Failure of any part of the locomotor organs, especially the knees, leads to disruption of movement and balance of the body. Pain during movement of the knee joint (during flexion, extension, inward plus lateral rotation, rotation, lifting and lowering) can occur under different circumstances and under the influence of different factors. The strength of the pain syndrome, as well as its duration, differs depending on the depth of the lesion, etiology and pathogenesis of the pathology.
Painful sensations and specific crunching most often occur after physical exertion, trauma or against the background of chronic somatic pathologies. After carrying out medical therapy and eliminating the main cause, which is the source of the pathology, pain and movement restrictions disappear. Otherwise, the prognosis is not reassuring: complete or partial paralysis of the organ of movement can lead to lifelong disability.
What can hurt?
The anatomical design of the knee joint has its own characteristics, which respond to pain with any change. The knee joint includes a bony structure of the femur and tibia plus the patella. The marginal shape of each bone is equipped with condyles, their thickened shape and a certain relief create conditions for ideal biomechanics, stable body balance in a horizontal position, as well as safe movement with joint shock absorption. The bones are reinforced with a special soft tissue plexus.
The muscles, their tendons, which 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 adductor, as well as the biceps femoris, semitendinosus and semimembranosus. The most powerful muscle of the articular knee structure is the quadriceps, in turn, it is divided into 4 muscle heads: rectus, lateral broad, medial broad + intermediate broad muscle. The sartorial, thin, adductor, biceps femoral, semitendinosus + semimembranous, as well as the triceps muscle of the leg and popliteal are also involved in the creation of the knee joint. Their combined plexus creates firmness, mobility and mobility of the lower limbs.
Attention!Forced violation of the integrity of the articulation genus such as rupture, shock, inflammation, destruction or infection lead to the development of pain syndrome with limited motor function.
Inside the articulatio genus, that is, the inner space of the joint consists of the supraspinous cartilage tissue, the cruciate ligament, menisci, and the synovial bag. The blood supply and innervation of the knee joint is carried out through many complex plexuses. The sciatic, peroneal, tibial plus peroneal nerves are responsible for the sensitivity of the anterior and medial 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 menisci along its peripheral part of the cartilaginous plate and inside it. With traumatization of the menisci, an acute pain syndrome develops, because the menisci are quite sensitive. As the dystrophic processes develop in the articulation genus, the pain grows 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 certain risk factors involving special conditions associated with the general condition of the body, lifestyle, plus harmful environmental factors. The risk group for pathologies of the articulatio genus accompanied by pain is composed of people with:
- genetic abnormalities;
- anomalies in the development of cartilage and connective tissue;
- patients with pathologies of the central nervous system and peripheral nervous system;
- neurodysfunctions;
- obesity II, III - IV degree;
- 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;
- bronchial asthma;
- reactive pathologies of the immune system.
An alarming symptom of pathology of the knee articular structure is a crunching sound during biomechanical actions such as flexion, extension or rotation. This symptom indicates the destruction of the joint, that is, a violation of metabolic processes, abrasion of the supraspinous cartilaginous plate from the distal portions of the bones, plus thickening of the joint capsules with scanty production of synovial fluid. Overweight with excessive stress on the knee joints or constant motor exploitation of the lower extremities gradually destroy the shock-absorbing structure of the locomotor organs, leading to destructive processes.
The causes leading to gonarthrosis or pain in the knee joints can be divided into three large 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 arthrosis and arthritis. The mechanism of pain development begins from the moment of damage to the cartilaginous periosteal tissue, ligamentous plexus, accumulation of fluid in the intra-articular space with leakage into the area of adjacent tissues, as well as due to a decrease in synovial lubrication, pieces of bones, cartilage tissue, meniscus or other post-traumaticbody. Acute pain appears after the nerve plexus is pinched as a consequence of injury or disproportionate physical exertion.
Inflammatory causes
Most often, inflammation of the articulatio genus (unilateral or bilateral) begins as a result of heavy physical exertion, as well as against the background of other pathologies leading to the deposition of salts in the joints or leaching of Ca + cartilage. The latter is the trigger for the inflammatory process in the joints of the lower extremities.
Diseases of an inflammatory nature, symptoms:
| Inflammation of the ligament plexus and muscles of the knee joint (tendonitis) | Pathology occurs at a young age (16 - 28 years old), as well as in physically active patients at the age of 30-45 years. Athletes often get sick. The pain is acute, with variable exacerbations. With the recession of inflammation, it becomes aching. At rest, the leg does not hurt, the slightest movement generates a sharp pain that rapidly increases. Motor function is partially or completely limited, it all depends on the degree of inflammation. |
| Knee arthritis | Inflammation of the articuldtio genus occurs suddenly after trauma, intoxication. The joint increases in volume, the skin is hyperemic and edematous. The pain syndrome is strong. Motor paralysis appears. A microbial infection may be involved in the process. After removing the cause, the pain disappears and the knee's functionality is restored. |
| Bursitis articulatio genus | The list of causes is identical to arthritis. The clinical picture is completely similar to inflammation of the knee joint. Method of treatment: medication + surgical (puncture of the bag, stress during suppuration / destruction). |
| Inflammation of certain muscle groups of the articuldtio genus 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 is visually increased. On palpation, muscle compaction is felt, the patient reacts to 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. |
Eliminating the source of pathology through medication or surgical treatment, the functional ability of the knee joint is restored, and acute or aching pain disappears completely. If the inflammatory process has attracted more extensive areas and the depth of the lesion is quite large, then the motor function can be partially restored. In some cases, surgical restoration of the joint is performed.
Traumatic causes
Any injury of a mechanical nature can lead to gonarthrosis. Contusions, compressions, fractures of the knee bones, open or closed injuries, as well as rupture of the meniscus plus bursitis, rupture of ligaments, 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 trigger the mechanism of degenerative-dystrophic destruction with partial or irreversible processes in the knees, namely: constant physical activity with heavy lifting, excessive sports, injuries of any etiology. And also a sedentary lifestyle with improper diet, stressful situations. And finally: aging of the human body with disruption of the normal functioning of all systems and organs.
Pathologies causing degeneration and destruction of the knee joint:
- Arthritis.
- Arthrosis.
- Sclerotherapy of muscles, ligaments, ligaments, bursae.
- Many osteophytes replacing the cartilaginous plate.
- Meniscopathy.
- Metabolic disease.
- Dysfunction of the hormonal system.
- Intoxication of the body with heavy metals.
In place of the abraded cartilage, bare zones appear, that is, bare bone, which, when the joint moves, creates unbearable pain in the knee. After a certain period of time, pointed osteophytes develop in this zone. Gradual deformity 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 destructive gonarthrosis are acute pain and constant crunching of the knee with swelling of soft tissues.
Advice!Gonarthrosis of a degenerative-destructive type is not treated with folk remedies or a drug scheme invented individually, but only permanently under the strict guidance of doctors. Self-treatment will lead to lifelong disability!
Diagnostics of pathology and first aid
The final diagnosis of pathology is carried out in stationary conditions. Through laboratory and instrumental studies, the causes of pain and limitation of the biomechanics of the knees are determined. They approach the diagnosis individually, because each case of morbidity has its own source + development mechanism, therefore, not all patients are suitable for the same studies.
List of diagnostic measures:
- Taking general and biochemical blood tests.
- General urine analysis (if you suspect pyelonephritis and urolithiasis, other urine tests are recommended).
- Performing tests to identify rheumatoid factor.
- X-rays of the knee in three projections.
- CT plus MRI of the articuldtio genus in order to identify the degree of damage to bones, cartilage, ligamentous-muscular apparatus.
Patients with gonarthrosis of unknown etiology are recommended to consult the following doctors: 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 joint must be immobilized, that is, fixed with a splint. 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 warming or vasodilating. If the injury is open bleeding, apply a tourniquet above the knee to stop the bleeding.
Diseases of other organs, as the cause of pain in the knee
Pain and impaired functional movements of the knee joints are not only the result of inflammation, arthrosis / arthritis or trauma, but a complication of concomitant pathologies. After a full course of medical therapy, pain may subside or disappear altogether, it all depends on the remission of somatic diseases.
The list of diseases of organs and systems leading to pain in the knee articular structures:
- Hepatitis B, C
- Thyrotoxicosis
- Hypothyroidism
- Diabetes
- Urolithiasis disease
- Bronchial asthma
- Crohn's disease
- Blood disease
- Strokes
Anamnesis, laboratory plus instrumental studies help to determine the cause. Each pathology has its own treatment regimen. She is appointed by a doctor after receiving research results.
Varieties of pain
The pain in the defeat of the knee joints is completely different, it depends on the cause, localization, attraction of soft tissues and microbial infection, as well as on the degree of destruction of the joint. By the nature of painful sensations can be: sharp, stitching, aching. By localization: from the inner, outer, front, back of the knee joint, as well as above and below the patella. By type of spread: pain is strictly localized or radiating to the thigh 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 found out, after finding out 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.
Medication
All the forces of treatment are aimed at eliminating the cause of pain, then at treating the underlying disease. In parallel, you can use medicines in the form of ointments, gels, local compresses. In the early days of acute pain, it is recommended to administer the medication intravenously or intramuscularly. After subsiding, you can switch to oral administration.
The complex of therapeutic measures consists of:
- Pain relief of the affected joints.
- Eliminate knee inflammation.
- Restorative measures of a biomechanical nature, that is, the motor function of the articulatio genus.
- Treatment of pathology leading to pain in the knees (the treatment regimen is prescribed by the attending physician or highly specialized specialists such as an endocrinologist, hepatologist, allergist, rheumatologist, arthrologist, oncologist).
- Increasing the body's resistance.
- Normalization of metabolism.
- Hepatoprotectors.
- Restoration of the cartilaginous periosteal layer and normalization of the production of synovial fluid (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, need to reduce the load on the lower extremities, working in a gentle mode.
Therapeutic gymnastics and massage
Constant 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 set of exercises is chosen by the exercise therapy doctor. The massage is done locally only on the joints of the legs or of a general nature. The use of warming, anti-inflammatory or analgesic ointments will improve blood circulation and metabolism. The course of massage procedures depends on the speed of organ recovery. Plus, a special diet is applied 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 one course of treatment will eradicate pain and paralysis of the knee joints.
Folk remedies
Grandma's techniques in the form of folk recipes can be used in parallel with drug therapy. All funds are negotiated with the attending physician and are applied locally directly on the affected joint. The effect of folk remedies is aimed at eliminating pain + edema, as well as warming, which in turn improves blood supply, innervation, intensively nourishing the sore knee.
Popular folk remedies:
- Herbal baths: celandine, chamomile, mint, wormwood + ginseng root. Ingredients are taken on a spoon, poured with boiling water in the amount of 1 liter, then brewed for 2-3 minutes. At a tolerable temperature, a foot bath is performed.
- Compress of baking soda: a spoonful of baking soda for 1 liter of boiling water. After abundant lubrication of the knee with a fortified cream, a compress is applied overnight.
- Compress of moonshine and grated potatoes: half a kilo of grated 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 grated horseradish. It is insisted for a day. Sore 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, so that the lower limbs are healthy until old age, it is recommended to adjust the nutritional diet, be careful when moving, excluding injuries, constantly play sports, swimming, and often walk in the fresh air. People who have stepped over 45 years old are advised to adjust the hormonal background of sex hormones, plus to 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, it is the result of increased wear and tear of the articular structure, which leads to irreversible consequences. The reasons for the development of pathologies can be both somatic diseases and pathologies of the locomotor system itself. Timely treatment will help to avoid the consequences.