Failure of any part of the moving organs, especially the knees, leads to disruption of movement and balance of the body. Pain during movement of the knee joint (during flexion, extension, inside plus lateral rotation, rotation, ascent and lowering) can occur in different circumstances and under the influence of different factors. The severity of pain syndrome, as well as its duration, varies depending on the depth of the lesion, the etiology and pathogenesis of the pathology.
Painful sensations and specific pressure most often occur after physical exertion, trauma or against the background of chronic somatic pathologies. After performing medical therapy and eliminating the main cause, which is the source of pathology, the pain and movement restrictions disappear. Otherwise, the prognosis is not reassuring: complete or partial paralysis of the moving organ can lead to permanent disability.
What can hurt?
The anatomical design of the knee joint has its own characteristics, which, with every change, respond with pain. The knee joint includes a bony structure of the femur and tibia plus the shoulder. The marginal shape of each bone is equipped with condyles, their thickened shape and a certain relief create conditions for ideal biomechanics, stable balance of the body in a horizontal position, as well as safe movement with the absorption of the joint shock. The bones are reinforced with a special network of soft tissues.
The muscles, their tendons, which hold the knee together, are directed both to the side of the thigh and to the side of the lower leg. On the thigh side there is a thin muscle plus a large adductor, as well as the biceps femoris, semitendinosus and semimembranosus. The strongest muscle of the articular structure of the knee is the quadriceps, on the other hand, it is divided into 4 muscle heads: rectus, wide lateral, wide middle + wide intermediate muscle. The creation of the knee joint also includes the sartorian, slender, adductor, femoral biceps, semitendinosus + semimembranous, as well as the triceps and popliteal muscles of the leg. Their combined plexus creates stability, mobility and mobility of the lower limbs.
Attention!Forced violation of the gender integrity of the joint such as rupture, stroke, inflammation, destruction, or infection lead to the development of pain syndrome with limited motor function.
Within the articular genus, i. e. , the internal space of the joint consists of supraspinous cartilage tissue, cruciate ligament, meniscus, synovial bursa. The blood supply and innervation of the knee joints is carried out through many complex plexuses. The sciatic, peroneal, tibial plus peroneal nerves are responsible for the sensitivity of the anterior and middle knee. The posterior part provides sensitivity to the tibial nerve with its branches.
Plexuses from nerves and vessels (pulp and non-pulp nerve fibers) enter the meniscus along its peripheral part of the cartilaginous plate and within it. With meniscus trauma, an acute pain syndrome develops because the menisci are quite sensitive. As dystrophic processes develop in the articulation genus, the pain increases and becomes permanent, and the organ itself loses its functionality plus the ability to move.
Risk factors and alarming symptoms
Knee pain develops as a result of several risk factors that include specific conditions related to the general condition of the body, lifestyle, plus harmful environmental factors. The risk group for pathologies of the articular sex associated with pain consists of people with:
- genetic abnormalities;
- abnormalities in the development of cartilage and connective tissue;
- patients with pathologies of the central nervous system and peripheral nervous system;
- neurodysfunctional functions;
- overweight II, III - IV degree;
- endocrine gland diseases (thyrotoxicosis, hypothyroidism, diabetes mellitus, acromegaly, renal dysfunction);
- kidney and liver pathologies (pyelonephritis, renal failure, urolithiasis, hepatitis B + C);
- allergic reactions to a variety of agents;
- bronchial asthma;
- reactive pathologies of the immune system.
An alarming symptom of knee joint structure pathology is an appealing sound during biomechanical actions such as flexion, extension, or rotation. This symptom indicates destruction of the joint, i. e. a violation of metabolic processes, erosion of the supraspinous cartilage plate from the distal parts of the bone, plus thickening of the joint capsules with low production of synovial fluid. Excessive stress on the knee joints or the constant motor exploitation of the lower limbs gradually destroy the absorbent structure of the moving organs, leading to destructive processes.
The causes leading to gonarthrosis or pain in the knee joints can be divided into three major groups, namely:
- Infectious and inflammatory type.
- Traumatic origin.
- Degenerative-dystrophic causes.
Gonarthrosis (inflammatory-destructive arthrosis) affects 65-70% of patients, out of the total number of patients suffering from joint pathologies. Rheumatoid arthritis ranks second after osteoarthritis and arthritis. The mechanism of pain development starts from the moment of damage to the periosteal cartilage tissue, ligament plexus, accumulation of fluid in the intra-articular space with leakage in the area of adjacent tissue, as well as due to a decrease in synovial lubrication, bone fragments, cartilage tissue, meniscus or other post-traumatic body. Acute pain occurs after the nerve plexus is compressed as a result of disproportionate physical injury or strain.
Inflammatory causes
Most often, inflammation of the sex of the joint (unilateral or bilateral) begins as a result of heavy physical exertion, as well as against the background of other pathologies that lead to the deposition of salts in the joints or flushing of the cartilage Ca +. The latter is the cause of the inflammatory process in the joints of the lower extremities.
Diseases of an inflammatory nature, symptoms:
| Inflammation of the ligament and muscle plexus of the knee joints (tendonitis) | The pathology occurs at a young age (16 - 28 years), as well as in physically active patients aged 30-45 years. Athletes often get sick. The pain is acute, with variable exacerbations. With inflammation recession, it becomes painful. At rest, the foot does not hurt, the slightest movement generates a sharp pain that increases rapidly. Motor function is partially or completely limited, it all depends on the degree of inflammation. |
| Knee arthritis | Inflammation of the genus articuldtio occurs suddenly after trauma, intoxication. The joint increases in volume, the skin is hyperemic and edematous. The pain syndrome is strong. Motor paralysis occurs. A microbial infection may be involved in the process. After removing the cause, the pain disappears and the functionality of the knee is restored. |
| Genus Bursitis articulatio | The list of causes is identical to arthritis. The clinical picture is completely similar to inflammation of the knee joints. Method of treatment: medication + surgical (puncture in the bag, stress during suppuration / destruction). |
| Inflammation of certain muscle groups of the genus articuldtio or myositis | Intense sports or long hikes lead to muscle soreness. A large accumulation of lactic acid in muscle tissue causes an inflammatory reaction in the muscles of the limbs and especially the knee joints. The volume of the motor organ increases visually. Upon touch, muscle compression is felt, the patient reacts to the acute pain by trying to remove the doctor's hand. The general condition of the patient is satisfactory, in some cases the temperature rises locally over the affected tissues and is common throughout the body (up to 38-39 degrees). After drug therapy, the pain disappears, the joint regains its previous shape + functionality. |
Elimination of the source of pathology through medication or surgical treatment, the functional ability of the knee joint is restored, and the acute or painful pain disappears completely. If the inflammatory process has attracted wider areas and the depth of the wound is large enough, then motor function can be partially restored. In some cases, joint surgical restoration is performed.
Traumatic causes
Any damage of a mechanical nature can lead to gonarthrosis. Contusions, compressions, fractures of the knee bones, open or closed injuries, as well as meniscus rupture plus bursitis, ligament rupture, soft tissue contusion are included in the list of traumatic causes. Chemical and physical exposure can also lead to knee pain. This group of causes includes burns, intoxication with toxic substances.
Causes of a degenerative-dystrophic nature
There are several factors that can cause the mechanism of degenerative-dystrophic destruction with partial or irreversible processes in the knees, namely: continuous physical activity with heavy lifting, excessive sports, injuries of any etiology. And also a sedentary lifestyle with improper diet, stressful situations. And finally: the aging of the human body with the disruption of the normal functioning of all systems and organs.
Pathologies that cause degeneration and destruction of the knee joint:
- Arthritis.
- Osteoarthritis.
- Sclerotherapy of muscles, ligaments, ligaments, bursae.
- Many osteophytes that replace cartilage plaque.
- Meniscopathy.
- Metabolic disease.
- Hormonal system dysfunction.
- Intoxication of the body with heavy metals.
Instead of abraded cartilage, bare areas appear, i. e. the bare bone, which, when the joint moves, creates unbearable pain in the knee. After a certain period of time, pointed osteophytes develop in this area. Gradual deformation of the joint with gonarthrosis leads to a change in the anatomical configuration of the articular structure and to partial or complete paralysis of the motor function of the knee (or knees). Symptoms of devastating gonarthrosis are acute pain and persistent crushing of the knee with soft tissue swelling.
Advice!Gonarthrosis of a degenerative-destructive type is not treated with folk remedies or a scheme of drugs invented individually, but only permanently under the strict guidance of doctors. Self-treatment will lead to eternal disability!
Diagnosis of pathology and first aid
The final diagnosis of pathology is performed in stationary conditions. Through laboratory and instrumental studies, the causes of pain and the limitation of knee biomechanics are determined. They approach the diagnosis individually, because each case of the disease has its own source + mechanism of development, therefore, not all patients are suitable for the same studies.
List of diagnostic measures:
- Taking general and biochemical blood tests.
- General urine test (if you suspect pyelonephritis and urolithiasis, other urine tests are recommended).
- Perform tests to identify rheumatoid factor.
- X-rays of the knee in three projections.
- CT plus MRI of the genus articuldtio in order to identify the degree of damage to the bones, cartilage, ligament-muscular apparatus.
Patients with gonarthrosis of unknown etiology are advised to consult the following physicians: traumatologist, arthrologist, rheumatologist and endocrinologist. If there is a suspicion of a malignant process in the joints, the patient is referred to an oncologist.
First aid for acute pain in the knee joints is provided at home or when injured. Before the arrival of an ambulance, the node must be stationary, i. e. adjusted with a glove. Further, an intramuscular injection with an analgesic drug plus one of the non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs is recommended. A cold compress should be placed on the inflamed joint and in no case heat or vasodilation. If the injury is open bleeding, put on a tunic above the knee to stop the bleeding.
Diseases of other organs as a cause of knee pain
Pain and impaired functional movements of the knee joints are not only the result of inflammation, arthritis / arthritis or trauma, but a complication of concomitant pathologies. After a full course of medical therapy, the pain can subside or disappear completely, it all depends on the remission of somatic diseases.
List of diseases of organs and systems leading to pain in the articular structures of the knee:
- Hepatitis B, C
- Thyrotoxicosis
- Hypothyroidism
- dIABETES
- Urolithiasis disease
- Bronchial asthma
- Crohn's disease
- Blood disease
- Stroke
Anamnesis, laboratory and instrumental studies help to determine the cause. Each pathology has its own treatment regimen. She is appointed by a doctor after receiving the research results.
Varieties of pain
Pain in the defeat of the knee joints is completely different, depending on the cause, localization, soft tissue retraction and microbial infection, as well as the degree of destruction of the joint. By the nature of painful sensations can be: sharp, stitches, pain. From the localization: from the inside, outside, front, back of the knee joints, as well as above and below the patella. By type of spread: the pain is strictly localized or radiates to the thighs or lower leg. By duration: temporary, permanent, variable.
How to get rid of knee pain
Before starting therapeutic therapy, the exact cause of the pathology is discovered, once they discover the source, they begin to eliminate it and stabilize the general condition. Therapy consists of a complex of drug treatment, physiotherapy (according to medical indications), exercise therapy, massage plus time-tested folk remedies.
Medicines
All the forces of treatment aim at eliminating the cause of the pain, then treating the underlying disease. In parallel, you can use medicines in the form of oils, gels, local compresses. In the first days of acute pain, intravenous or intramuscular administration of medication is recommended. After landing, you can switch to oral administration.
The complex of therapeutic measures consists of:
- Relieve pain of affected joints.
- Eliminate knee inflammation.
- Restoration measures of a biomechanical nature, namely the motor function of the articular sex.
- Treatment of pathology leading to knee pain (treatment regimen is prescribed by the attending physician or highly specialized specialists such as an endocrinologist, hepatologist, allergist, rheumatologist, arthrologist, oncologist).
- Increased body resistance.
- Normalization of metabolism.
- Hepatoprotectors.
- Restoration of the periosteal cartilage layer and normalization of synovial fluid production (use of the latest generation of chondroprotectors, vitamins B and C, D).
Attention!Obese patients are advised to lose those extra pounds through special diets prescribed by a dietitian. All people, without exception, should reduce the load on the lower extremities, working in a gentle way.
Therapeutic gymnastics and massage
Continuous passive movements of the diseased joint and massage of the inflamed organs of movement in 1-1, 5 months will restore the function of the lower extremities. The group of exercises is chosen by the exercise therapy doctor. Massage is done locally only on the ankles or of a general nature. The use of warming, anti-inflammatory or analgesic oils will improve blood circulation and metabolism. The course of massage procedures depends on the speed of recovery of the organs. Plus, a special diet applies to these activities, excluding fried, fatty, sweet, sour. The nutritionist adjusts the menu by adding gelatin-rich dishes in the form of fractional meals. All procedures in the complex in a course of treatment will eliminate the pain and paralysis of the knee joints.
Folk remedies
Grandmother techniques in the form of folk recipes can be used in parallel with drug therapy. All funds are negotiated with the attending physician and applied directly to the affected node. The effect of folk remedies is aimed at eliminating pain + edema, as well as warming, which in turn improves blood supply, nervousness, intense sore knee food.
Folk remedies:
- Herbal baths: celandine, chamomile, mint, wormwood + ginseng root. The ingredients are taken in a spoon, poured boiling water in the amount of 1 liter, then boiled for 2-3 minutes. At a tolerable temperature, a foot bath is performed.
- Compress baking soda: one tablespoon of baking soda per 1 liter of boiling water. After abundant lubrication of the knee with a fortified cream, a compress is applied overnight.
- Compress moonlight and grated potatoes: half a kilo of grated potatoes + 0. 5 moonlight. It is recommended to keep an hour. Repeat 3-4 times a week until the pain and swelling disappear.
- Honey rub: honey 200g + 100ml vodka + 200g grated horseradish. It is insisted on one day. The injured joints are rubbed 2-5 times a day.
Patients with an increased reaction to certain herbs or substances should refrain from traditional medicine.
Prophylaxis
For preventive purposes, in order for the lower limbs to be healthy until old age, it is recommended to adjust the nutritious diet, to be careful when moving, to exclude injuries, to play sports constantly, to swim and to walk more often in the fresh air. . People over the age of 45 are advised to adjust the hormonal background of sex hormones, plus eat foods rich in gelatin. Spa treatments are recommended for all patients with musculoskeletal problems. Once every six months, undergo an examination by the attending physician.
Pain in the knee joints occurs spontaneously, is the result of increased consumption of the articular structure, which leads to irreversible consequences. The reasons for the development of pathologies can be somatic diseases and pathologies of the locomotor system itself. Timely treatment will help to avoid consequences.