Many people suffer from different knee problems, and because their effect on mobility magnifies the issue. Severity and location in the knee area may vary from patient to patient, as the causes are also different.
Here are some of the symptoms that typically coincide with pain:
- Popping noise/crunching when trying to move or straighten the knee
- Area is red and warm to the touch
- Patient cannot straighten knee
- Knee is too weak or unstable to bear weight
- Swollen or stiff knee area
- Knee deformity
If you experience any of these symptoms, it is advisable to see your doctor about it immediately. Some of the problems that may affect knees include:
- ACL injury – when the anterior cruciate ligament or ACL is torn. The ACL is one of four ligaments that serve as the connection between the thighbone and the shinbone. This injury is common among basketball and football players. Sudden changes in direction are usually the culprit behind an ACL tear.
- Patellar tendinitis – tendons are thick and fibrous tissues that serve as the connection between the muscle and the bone. Tendinitis is the inflammation and irritation of tendons. Patellar tendinitis commonly happens to those who run, ski or ride a bike often.
Knee problems can happen to anyone. Some of them may lead the patient to seek solutions such as knee replacement in Kent when the pain becomes unbearable, or the discomfort is already affecting their normal way of life. For example, the wear-and-tear on normal knee cartilage that leads to osteoarthritis. This often affects older people, as the degenerative nature of this condition is typically caused by use and age.
Some knee problems are avoidable, however, so watch out for these common causes:
- Obesity. Being obese or overweight puts additional stress on your knees, even if you do not engage in sports or other activities. Normal walking is enough for an overweight person to hurt their knees.
- Muscle tightness. Muscles that lack flexibility and strength may also lead to problems in the knee.
- Sports. Some sports are notorious for punishing the knees, such as those that involve start-stop activities, running, and jumping.
Although you may take certain steps to care for your knees, including strengthening and conditioning exercises and the right diet, you may still suffer some issues. See your doctor if you are in pain or notice any signs or symptoms of a knee problem.