Failure of any part of the motor organs, especially the knee, will lead to disruption of body movement and balance. Pain during knee movement (flexion, extension, inward plus lateral rotation, rotation, lifting and lowering) can occur in different circumstances and under the influence of different factors. The intensity of the pain syndrome, as well as its duration, varies depending on the depth of the lesion, the etiology and the pathogenesis of the disease.
Specific pain and crunching sensations most commonly occur after exertion, trauma, or chronic somatic disease. After performing medical therapy and eliminating the main cause, which is the source of the pathology, the pain and limitation of movement will disappear. Otherwise, the prognosis is uncertain: complete or partial paralysis of the motor organs can lead to lifelong disability.
What can hurt?
The anatomical structure of the knee joint has its own characteristics, with any change responding to pain. The knee joint consists of the femur and tibia plus the patella. The border shape of each bone is equipped with ducts, a certain thickening and reduction shape facilitates ideal biomechanics, stable body balance in horizontal position, as well as safe movementwith joint shock absorption. The bones are reinforced with a special soft tissue plexus.
The muscles, their tendons, that hold the knee joint together, are directed both from the side of the thigh and from the side of the lower leg. From the side of the thigh there is a thin muscle plus a large appendage, as well as the femurs, semitendinosus and semimembranosus in the biceps. The strongest muscle of the knee joint structure is the quadriceps muscle, it is divided into 4 muscle heads: rectus muscle, lateral wide muscle, medial broad muscle + medial wide muscle. The sartorian, thin, adductor muscles, biceps femoris, biceps + biceps, as well as the triceps of the legs and biceps are also involved in knee joint formation. Their combined plexuses provide stability, mobility, and mobility of the lower extremities.
Attention!Forced violation of the integrity of the joint limb such as rupture, shock, inflammation, destruction or infection leads to the development of a pain syndrome with limited motor function.
Inside the articular limb, that is, the internal space of the joint consists of the cartilage tissue on the cartilage, the cruciate ligament, the meniscus, the synovial capsule. The blood supply and nourishment of the knee joint is carried out through many complex plexuses. The sciatic, iliac, tibial plus sciatic nerves are responsible for sensitivity of the anterior and medial knees. The posterior portion provides sensitivity to the tibial nerve with its branches.
The plexuses from nerves and vessels (medullary and nonmedullary nerve fibers) enter the ciliary cartilage along the periphery of the cartilaginous disc and within it. With injury of the cartilage, an acute pain syndrome develops, because the cartilage is quite sensitive. As dystrophy develops in the joint, pain develops and becomes permanent, and the organ itself loses function plus mobility.
Risk factors and alarming symptoms
Knee pain develops due to a number of risk factors associated with specific conditions related to the general condition of the body, lifestyle, plus harmful environmental factors. The risk group for joint diseases with pain includes people with:
- genetic abnormalities;
- abnormalities in the development of cartilage and connective tissue;
- patients with pathologies of the central nervous system and the peripheral nervous system;
- neurological dysfunction;
- obesity grade II, III - IV;
- diseases of the endocrine glands (thyrotoxicosis, hypothyroidism, diabetes mellitus, acromegaly, adrenal dysfunction);
- pathologies of the kidneys and liver (pyelonephritis, renal failure, urolithiasis, hepatitis B + C);
- allergic reactions to a variety of agents;
- asthma;
- disease response of the immune system.
An alarming symptom of structural disease of the knee joint is a crunching sound when performing biomechanical movements such as flexion, extension, or rotation. This symptom indicates joint destruction, i. e. , a violation of metabolic processes, abrasion of the articular cartilage plate from the distal parts of the bone, plus thickening of the capsule with less production of synovial fluid. Excess weight together with excessive stress on the knee joint or constant locomotor activity of the lower extremities gradually destroys the shock-absorbing structure of the motor organs, leading to destructive processes.
The causes of knee pain or contracture can be divided into 3 large groups, which are:
- Infectious and inflammatory type.
- Origin of pain.
- Causes of degenerative-dystrophy.
Gonarthrosis (destructive inflammatory joint disease) affects 65-70% of patients, of the total number of patients with joint diseases. Rheumatoid arthritis ranks second after joint disease and arthritis. The mechanism of the development of pain begins with damage to the cartilage tissue, the ligament plexus, the accumulation of fluid in the intra-articular space with leakage into the adjacent tissue, as well as due to decreased synovial lubrication. , bone fragments, cartilage tissue, meniscus or other body after injury. Acute pain occurs after the nerve plexus is compressed as a result of trauma or disproportionate exertion.
Causes of inflammation
Usually, arthritis of the extremities (unilateral or bilateral) begins with heavy exertion, as well as from other pathologies that lead to salt deposition in the joints or Ca+ cartilage washing. The latter is the causative agent of the inflammatory process in the joints of the lower extremities.
Diseases of an inflammatory nature, symptoms:
| Inflammation of the ligaments and muscles of the knee joint (tendonitis) | Pathology occurs at a young age (16 - 28 years old), as well as in physically active patients aged 30 - 45 years. Athletes are often sick. The pain is acute, with varying exacerbations. With the deterioration of the inflammation, it becomes painful. At rest, the leg does not hurt, light movement also generates sharp pain that increases rapidly. Motor function is partially or completely restricted, it all depends on the degree of inflammation. |
| Knee arthritis | Arthritis occurs suddenly after trauma, poisoning. Joint mass increases, skin becomes congested and edematous. Very strong pain syndrome. Movement paralysis occurs. This process can be contaminated with microorganisms. After eliminating the cause, the pain disappears and the function of the knee is restored. |
| Arthritis bursitis | The list of causes is identical to that of arthritis. The clinical picture is completely similar to that of knee arthritis. Treatment: medication + surgery (puncture of the bag, stress during stamping / destruction). |
| Inflammation of certain muscle groups of the extremities or myositis | Intense sports or long walks lead to muscle soreness. The accumulation of lactic acid in muscle tissue causes an inflammatory response in the muscles of the limbs and especially the knee joints. The volume of the motor organ is visually increased. When palpable muscle tension is felt, the patient responds to acute pain by attempting to remove the physician's hand. The general condition of the patient is positive, in some cases the temperature rises locally on the affected tissues and is widespread throughout the body (up to 38-39 degrees). After drug treatment, pain disappears, joints regain their previous shape + function. |
Elimination of the pathological origin through drug or surgical treatment, the ability to function of the knee joint is restored, acute pain or soreness disappears completely. If the inflammatory process has absorbed larger areas and the depth of damage is quite large, then motor function may be partially restored. In some cases, joint restorative surgery is performed.
Cause of pain
Any trauma of a mechanical nature can lead to gonarthrosis. Stinging, compression, knee fracture, open or closed trauma, as well as meniscal rupture plus bursitis, ligament rupture, soft tissue impact are included in the list of trauma causes. Chemical and physical exposure can also lead to knee pain. This group of causes includes burns, intoxication with toxic substances.
Causes of degenerative-dystrophic nature
There are several factors that can trigger the degenerative-dystrophic destructive mechanism with partial or irreversible processes in the knee, namely: constant physical activity while carrying heavy loads, playing sportsOverexertion, injury from any cause. And also a sedentary lifestyle with unreasonable diet, stressful situations. And finally: the aging of the human body with the disruption of the normal functioning of all systems and organs.
Diseases that cause degeneration and destruction of the knee joint:
- Arthritis.
- Arthritis.
- Muscular sclerosis, ligaments, tendons, tendon sheaths.
- Many bone-forming substances replace cartilage plaques.
- Meningococcal disease.
- Metabolic disease.
- Dysfunction of the endocrine system.
- Intoxication of the body with heavy metals.
At the place where the cartilage is worn away, there are bare muscles, ie bare bones, when moving the joint will create unbearable pain in the knee. After a certain time, pointed bone cells develop in this area. Gradual deformity of the joint with gonarthrosis leads to changes in the anatomical structure of the joint structure and partial or complete paralysis of the knee (or knee) motor function. The symptoms of destructive gonarthrosis are acute pain and constant knee pain accompanied by swelling of the soft tissues.
Advice!Gonarthrosis of the destructive degenerative type is not treated with folk remedies or individually invented drug treatments, but only permanently under the strict guidance of a doctor. Self-treatment will lead to lifelong disability!
Pathological diagnosis and first aid
The final diagnosis of the pathology is made in static conditions. Through laboratory and instrumental studies, the causes of pain and biomechanical limitations of the knee are identified. They approach the diagnosis individually, as each case has its own origin + development mechanism, therefore, not all patients are suitable for the same studies.
List of diagnostic measures:
- Do general blood and biochemical tests.
- General urinalysis (if you suspect pyelonephritis and urolithiasis, other urinalysis should be done).
- Get tests done to identify rheumatoid factor.
- X-rays of the knee in three projections.
- CT plus MRI of the articular limb to determine the extent of damage to the bones, cartilage, ligaments, and muscular apparatus.
Patients with unexplained gonarthrosis should consult with the following physicians: a traumatologist, a rheumatologist, a rheumatologist, and an endocrinologist. If there is suspicion of a malignant process in the joint, the patient is referred to an oncologist.
First aid for acute pain in the knee is done at home or when injured. Before the ambulance arrives, the joint must be immobilized, i. e. fixed with a splint. In addition, intramuscular injection with an analgesic plus one of the nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs is recommended. A cold compress should be placed on the inflamed joint and in no way warming or vasodilating. If an open wound is bleeding, use a tourniquet above the knee to stop the bleeding.
Diseases of other organs, which cause pain in the knee
Pain and impaired functional range of motion of the knee joint are not only the result of inflammation, osteoarthritis/arthritis, or injury, but are also complications of comorbidities. After a full course of medical treatment, the pain may gradually decrease or disappear completely, it all depends on the remission of the somatic diseases.
List of diseases of organs and systems that lead to pain in the structure of the knee joint:
- Hepatitis B, C
- Thyroid toxicity
- Hypothyroidism
- Diabetes
- Urinary stone disease
- Asthma
- Crohn's disease
- Blood disease
- Strokes
History, laboratory plus instrumental studies help determine the cause. Each disease has its own treatment regimen. She was appointed by the doctor after receiving the research results.
Types of pain
Pain when beating the knee joints is completely different, it depends on the cause, the location, the attraction of soft tissues and microbial infection, as well as the degree of destruction of the joint. By the nature of pain sensations can be: sharp, stitches, aching. By locality: from the inside, outside, anterior, posterior of the knee joint, as well as above and below the kneecap. Widespread pattern: severe localized pain or radiating down the thigh or lower leg. By term: temporary, permanent, changeable.
How to get rid of knee pain?
Before proceeding with therapeutic therapy, it is necessary to find out the exact cause of the pathology, after finding the source, they begin to eliminate it and stabilize the general condition. This therapy includes a complex of drug therapy, physical therapy (as medically indicated), exercise therapy, massage plus time-tested folk remedies.
Medicine
All therapeutic forces are aimed at eliminating the cause of the pain, then treating the underlying disease. In parallel, you can use drugs in the form of ointments, gels, and topical creams. During the first days of acute pain, the drug should be administered intravenously or intramuscularly. After remission, you can switch to oral.
Complex treatments include:
- Relieve pain in affected joints.
- Eliminate knee inflammation.
- Rehabilitation measures are biomechanical in nature, i. e. motor function of the joint limb.
- Treating the pathology leading to knee pain (treatment regimen prescribed by a specialist or highly specialized doctor such as an endocrinologist, hepatologist, allergy, rheumatologist, rheumatologist, oncologist).
- Increase body resistance.
- Normalizes metabolism.
- Hepatoprotective drugs.
- Restores the periosteal cartilage and normalizes the production of synovial fluid (using the latest generation of chondroprotectors, vitamins B and C, D).
Attention!Obese patients are advised to lose weight with a special diet prescribed by a dietitian. Everyone, without exception, needs to reduce the load on the lower extremities, work in a light mode.
Gymnastics and massage
Continuous passive movements of the diseased joint and active massage of the inflamed organs for 1-1. 5 months will restore the function of the lower extremities. Set of exercises selected by an exercise therapist. The massage is performed only locally 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 speed of organ recovery. In addition, a special diet is applied for these activities, excluding fried, fried, fatty, sweet, and sour foods. The dietitian adjusts the menu by adding gelatin-rich dishes in the form of small meals. All procedures in the complex in one treatment will relieve pain and paralysis of the knee joint.
Folk remedies
Her techniques in the form of folk recipes can be used in tandem with drug therapy. All amounts are negotiated with the attending physician and applied locally directly on the affected joint. The effect of folk remedies is to eliminate pain + edema, as well as to warm, thereby replenishing blood, nourishing blood, and strengthening muscles for sore knees.
Popular folk remedies:
- Herbal bath: celandine, chamomile, mint, wormwood + ginseng root. The ingredients are taken on a spoon, poured with boiling water in the amount of 1 liter, then incubated for 2-3 minutes. At an acceptable temperature, a foot bath is performed.
- Compress baking soda: one teaspoon of baking soda per 1 liter of boiling water. After your knee is heavily lubricated with a strengthening cream, you can apply a gauze overnight.
- Compressed moonshine and mashed potatoes: half a kilo of mashed potatoes + 0. 5 moonshine. It is recommended to keep an hour. It is repeated 3-4 times a week until the pain and swelling disappear.
- Honey rub: honey 200g + 100ml vodka + 200g ground horseradish. It is emphasized in one day. Painful joints, massage 2-5 times a day
Patients with increased reactions to certain herbs or substances should not take traditional medicine.
Preventive
In order to prevent diseases, to keep the lower limbs healthy until old age, it is recommended to adjust the nutritional diet, be careful when exercising, eliminate injuries, regularly play sports, swim, move more in placeswith fresh air. People who have passed the age of 45 are advised to readjust the hormonal background of sex hormones, plus eat foods rich in gelatin. Spa treatments are recommended for all patients with musculoskeletal problems. Every six months, undergo an examination by your attending physician.
The pain in the knee joint occurs spontaneously, it is the result of the process of increasing the wear and tear of the joint structure, leading to irreversible consequences. The reasons for the development of pathologies can be both somatic and pathology of the motor system itself. Timely treatment will help avoid consequences.