Knee pain is a general term for the pain felt in the knee. It can be divided into two broad types: acute and chronic. Acute knee pain is temporary and typically lasts only a few days or weeks. Chronic knee pain lasts longer than three months and often becomes more severe over time. It can be quite debilitating if it is not treated properly.
Some of the most common causes for knee pain are:
- Injury to the joint
- Arthritis
- Gout
- Meniscus tears
- Cartilage damage
- Arthritis
- Osteoarthritis
Common symptoms
- Swelling in the knee joint, caused by inflammation or due to a blood clot
- Tenderness or stiffness in joint
- Pain on movement or with activity
- Pain with weight-bearing
- Pain when walking or running
- Pain when going up or down the stairs
Common treatment options
- Physical therapy: Physical therapists will usually prescribe specific exercises that you can perform to help alleviate your symptoms.
- Exercise: Patients who exercised regularly experience less pain and fewer knee problems. Regular exercise can help people decrease the chances of needing surgery.
- Medication: Medication can provide relief from osteoarthritis symptoms including pain, swelling, and stiffness.
- Chiropractic care: It helps reduce pain, spasms, and inflammation around the knee joints for better mobility and range of motion.