Knee pain is one of the most prevalent joint problems why people visit GPs and other professionals. It can arise in any of the bony structures of the knee joint (femur, patella, tibia, or fibula), or the cartilage (meniscus), ligaments, and tendons of the knee. It is a common symptom that can affect people of all ages. Mild to severe pain in your knee joint may be the result of an injury or trauma, such as a torn cartilage or ruptured ligament. Several medical conditions, including metabolic diseases, arthritis, infections, and gout — also can cause knee pain.
Knee pain can be affected by the surrounding muscles and their movements. The typical aggravating factors include obesity, high intake of fat/alcohol and physical activity. Many types of mild knee pain respond well to home remedies and self-care measures while knee braces and physical therapy can also help relieve knee pain.
Knee Pain Early Symptoms
The knee acts as a bridge joint between the bones and cartilages of the lower and upper leg. It allows the leg to bend at the knee joint and support the weight of the body. It supports the motion, such as walking, turning, running, crouching, and jumping.
Any injury or infirmity to the knee joint results in knee pain and other associated symptoms. The common signs and symptoms that accompany knee pain includes:
- A knee that is red and warm to the touch
- Redness and warmth are both the signs of an active inflammatory process and indicates that there is some inflammation in the knee joint. It is more common in all types of bacterial and viral infections.
- Swelling and stiffness
Any part of the body swells secondary to the accumulation of fluid and connective tissues in the tissues. It is often followed by stiffness and tightening of that specific body part. The common knee conditions that cause swelling and stiffness of the knee joint include all types of arthritis, torn ligaments, bursitis, and gout.