Knee Pain

Whether at a sporting event, the gym, or the park on a sunny day; knee braces have become a familiar sight. In the general U.S. population alone, an estimated 80,000 to 100,000 anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injuries occur annually. You might think that most of these injuries are due to blunt force trama to the knee. On the contrary, approximately 70 percent of ACL injuries in the U.S. are due to non-contact activity. Nor do you have to be a competitive athlete to blow-out your knee, just awkwardly stepping off a curb can cause painful injury. To further compound the situation, ACL injuries have a strong correlation to acquiring arthritis in the affected knee. In addition, posterior cruciate ligament (PCL) and medial collateral ligament (MCL) injuries can also cause discomfort and instability in the knee joint.

Another common cause of knee pain are meniscal tears. Menisci are c-shaped pieces of cartligage that absorb shock between the upper and lower leg bones and provide stability in the knee joint. The lateral meniscus is located at the outer side of the knee, and the medial meniscus is positioned at the inner side of the knee. Often meniscus tears envolve twisting or torque of the knee joint, especially when the foot is planted and the knee is partially flexed. Improper form while engaging in activities such as kickboxing, tennis, and soccer can cause this type of injury. When meniscus tears accur, they can often be accompanied by ligament damage as well. As we age this protective cartilage can become worn and more susceptible to injury.



These are just a few of the causes of chronic knee pain. Fortunately, minor ailments to the components of the knee joint can usually be cured with rest or home remedies such as ice and heat. But more serious injuries may require surgery or use of anti-inflammatory medications. If you are experiencing pain and or swelling in the knee past three consecutive days, I highly advice you to see your doctor to diagnose and treat the problem. Be sure to provide your medical practitioner with as much information as possible as to the extent of your pain, and activities and motions that affect the knee. Treatments will vary depending on the amount of damage.