Understanding the 6 Most Common Causes of Knee Damage

Knee damage is a common and painful condition affecting millions of people around the world. It can be caused by many different things, ranging from overuse to traumatic injuries. Although there are many possible causes for knee damage, some are more prevalent than others. The six most common causes of knee damage include osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, tendinitis, ligament tears or sprains, meniscal tears, and fractures. 

Understanding the 6 Most Common Causes of Knee Damage
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Each cause has its own set of symptoms and treatments that should be discussed with a doctor in order to determine which is causing your pain. Understanding the various types of knee damage will help you recognize when it’s time to seek medical attention before any further injury occurs. You can use an instant remedy when you encounter these kinds of injuries by visiting Ortho Bracing.

1. Osteoarthritis

This is one of the most common types of damage you will encounter. So much so that around 30 million Americans suffer from it. It is a type of arthritis that wears away at the cartilage in your knees, leading to pain and swelling. Treatment for this typically involves anti-inflammatory medications, exercises, physical therapy, or even injections to reduce pain and slow down the progression of the disease. Considering the impact on athletes, it's important to be aware of common knee arthritis issues in sports as a potential factor in knee pain.

Moreover, this type of damage, in most cases, will require knee replacement. Hence, if you are in Australia, for instance, you would want to want to find out the knee replacement cost in Australia before opting for it. Conversely, if you are in the UK, for instance, you would want to knee replacement costs in the UK. Generally speaking, osteoarthritis has no cure, however, early diagnosis and treatment can help you manage the pain.

2. Rheumatoid Arthritis

Rheumatoid arthritis is a perplexing autoimmune disorder in which the body's defensive system mistakenly attacks healthy joints, inducing inflammation and damage. It is a chronic condition that can cause joint pain and stiffness, as well as swelling and redness around the joint. Treatment for this type of arthritis includes medication to reduce inflammation and pain, physical therapy to help improve range of motion, and lifestyle changes such as a healthy diet and exercise. 

Furthermore, surgery may be necessary to repair any joint damage that has occurred. Additionally, stem cell therapy is also being explored as a potential treatment for rheumatoid arthritis.

3. Tendinitis

Tendinitis is another common type of knee damage. It occurs when the tendons, which are the fibrous bands that connect muscles to bones, become inflamed or irritated due to overuse or traumatic injury. Symptoms include pain and swelling around the affected area, as well as difficulty moving the joint. Treatment for this condition includes medication to reduce inflammation and pain, physical therapy to improve range of motion, and lifestyle changes such as rest and avoiding activities that may cause further irritation.

4. Ligament Tears or Sprains

Ligaments are fibrous bands that connect bones to each other and provide stability to the joint. When these ligaments become overstretched or torn, it can lead to pain, swelling, and difficulty moving the joint. Treatment for this type of knee damage includes rest, physical therapy, and sometimes surgery if the tear is severe. Most sprains and tears can be managed without surgery. However, if the tear is severe, surgery may be necessary to repair it. In addition, physical therapy can be beneficial in helping to regain strength and range of motion. 

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5. Meniscal Tears

The meniscus is a shock-absorbing cartilage located between the thigh bone and shin bone. When this tissue becomes torn, it can cause pain, swelling, and difficulty moving the joint. The proper treatment for this type of knee damage includes rest, physical therapy, medications to reduce inflammation and pain, and sometimes surgery if the tear is severe. Meniscal tear is also one of the common issues among athletes, so they should always take precautionary measures and make sure to warm up before exercising.

6. Fractures

Knee fractures occur when the bones of the knee, such as the thigh bone or shin bone, become cracked or broken. From debilitating pain to swelling and a loss of mobility, the symptoms associated with this condition can be significant. Treatment typically involves medications to reduce inflammation and pain, physical therapy to improve range of motion and strength, and sometimes surgery if the fracture is severe. These types of fractures often require a lengthy recovery period, so it is important to follow your doctor's instructions closely.

Knee damage can have a wide range of causes, and the treatment will depend on the type and severity of the damage. While some types of knee damage can be treated with rest, physical therapy, or medications, others may require more extensive interventions such as surgery. It is important to consult with a doctor if you are experiencing knee pain or other symptoms in order to receive an accurate diagnosis and proper treatment plan. Early intervention can help minimize the long-term effects of knee damage and improve your quality of life.