Treatment Options For Knee Injuries
As you can see there are many possible causes of your non-injury related knee pain and swelling! As always, we at OhMy.Health recommend that you see your trusted health care practitioner who should do a through examination of your knee joint.
These exercises for knee pain are safe to do for almost all knee conditions, but if in doubt check in with your physical therapist.
If you have any swelling in your knee joint, you should also follow the tried and trusted RICE protocol. It stands for Rest, Ice, Compression, and Elevation.
If you have been unlucky enough to sustain a knee ligament or meniscal injury, you will find lots of specific knee injury related content covered in our knee meniscus and knee ACL videos where there are great physio approved exercises and loads of good tips and information in Karins videos.
Remember to join up for our newsletter, so that you can keep yourself informed, always be the first to know when our new exercise videos are released and enable you to always be kind to your joints!
References
Muscle Tendon Injuries Mcl And Lcl Injuries Acl Injuries And Meniscus Tears
Muscle Tendon Injuries
Almost all of these strains are treated with ice, elevation, and rest. Sometimes compression with an Ace wrap or knee sleeve is recommended, and crutches may be used for a short time to assist with walking. Ibuprofen or naproxen can be used as an anti-inflammatory medication.
The mechanism of injury is either hyperextension, in which the hamstring muscles can be stretched or torn, or hyperflexion, in which the quadriceps muscle is injured. Uncommonly, with a hyperflexion injury, the patellar or quadriceps tendon can be damaged and rupture. This injury is characterized by the inability to extend or straighten the knee and a defect that can be felt either above or below the patella . Surgery is usually required to repair this injury.
Except for elite athletes, tears of the hamstring muscle are treated conservatively without an operation, allowing time, exercise, and perhaps physical therapy to return the muscle to normal function.
MCL and LCL Injuries
What Is Peripheral Neuropathy
Peripheral neuropathy is not a disease in and of itself. Instead, it is a general term that refers to a group of disorders caused by damage to the peripheral nervous system. The peripheral nervous system connects the nerves from the brain and spinal cord to the rest of the body. These nerves run to the limbs, hands, and feet, as well as the internal organs, joints, skin, and more. Damage on the peripheral nerves can cause symptoms like pain and numbness in the affected areas.
Peripheral neuropathy may be classified according to where nerve damage occurs. The most common form of the condition is polyneuropathy damage to many peripheral nerves at once. Mononeuropathy, on the other hand, refers to damage to a single nerve or nerve group.
Peripheral neuropathy may also be categorized by the type of damage and symptoms a person has. Carpal tunnel syndrome is perhaps one of the most well-known forms of the disorder. Carpal tunnel syndrome which is often caused by repetitive tasks, such as typing on a keyboard can cause numbness, tingling, and weakness in the hand, wrist, and arm.
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What Medications Should I Avoid If I Have Heart Failure
There are several different types of medications that are best avoided in those with heart failure including:
- Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications such as Motrin or Aleve. For relief of aches, pains, or fever take Tylenol instead.
- Some nutritional supplements, such as salt substitutes, and growth hormone therapies
- Antacids that contain sodium
If youâre taking any of these drugs, discuss them with your doctor.
Itâs important to know the names of your medications, what theyâre used for, and how often and at what times you take them. Keep a list of your medications and bring them with you to each of your doctor visits. Never stop taking your medications without discussing it with your doctor. Even if you have no symptoms, your medications decrease the work of your heart so that it can pump more effectively.
What Are The Symptoms Of Swollen Legs
Having ‘swollen legs’ is a symptom itself, but legs can be swollen in different ways. The clue to the cause may well be in the type of swelling. The swelling can be:
- One-sided or both-sided. Oedema due to conditions of general body systems is usually on both sides and is symmetrical One-sided swelling is more likely to be due to a problem with a particular part of that leg.
- In a specific area or generalised. Swelling around joints is usually caused by injury or a type of arthritis. Swelling in specific areas of skin may be caused by allergy or infection. Swelling around the back of the heel suggests a problem of the Achilles tendon, etc. Generalised swelling, especially if on both sides, is likely to be oedema.
- Painful or painless. Painful conditions include infections, deep vein thrombosis , injuries and joint problems. Oedema is not usually painful, although legs can ache and feel tight.
- Accompanied by red or normal skin colour. If the skin is reddened, it is likely to be due to an infection , or inflammation .
- Pitting or not. Pitting means that if you press a fingertip into the swollen area and then take your fingertip away, a dent remains in the skin. Oedema tends to be pitting. Lymphoedema, a condition where there is a blockage to lymph fluid, does not usually pit so much.
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What Is The Outlook For Rheumatoid Arthritis Rashes
There are no permanent solutions that can completely prevent rheumatoid arthritis rashes from occurring. Doctors may try a combination of medications to help you manage your condition. These treatments may reduce inflammation and minimize joint damage.
Its important that people with RA take measures to live as healthy a lifestyle as possible. Examples of healthy lifestyle practices that may benefit a person with rheumatoid arthritis include:
- Getting plenty of rest, which can help to reduce fatigue symptoms and minimize joint inflammation.
- Exercising whenever possible, which can help to enhance joint mobility and build strong, flexible muscles.
- Taking measures to cope with stress, such as meditation, reading, taking a walk, or doing other activities to promote relaxation.
- Eating a healthy diet full of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins. This can help you maintain a healthy weight, which is important in supporting healthy joints.
Conditions Associated With Pain Behind The Knee
Two common conditions that cause pain behind the knee are:
- a popliteal cyst, also called Bakers cyst
- posterior cruciate ligament injury
A cyst is a collection of fluid inside a thin layer. A popliteal cyst is a cyst in the shallow depression at the back of the knee. Its often linked to other conditions affecting the knee, including osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, cartilage injuries and inflammation of the knee joint. Many types of injury can cause a collection of fluid. Often it will be a heavy blow to the front of the knee, from falling forwards or playing a contact sport. The natural mechanism of the knee pushes this excess fluid backwards and it collects in the depression at the back of the knee, over time, causing a cyst to form.
A posterior cruciate ligament injury is caused by overstretching or tearing of this ligament, which runs across the knee from the thigh to the shin bone. It often results from a heavy blow to the front of a bent knee, sometimes from falling forwards or during a contact sport, such as rugby. Other typical injuries can occur when the knee hits the dashboard during a car accident or when the leg is over-straightened and the knee is bent backwards. Doctors call this hyperextension.
You can access a range of treatments on a pay as you go basis, including physiotherapy. Find out more about physiotherapy >
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Can Knee Pain Radiate Up Leg
When you have sciatica, you may experience the following knee symptoms:
In the front, sides, or back of the knee, a hot sensation, sharp pain, or dull ache may be felt. A person may also experience Having difficulty bearing weight on ones knee.
Knee weakness, especially when trying to straighten the leg, is also a common symptom of sciatica.
If you suffer from sciatica, you may also suffer from knee pain, buttock, thigh, calf muscles, and foot pain. Most frequently, sciatica pain will only affect one leg at a time, so pain in both knees is rare in this case.
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What Causes Rheumatoid Arthritis Rashes
People with RA are prone to episodes known as flares. A flare indicates that there is increased disease activity in a persons body. A person may have more symptoms associated with the condition, including fever, joint swelling, and fatigue. During a flare-up, a rheumatoid arthritis rash is more likely to occur.
When vasculitis causes a rash, this is most likely due to inflammation of small arteries and veins. This is due to high levels of rheumatoid factor in the blood.
RA can cause complications beyond a rash. Vasculitis can affect blood flow in arteries and veins. The results of severe episodes of vasculitis can be:
- numbness and tingling in the nerves, including loss of sensation in the hands and feet
- affected blood flow to the extremities that can cause gangrene in the fingers or toes
- systemic vasculitis that affects blood flow to the brain or heart that can result in heart attack or stroke
The occurrence of RV is rare, and the complications above are even rarer. However, its possible that a rash could be a precursor to something more severe. See your doctor if you experience any signs or symptoms of RV.
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What Is Arthritis Of The Knee
Arthritis is a disease that causes pain, swelling and stiffness in your joints. It can affect the largest and strongest joints in your body. Its common in knees. Arthritis of the knee can be a serious, debilitating disease.
Although there is no cure for knee arthritis, there are steps you can take that might ease your symptoms and potentially slow the progression of your disease.
What Are The Warning Signs Of Arthritis
Pain from arthritis can be ongoing or can come and go. It may occur when you’re moving or after you have been still for some time. You may feel pain in one spot or in many parts of your body.
Your joints may feel stiff and be hard to move. You may find that it’s hard to do daily tasks you used to do easily, such as climbing stairs or opening a jar. Pain and stiffness may be more severe during certain times of the day or after you’ve done certain tasks.
Some types of arthritis cause swelling or inflammation. The skin over the joint may appear swollen and red and feel hot to the touch. Some types of arthritis can also cause fatigue.
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How Is Arthritis Diagnosed
It’s important to find out if you have arthritis and what type it is because treatments vary for each type. Early diagnosis and treatment are important to help slow or prevent joint damage that can occur during the first few years for several types.
Only a doctor can tell if you have arthritis and what type it is. When you see your doctor for the first time about arthritis, expect at least three things to happen. Your doctor will ask questions about your symptoms examine you and take some tests or X-rays.
You can help your doctor by writing down information about your symptoms before your appointment. Bring your answers when you see your doctor.
Arthritis may limit how far or how easily you can move a joint. Your doctor may move the joint that hurts or ask you to move it. This is to see how far the joint moves through its normal range of motion. Your doctor may also check for swelling, tender points, skin rashes or problems with other parts of your body.
Finally your doctor may conduct some laboratory tests. These may include tests of your blood, muscles, urine or joint fluid. They also may include X-rays or scans of your body. The tests will depend on what type of arthritis your doctor suspects. They help confirm what type of arthritis your doctor suspects based on your medical history and physical exam and help rule out other diseases that cause similar symptoms.
Other Pain Relief Treatments
Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation
A TENS machine sends electrical pulses to your nerve endings through pads placed on your skin. It produces a tingling sensation and is thought to relieve pain by altering pain signals sent to the brain. The research evidence on the effectiveness of TENS is mixed, but some people do find it helpful. A physiotherapist will be able to advise on the types of TENS machine available and how to use them. Or they may be able to loan you one to try before you buy.
Hyaluronic acid injections
Hyaluronic acid, or hyaluronan, is a lubricant and shock absorber thats found naturally in the fluid in your joints. Injections of hyaluronic acid have sometimes been used as a treatment for osteoarthritis of the knee. The treatment isnt currently available on the NHS because research evidence on its long-term effectiveness is mixed. The treatment is, however, available privately.
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What Symptoms Are Related To Joint Pain And Swelling
The symptoms of joint pain and swelling can vary from person to person, and depend on which joints are affected. The pain and swelling is often accompanied by stiffness, aches and a feeling of heat or warmth.
In some cases, it can lead to problems moving around, completing daily activities , and for some people, working.
Joint pain and swelling may be better or worse at different times of the day. For example, you may find that your joint pain and swelling is worst first thing in the morning. Pain and swelling in the joints can also lead to tiredness and fatigue.
When Should You Call The Doctor For A Knee Injury
Emergent medical care should be sought if, due to injury,
- there is almost immediate swelling in the knee,
- if the bones appear deformed,
- if there is inability to bear weight,
- if the pain is intolerable,
- if there is loss of sensation below the injury site,
- if the foot and ankle turn cold and no pulses can be felt.
Medical care should be considered if a knee injury does not resolve with routine home care, including rest, ice, compression, and elevation . Other symptoms that may suggest the need for medical care include recurrent pain and swelling.
A swollen joint is never normal, and if it is red and warm or if there is an associated fever, more urgent medical attention should be accessed because of the worry of infection being present. This is particularly a warning sign in infants and children, people who have had knee joint replacements, intravenous drug abusers, and those who have compromised immune systems.
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What Causes Reactive Arthritis
Reactive arthritis is not contagious, but it’s caused by some infections that are contagious. The infections that most often cause the disease are spread through sexual contact, the bacteria Chlamydia trachomatis. It can cause infections in the bladder, urethra, penis, or vagina.
Other infections that can cause reactive arthritis infect the gut, like salmonella. This infection can come from eating food or handling objects that have the bacteria.
Reactive arthritis may also be linked to genes. People with reactive arthritis often have the HLA-B27 gene. But many people have this gene without getting reactive arthritis.
Leg Pain: Arthritis Or Peripheral Artery Disease
If you suffer from leg pain while walking, you may blame arthritis. But if the problem is peripheral artery disease , it can have serious consequences.
When fatty deposits–called plaque–accumulate in your bodys arteries, the condition is called atherosclerosis. In PAD, these fatty deposits build up in the arteries that carry blood to your legs.
Untreated, PAD can lead to gangrene and even leg amputation. Its also a warning sign that arteries in the heart and brain may be blocked, increasing your chances for heart attack and stroke.
Signs of PAD
PAD starts slowly and may go unnoticed. Discomfort can occur in the affected legs, thighs, calves, hips, buttocks, or feet. In addition to pain, other common sensations are heaviness, numbness, or aching in the leg muscles. Rest usually helps. Other symptoms include:
- Pale or bluish skin
- Lack of leg hair or toenail growth
- Sores on toes, feet, or legs that heal slowly or not at all
See your health care provider if you have any of these symptoms. PAD can be diagnosed with a simple test that measures blood flow by comparing blood pressure in your arms and legs.
Arthritis Affects Joints
Because PAD is such a serious and progressive disease, its important to know the difference between arthritis pain and symptoms that indicate blocked blood flow.
If joint pain lasts beyond three days, see a health care provider. Also get medical attention for:
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