Knee pain is a prevalent ailment. In fact, according to the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons (AAOS), over 20 million Americans suffer from knee pain every year. Knee injuries are ranked as some of the most common in America. It’s crucial to treat these injuries with care if one wants to get back into the activity that caused it. Most people develop knee pain due to a severe injury. The more severe the accident, the more damage is done to knee ligaments and tendons. If you have chronic knee pain, you need to see a Bayonne knee pain specialist to diagnose the cause and recommend the ideal treatment. Here are some of the most common causes of knee pain:
- Injury
Sports-related accidents and falls commonly cause knee injuries. Injuries to knee ligaments, cartilage, and tendons can cause a lot of discomforts. Sometimes these injuries do not heal well without surgical intervention or physical therapy. If you have persistent knee pain after an accident that seems to worsen over time, it’s best to visit a knee pain specialist.
- Fractures
Fractures to the knee can cause a great deal of pain and discomfort. As with ligament and tendon injuries, a Bayonne knee pain specialist should treat fractures in the knee. Displaced fractures can cause severe internal damage. Knee pain due to fractures might be accompanied by swelling and bruising.
- Rheumatoid Arthritis
According to the National Institutes of Health, rheumatoid arthritis is a chronic autoimmune disorder that “affects almost two million adults.” This condition can lead to severe discomfort in the knee joints. If you have excruciatingly painful fatigue in one or both knees, you might have to get a knee pain specialist’s opinion. If you have rheumatoid arthritis, it may also cause symptoms such as fever, fatigue, weight loss, and “joint pain, stiffness, or swelling.”
- Patellar Tendonitis
Patellar tendonitis is when the patella tendon that connects the kneecap to the shinbone becomes inflamed. This occurs when there’s pressure put on the knee through activities such as jumping, running, or other sports. If untreated, patellar tendonitis might lead to a rupture of the tendon. The knee pain associated with this condition can be highly uncomfortable.
- ACL Tear
ACL stands for the anterior cruciate ligament. It’s one of the four main ligaments in the knee that stabilizes it during physical activity. ACL tears are caused when excessive force is placed on the joint. If you have a history of sports injuries, always wear an appropriate brace to protect yourself from possible damage.
- Avascular Necrosis
Avascular necrosis is a disease that affects the bones. As implied by the name, the main symptom of this condition is a partial or complete collapse of bone tissue due to a lack of blood supply. The adjacent soft tissue might also be affected. If you have persistent knee pain and your physician can’t identify what’s causing it, you might have to get a knee pain specialist’s opinion.
In summary, knee pain is a common condition affecting millions of people. You may experience knee pain due to many conditions such as avascular necrosis, patella tendonitis, and rheumatoid arthritis. ACL tear, fractures, and injury are also common causes of knee pain.