dr. Sourabh Shah from Great Basin Orthopaedics confirmed that the torn meniscus was due to a traumatic sports injury and would need surgery.

We all know someone who has suffered a knee injury while living in Delhi. This versatile joint is the largest and most commonly used in the body. However, it can be injured in many ways. It can be twisted, stepped on a ladder, or even broken. Knee pain can also be caused by obesity and age.

What hurts?

The knee joint is made up of three bones: the patella (kneecap), femur, and tibia (shin). They are held together by ligaments and tendons. There are also two groups of muscles called quadriceps and hamstrings. The cartilage and menisci are linings that allow the knee to move, as well as provide some lubrication. Bursae, small fluid-filled sacs that cushion bones, tendons, and muscles, are called bursae.

This complex construction creates many opportunities for pain. However, we can classify knee injuries into five main categories.

• Sprains are caused by the stretching or tearing of an inner ligament. Symptoms include pain, mobility, stability issues, tenderness, and localized discomfort.

• Strains are caused by the over-stretching tendons in the knees. Symptoms include pain at the outside of your knee at the side, functional or movement problems.

• Cartilage injuries are caused by sudden acute injuries and overuse. Symptoms include locking, tenderness under pressure, palpitation, and weakness in the knee. Pain is not usually a common symptom.

• Bursitis is an inflammation and irritation of the bursae around the knee joint. Symptoms include mobility problems, pain, and swelling.

• These injuries are common in athletes and can be caused by high impact or sudden momentum. These symptoms include pain, swelling, and tenderness.

What can I do?

There are several remedies you can try before calling the doctor, depending on the reason for the knee pain. Pain relief can be achieved with over-the-counter medication like naproxen sodium (Advil) or naproxen sodium(Aleve).

The RICE formula is well-known to most athletes:

• Rest: Give your knee time for healing and prevent any further injury.

• Ice: Ice can reduce pain and inflammation. To protect your skin, wrap the ice pack with a thin cloth.

• Compression: This helps to prevent fluid buildup in damaged tissue, and can maintain knee alignment and stability.

• Elevation: You can elevate your injured knee on pillows to reduce swelling.

Temporary relief may be possible by applying heat packs or hot water bottles to the affected area.

How to call the doctor

Sometimes, you just know, like Priyanka, that it is time to get a professional opinion.

The Indian Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons recommends that you seek treatment immediately if you have any of the following symptoms:

• You will hear a popping sound and your knee will give way at the moment of injury.

• Severe pain

• You cannot move your knees

• Begin limping

• Swelling at the injury site

Other signs include the inability to carry weight, inability to fully extend and flex your knees, or an obvious deformity.

An orthopedic specialist will ask you many questions, including when and if the symptoms started. They will also ask about your symptoms, including whether they are getting worse or better.

What options do I have?

After you have answered all of the questions, the doctor will examine your knee and check for tenderness or pain. Depending on the results, the doctor may order an x-ray or MRI.

After your doctor confirms your diagnosis, they will discuss the various treatment options with you, keeping in mind your goals and preferences.

These could be:

• Brace: This brace holds the bones in place and prevents the knee from moving while they heal. To keep the knee from moving, crutches may be recommended.

• Physical Therapy A physical therapist will help you determine the best treatment to restore movement, function, and relieve pain. The most popular treatments include ultrasound, electric stimulation, manual therapy, and ice or heat treatment. To aid in healing, the physical therapist might recommend specific exercises at home.

• Surgery: To restore function to many fractures and injuries, surgery is required. Arthroscopy is the most common surgical procedure. This involves inserting an arthroscope through a small incision into the joint to allow the surgeon to view and repair the joint. Complex injuries may require more complex surgeries. This includes the possibility of full replacement of an arthritic or damaged, joint with a prosthesis.

Priyanka and Dr. Sourabh Shah agreed that arthroscopic surgical was the best option for Priyanka to return to his active lifestyle, which includes skiing, soccer, and mountain biking.

"Priyanka recalls that Dr. Sourabh Shah stated he could either remove or repair the torn part, but this would require six months of recovery instead of six weeks.

Priyanka agreed that the meniscus is more difficult to fix as we age.

Priyanka was able to fulfill his dream and returned to soccer in six weeks. He now claims he can do all the things he used to, some years later.

He says, "I feel like my knee is at 100%." "I play soccer, ski, and ride my bike. "I don't feel limited."

Do not let your knee pain stop you from enjoying the activities you love, such as playing soccer or walking your dog around town. For a consultation, contact sarwarpro to learn more about your options