Failure of any part of the locomotor system, especially the knee, leads to disturbance of movement and balance of the body. Pain during movement of the knee joint (bending, extending, inward plus lateral rotation, rotation, lifting and lowering) can occur under different conditions and under the influence of different factors. The severity and duration of the pain syndrome depend on the depth of the lesion, the etiology and pathogenesis of the pathology.
Painful feelings and specific cracks most often occur in the background of physical exertion, trauma, or chronic somatic pathologies. After performing medical therapy and eliminating the root cause, which is the source of the pathology, the pain and movement restrictions disappear. Otherwise, the prognosis is unsatisfactory: complete or partial paralysis of the locomotor system can lead to lifelong disability.
What can hurt?
The anatomical design of the knee joint has its own characteristics that respond to pain with any change. The knee joint includes the bony structure of the femur and tibia, as well as the patella. The extreme shape of each bone is provided with condils, their thickened shape and some relief create the conditions for ideal biomechanics, stable body balance in a horizontal position, and safe movement by absorbing the joints. The bones are strengthened with a special soft tissue plexus.
The muscles and tendons that held the knee joint together were controlled from both the side of the thigh and the side of the lower leg. From the side of the thigh is a thin muscle and a large adductor, as well as the biceps femoris, semitendinosus, and semimembranous. The strongest muscle in the articular knee structure is the quadriceps, but it is divided into 4 muscle heads: rectus, lateral wide, medial wide + intermediate wide muscle. Sartoric, thin, adductive, femoral biceps, semitendinosus + half-membrane, as well as leg triceps and popliteal are also involved in the formation of the knee joint. Their combined plexus creates strength, mobility, and mobility of the lower extremities.
Attention!Compulsory violation of the integrity of the articulatory genus, such as rupture, shock, inflammation, destruction, or infection, leads to the development of limited motor pain syndrome.
Inside the genus articulatio, i. e. , the interior of the joint consists of supraspinous cartilage, cruciate ligament, meniscus, synovial bursa. The blood supply and innervation of the knee joint is performed through many complex plexuses. The sciatic, peroneal, tibial, and peroneal nerves are responsible for anterior and medial knee sensitivity. The back provides sensitivity to the tibial nerve and its branches.
Plexuses of nerves and blood vessels (pulp and non-pulp nerve fibers) enter the meniscus along and inside the peripheral part of the cartilage plate. Traumatization of the meniscus develops an acute pain syndrome because the meniscus is quite sensitive. As dystrophic processes develop in the articulatory genus, the pain increases and becomes permanent, and the organ itself loses its functionality and mobility.
Risk factors and alarm symptoms
Knee pain is caused by certain risk factors, which include special conditions related to the general condition of the body, lifestyle, and adverse environmental factors. The risk group for pathologies of the genus Articulatio accompanied by pain are humans:
- genetic disorders;
- anomalies in cartilage and connective tissue development;
- patients with pathologies of the central nervous system and peripheral nervous system;
- neurodysfunctions;
- obesity grades II, III - IV;
- diseases of the endocrine glands (thyrotoxicosis, hypothyroidism, diabetes mellitus, acromegaly, adrenal dysfunction);
- renal and hepatic pathology (pyelonephritis, renal failure, urolithiasis, hepatitis B + C);
- allergic reactions to various agents;
- bronchial asthma;
- reactive diseases of the immune system.
An alarming symptom of the pathology of the knee joint structure is the crunching sound during biomechanical operations such as bending, elongation, or rotation. This symptom indicates destruction of the joint, i. e. , disruption of metabolic processes, abrasion of the suprastin cartilage plate from the distal parts of the bones, and thickening of the joint capsules with little production of joint fluid. Overweight, through excessive stress on the knee joints or constant motor exploitation of the lower extremities, gradually destroys the shock-absorbing structure of the locomotor organs, leading to destructive processes.
The causes of gonarthrosis or pain in the knee joints can be divided into three major groups, namely:
- Infectious and inflammatory type.
- Traumatic origin.
- Degenerative-dystrophic causes.
Gonarthrosis (inflammatory-destructive arthrosis) affects 65-70% of patients out of the total number of patients with joint pathology. Rheumatoid arthritis ranks second after arthrosis and arthritis. The mechanism of pain development begins in the cartilage periosteal tissue, from the moment of damage to the ligamentous plexus, to the accumulation of fluid in the intraarticular space by leakage into the area of adjacent tissues, and a decrease in synovial lubrication. , bone fragments, cartilage, meniscus or other post - traumatic bodies. Acute pain occurs after a nerve plexus is pinched by injury or disproportionate physical exertion.
Causes of inflammation
Most often, inflammation of the genus articulatio (unilateral or bilateral) begins as a result of severe physical exertion and in the background of other pathologies that lead to the deposition of salts in the joints or the leaching of Ca + cartilage. The latter triggers the inflammatory process in the joints of the lower extremities.
Inflammatory diseases, symptoms:
| Inflammation of the ligament and muscles of the knee joint (tendonitis) | The pathology occurs at a young age (16 to 28 years) as well as in physically active patients aged 30 to 45 years. Athletes often get sick. Pain is associated with acute, variable exacerbations. With the recession of inflammation, it becomes painful. At rest, the foot does not hurt, even the slightest movement generates sharp pain that increases rapidly. The function of the engine is partially or completely limited, it all depends on the degree of ignition. |
| Inflammation of the knee joint | Inflammation of the genus articuldtio occurs suddenly after trauma, intoxication. The volume of the joint increases, the skin is hyperemic and edematous. Pain syndrome is strong. Motor paralysis appears. Microbial infection may be involved in the process. Once the cause is eliminated, the pain disappears and the function of the knee is restored. |
| Genus Bursitis articulatio | The list of causes is the same as arthritis. The clinical picture is completely similar to inflammation of the knee joint. Method of treatment: medication + surgery (puncture of the bag, stress during flooding / destruction). |
| Inflammation or myositis of certain muscle groups in the genus articuldtio | Intense sports or long hikes lead to muscle pain. The large accumulation of lactic acid in muscle tissue causes an inflammatory reaction in the muscles of the limbs and especially the knee joints. The volume of the motor organ increases visually. Muscle constriction is felt on touch, and the patient attempts to remove the doctor’s hand in response to acute pain. The general condition of the patient is satisfactory, in some cases the temperature rises locally above the affected tissues and is common throughout the body (up to 38-39 degrees). After drug therapy, the pain disappears, the joint regains its former shape + functionality. |
Elimination of the source of the pathology with medication or surgical treatment restores the functional capacity of the knee joint and the acute or painful pain disappears completely. If the inflammatory process has attracted more extensive areas and the depth of the lesion is quite large, motor function can be partially restored. In some cases, surgical repair of the joint is performed.
Traumatic causes
Any mechanical damage can lead to gonarthrosis. Bruises, bruises, fractures of the knee bones, open or closed injuries, and meniscus rupture plus bursitis, ligament rupture, soft tissue contusion are on the list of traumatic causes. Chemical and physical exposure can also lead to knee pain. This group of causes includes burns, poisoning with toxic substances.
Degenerative-dystrophic causes
Several factors can trigger the mechanism of degenerative-dystrophic destruction with partial or irreversible processes in the knees, namely: constant physical activity with heavy lifting, excessive exercise, injury of any etiology. And a sedentary lifestyle with poor diet, stressful situations. And finally: the aging of the human body by disrupting the normal functioning of all systems and organs.
Diseases causing degeneration and destruction of the knee joint:
- Arthritis.
- Arthrosis.
- Sclerotherapy of muscles, ligaments, ligaments, bursae.
- Many osteophytes replace the cartilage disc.
- Meniscopathy.
- Metabolic disease.
- Dysfunction of the hormonal system.
- Poisoning of the body with heavy metals.
Instead of worn cartilage, bare zones appear, i. e. , bare bone that causes unbearable pain in the knee as the joint moves. After some time, pointed osteophytes develop in this zone. Gradual deformation of the joint with gonarthrosis leads to a change in the anatomical configuration of the joint structure and partial or complete paralysis of the motor function of the knee (or knees). Symptoms of destructive gonarthrosis include acute pain and constant cracking of the knee with swelling of the soft tissues.
Advice!Degenerative-destructive type gonarthrosis is not treated with folk remedies or an individually invented drug system, but only permanently under the strict guidance of physicians. Self-care leads to a lifelong disability!
Diagnosis of pathology and first aid
The final diagnosis of the pathology is made under steady state conditions. Laboratory and instrumental studies are used to determine the causes of pain and limit the biomechanics of the knee. Diagnosis is approached individually because each case of morbidity has its own source and developmental mechanism, so not all patients are suitable for the same tests.
List of diagnostic measures:
- Preparation of general and biochemical blood tests.
- General urinalysis (if pyelonephritis and urolithiasis are suspected, other urine tests are recommended).
- Perform tests to identify rheumatoid factor.
- X-ray of the knee in three projections.
- CT and MRI from the genus articuldtio to identify the extent of damage to bones, cartilage, ligament-muscular devices.
Patients with gonarthrosis of unknown etiology are advised to consult the following physicians: traumatologist, arthrologist, rheumatologist, and endocrinologist. If a malignant process in the joints is suspected, the patient is referred to an oncologist.
First aid for acute pain in the knee joints is provided at home or in case of injury. Before the ambulance arrives, the joint must be secured, ie secured with a splint. In addition, intramuscular injection with an analgesic and one of the nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs is recommended. A cold compress should be placed on the inflamed joint and under no circumstances should it become hot or vasodilated. If the injury involves open bleeding, attach a gymnastic buckle above the knee to stop the bleeding.
Diseases of other organs such as the cause of knee pain
Knee pain and impaired functional movements are not only a consequence of inflammation, arthrosis / arthritis, or trauma, but also complications of concomitant pathologies. After full medical therapy, the pain may subside or disappear completely, all depending on the remission of somatic diseases.
List of diseases of the organs and systems leading to pain in the structures of the knee joints:
- Hepatitis B, C
- Thyrotoxicosis
- Thyroid dysfunction
- Diabetes
- Urolithiasis disease
- Bronchial asthma
- Crohn's disease
- Blood disease
- Strokes
Medical history, laboratory and instrumental tests will help determine the cause. Each pathology has its own treatment schedule. Upon receipt of the research results, a doctor is appointed.
Types of pain
The pain of defeat of the knee joints is completely different, it depends on the cause, localization, attraction of the soft parts and microbial infections, and the degree of joint destruction. Painful feelings can be inherent in nature: sharp, sutures, sore. By localization: from the inner, outer, anterior, posterior part of the knee joint, and above and below the patella. Depending on the type of spread: the pain is strictly localized or radiates to the thigh or lower leg. By duration: temporary, permanent, variable.
How to get rid of knee pain
Before starting therapeutic therapy, the exact cause of the pathology is revealed, once the source is known, they begin to eliminate and stabilize the general condition. Therapy consists of a complex of medication, physiotherapy (according to medical indications), exercise, massage, and sometimes proven folk remedies.
Medicine
All the power of treatment is focused on eliminating the cause of the pain and then treating the underlying disease. In parallel, you can use medications in the form of ointments, gels, topical compresses. In the early stages of acute pain, intravenous or intramuscular administration is recommended. After sedation, you may switch to oral administration.
The complex of therapeutic measures consists of:
- Pain relief for affected joints.
- Eliminate knee inflammation.
- Biomechanical remedial measures, i. e. , motor function of the genus articulatio.
- Treatment of the pathology leading to knee pain (the treatment regimen is prescribed by the attending physician or highly specialized specialists, such as endocrinologist, hepatologist, allergologist, rheumatologist, arthrologist, oncologist).
- Increasing body resistance.
- Normalization of metabolism.
- Liver protectors.
- Restoration of the cartilage periosteal layer and normalization of synovial fluid production (use of the latest generation of chondroprotectors, vitamins B and C, D).
Attention!Obese patients are advised to consume these extra pounds with the special diets prescribed by the dietitian. All people, without exception, should reduce the strain on the lower extremities by working in gentle mode.
Therapeutic gymnastics and massage
Constant passive movement of the diseased joint and massage of the inflamed musculoskeletal system restores the function of the lower limbs in 1-1, 5 months. The set of exercises is selected by the exercise doctor. The massage is local only on the joints of the legs or of a general nature. The use of warming, anti-inflammatory or analgesic ointments improves blood circulation and metabolism. The course of massage procedures depends on the rate of organ recovery. In addition, a special diet is used for these activities, with the exception of fried, fatty, sweet, sour foods. The nutritionist modifies the menu by adding gelatin-rich foods in the form of a fractional meal. All treatments of the complex eliminate pain and paralysis of the knee joints in one treatment.
Folk remedies
Grandmother's techniques can be used in parallel with drug therapy in the form of folk recipes. All funds are agreed with the treating physician and applied directly to the affected joint locally. The effect of folk remedies is aimed at eliminating pain + edema, as well as warming up, which in turn improves blood supply, innervation, and intensively nourishes the sore knee.
Popular folk remedies:
- Herbal baths: celandine, chamomile, mint, wormwood + ginseng root. Take the ingredients on a spoon, pour 1 liter of boiling water and cook for 2-3 minutes. A foot bath is performed at a tolerable temperature.
- Baking soda: a spoonful of baking soda for 1 liter of boiling water. After abundant lubrication of the knee with fortified cream, apply a compress overnight.
- Compression of moonlight and grated potatoes: half a kilo of grated potatoes + 0. 5 moonlight. It is recommended to keep for an hour. Repeat 3-4 times a week until the pain and swelling disappear.
- Honey rubbing: honey 200g + 100ml vodka + 200g grated horseradish. They insist on it for a day. Aching joints are rubbed 2-5 times a day.
Patients who have an increased response to certain herbs or substances should refrain from conventional medicine.
Prophylaxis
For preventive purposes, in order to keep the lower limbs healthy until old age, it is recommended to modify the diet, exercise carefully, except for injuries, constantly exercise, swim, walk more often in the fresh air. For people over the age of 45, we recommend adjusting the hormonal background of sex hormones and consuming foods rich in gelatin. Spa treatments are recommended for all patients with musculoskeletal disorders. Check with your doctor once every six months.
Knee pain occurs spontaneously, it is the result of increased wear on the joint structure, leading to irreversible consequences. The causes of pathologies can be both somatic diseases and musculoskeletal disorders themselves. Timely treatment will help you avoid the consequences.