Knee Joint Pain

Knee joint pain can be caused by a variety of conditions. The most obvious is a knee injury. This can be a cartilage injury affecting the Meniscus, ligament injuries, tendon injuries, or arthritis of the knee. More than six million people visit an orthopedic surgeon every year for some type of knee problem.

Statistics show that women are five times more likely than men to experience knee injuries during high school and college. An excess of 30,000 women will have knee injuries this year. The cruciate ligaments crisscross inside the knee joint. The ACL (anterior cruciate ligament) is located toward the front of the knee and is more often affected by injury than the PCL (posterior cruciate ligament).

Defining Knee Joint Pain

The cause of pain in the knee should be determined by a healthcare professional. Some types of injuries require special caution to avoid further injury. If the ACL is damaged and you run or walk, you may incur damage to the cushioning cartilage inside the knee. Elevating the leg and using ice packs to control the swelling is the first line of defense.

If the collateral ligament is injured, remember RICE. This is an acronym for Rest, Ice, Compression, Elevation. This is the key to reducing further damage. Rest the knee as much as possible to allow time to heal. Apply ice for 15 to 20 minutes, two or three times a day. Some type of compression bandage may be needed to control the swelling. Keep the knee elevated when you can. If damage is significant, it may require surgical intervention.