Knee pain is a common problem among people of all ages. Knee pain can be due to a sports injury, a work-related injury, or an existing medical condition. The knee is comprised of many intricate parts, including cartilage, bone, tendons, ligaments, and fluid. The injury or irritation of even one can lead to relentless pain and even limit physical activity.
Knee Osteoarthritis
Knee osteoarthritis is a common degenerative joint disease affecting millions worldwide. It involves the gradual breakdown of cartilage in the knee joint, causing pain, stiffness, and reduced mobility. This condition can severely impact daily activities and overall quality of life.
Quadriceps Tendonitis
Quadriceps tendonitis is an overuse injury caused by stress, malalignment, and repetitive strain on the knee joint. It leads to pain above the knee, swelling, and quadriceps weakness. Common in runners, footballers, and volleyball players, it results from prolonged impact and excessive knee movement over time.
Chondromalacia Patella
Chondromalacia Patella, or “runner’s knee,” occurs when the cartilage beneath the kneecap deteriorates and softens, causing pain and inflammation. Symptoms worsen during activities like running, squatting, or climbing stairs, which put excessive pressure on the knee joint and aggravate discomfort.
Iliotibial Band Syndrome
Iliotibial Band Syndrome (ITBS) is a repetitive strain injury that causes pain on the outer knee, especially when descending stairs or hills. It primarily affects runners but can also impact cyclists, hikers, and post-surgery patients. ITBS is stubborn and persistent, often requiring targeted treatment and rehabilitation.
Knee Bursitis
Knee bursitis is the inflammation of small fluid-filled sacs (bursae) near the knee joint, which help reduce friction and cushion pressure points between bones, tendons, muscles, and skin. When these bursae become inflamed, they can cause pain, swelling, tenderness, and restricted mobility, significantly impacting daily activities and movement.
Knee Tendonitis
Patellar tendonitis is the inflammation of the tendon connecting the kneecap to the shinbone, resulting from repetitive stress and overuse. Common in athletes, particularly volleyball and basketball players, it is often referred to as "Jumper’s Knee." The condition causes pain, tendon weakness, and inflammation due to tiny tendon tears developing over time.
MCL & LCL Tear
The Medial Collateral Ligament (MCL) and Lateral Collateral Ligament (LCL) are essential for knee stability and support. They work alongside the Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL) and Posterior Cruciate Ligament (PCL) to provide structural integrity and control knee movement.
ACL & PCL Tear
The Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL) and Posterior Cruciate Ligament (PCL) cross each other, forming an X to stabilize the knee during movement. They are two of the four major knee ligaments, alongside the Medial Collateral Ligament (MCL) and Lateral Collateral Ligament (LCL).
Meniscal Tear
Meniscus tears are common knee injuries. While meniscectomy was once standard, it often caused instability and degeneration. Now, Comprehensive Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) with Prolotherapy is a preferred non-surgical treatment for meniscal injuries without surgical indications.
Arthritis
Arthritis is a term used to describe inflammation of the joints. This inflammation can cause pain, swelling, and reduced motion in the affected joints. While arthritis is commonly associated with older adults, it can affect people of all ages, including children.