Knee injuries are extremely common and can usually be divided into overuse injuries where the pain and other symptoms develop gradually, or acute, traumatic injuries where there is a sudden point of pain, usually caused by a force on the knee.
Overuse Injuries
Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome
Patellofemoral pain syndrome is sometimes known as anterior knee pain and sometimes (incorrectly) as chondromalacia patellae (the two things are slightly different although chondromalacia may result from patellofemoral pain syndrome). Patellofemoral pain is caused by the knee cap moving too far towards the outer side of the joint (known as mal-tracking).
Symptoms may include:
- Pain at the front of the knee which is hard to pinpoint.
- Pain is often worst when walking down hills or stairs.
- The knee may feel stiff or like it locks up after sitting for long periods (known as movie-goers knee!)
More information on Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome.
Osteoarthritis
Arthritis in the knee is very common the older we get. If you have suffered previous knee injuries or are particularly overweight you have an increased risk of developing osteoarthritis. Osteoarthritis is the degeneration of the cartilage which lines the surfaces of bones where they form a joint. In severe cases there may be little or even no cartilage left. The medial (inner aspect) of the knee is more commonly affected.
Symptoms may include:
- Constant aching pain which is difficult to pin-point.
- The knee may swell slightly with increased activity.
- Stiffness, particularly in the mornings.
More information on Osteoarthritis of the Knee.
Patella Tendonitis (Jumper's Knee)
The patella tendon is located just below the knee cap on the front of the knee. It connects the patella and the quad muscles to the shin bone. Tendonitis (or tendinopathy as it is more accurately known) is a degenerative condition of this tendon due to repetitive high demands.
Symptoms may include:
- Pain at the front of the knee, below the knee cap.
- It may be tender to touch this area.
- Pain when contracting the thigh (quad) muscles.
More information on Patella Tendonitis.
IT Band Syndrome (Runner's Knee)
The IT band is a long thick tendon which runs down the outside of the thigh and attaches just below the knee. Sometimes this band may rub against the outer side of the knee, every time the knee is bent and straightened. This results in friction, inflammation and pain.
Symptoms may include:
- Pain on the outer side of the knee when bending it.
- Commonly worse when running downhill.
- Tender to touch this area.
More information on IT Band Syndrome.
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Acute Knee Injuries
Knee Ligament Injuries
There are 4 main ligaments in the knee which may be commonly injured. These are the Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL), the Posterior Cruciate Ligament (PCL), the Medial Collateral Ligament (MCL) and the Lateral Collateral Ligament (LCL). The most commonly injured are the ACL and the MCL.
Treatment of a ligament injury depends on the extent of the damage. A ligament may be sprained - meaning only a few fibres are torn, or completely ruptured - so all fibres are torn. For a sprain, conservative treatment and a rehabilitation programme is usually sufficient. With a complete rupture, in some cases surgery will be undertaken to repair or reconstruct the ligament. The most common example of this is the ACL. However, this is not always the case. It is possible for a knee to function without one of the ligaments, so it will depend on the amount of instability and the sports or activities the individual is involved in.
Symptoms vary depending on severity and which ligament is injured:
- MCL and LCL injuries usually cause a pin-pointed pain on either the inside or outside of the joint respectively.
- A complete rupture of any of these ligaments would cause swelling, with ACL injuries resulting in extreme, rapid swelling.
- Complete ruptures would also cause instability in the knee - it may feel like it would give way.
More information on ACL injuries / PCL injuries / MCL injuries / LCL injuries
Meniscus (Cartilage) Injuries
There are two rings of cartilage in the knee which are called meniscus. A tear to one of these may occur due to a twisting or compressive force on the knee. Tears may be quite small and heal well, or larger tears may require surgery.
Symptoms may include:
- A sudden pain on twisting the knee.
- There may be locking or clicking when bending/straightening the knee.
- The knee may swell up initially.
More information on Torn Meniscus Injuries.
Patella Dislocation
The patella is the knee cap which sits at the front of the knee. This runs up and down in a groove when the knee is bent and straightened. When the patella dislocates, it moves out of this groove (usually towards the outside of the joint). This may occur after a direct force to the knee. It will usually return to it's normal position when straightening the knee, although this is known to be very painful!
Symptoms may include:
- Immediate pain.
- The knee cap appears out of place.
- Difficulty moving the knee.
- Rapid swelling of the knee.
More information on Patella Dislocation
Thinking of getting a knee support but not sure where to start? Have a look at our guide to knee supports and braces!
Visit www.sportsinjuryclinic.net for further information on these and more knee injuries and knee pain.