Failure of any part of the locomotor organs, especially the knees, leads to disturbances in the movement and balance of the body. Pain during the 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 various factors. The severity of the pain syndrome, as well as its duration, varies depending on the depth of the lesion, the etiology, and the pathogenesis of the pathology.
Painful feelings and specific crunch most often occur after physical exertion, trauma or in the background of chronic somatic pathologies. After medical therapy and removal of the main cause, which is the source of the pathology, the restrictions of pain and movement disappear. Otherwise, the prognosis is not reassuring: complete or partial paralysis of the musculoskeletal system can lead to lifelong disability.
What can harm?
The anatomical design of the knee joint has its own characteristics, which respond to pain with each change. The knee joint includes the 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 the conditions for ideal biomechanics, stable balance of the body in a horizontal position, as well as safe movement with articular shock absorption. The bones are strengthened by a special plexus of soft tissues.
The muscles, their tendons, which hold the knee joint together, are directed both on the side of the thigh and on the side of the lower leg. On 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 structure of the knee is the quadriceps, in turn it is divided into 4 muscle heads: rectus, lateral broad, middle broad + middle broad muscle. Sartorian, thin, adductor, biceps femoral, semitendinosus + sememembranous, as well as triceps leg and popliteal muscle are also involved in the formation of the knee joint. Their combined plexus creates strength, mobility and mobility of the lower limbs.
Attention!Forcible violation of the integrity of the articulatory genus such as rupture, shock, inflammation, destruction, or infection leads to the development of pain syndrome with limited motor function.
Within the genus articulatio, that is, the inner space of the joint consists of supraspinous cartilaginous tissue, cruciate ligament, meniscus, synovial bursa. The blood supply and innervation of the knee joint is done through many complex plexuses. The sciatic, peroneal, tibial, and peroneal nerves are responsible for the sensitivity of the anterior and medial knee. The posterior part of its branches provides sensitivity to the tibial nerve.
Plexuses from nerves and vessels (pulp and non-pulp nerve fibers) enter the meniscus along its peripheral part of the cartilaginous plate and inside it. Traumatization of the meniscus develops an acute pain syndrome, because the menisci are quite sensitive. As dystrophic processes develop in the articulatory 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 that include special conditions related to the general condition of the body, lifestyle, as well as harmful environmental factors. The risk group for pathologies of the genus articulation accompanied by pain are people with:
- genetic abnormalities;
- anomalies in the development of cartilage and connective tissue;
- patients with pathologies of the central and peripheral nervous system;
- neurodysfunctions;
- obesity II, III - IV degree;
- endocrine gland diseases (thyrotoxicosis, hypothyroidism, diabetes mellitus, acromegaly, adrenal gland dysfunction);
- kidney and liver pathologies (pyelonephritis, renal failure, urolithiasis, hepatitis B + C);
- allergic reactions to various agents;
- bronchial asthma;
- reactive pathologies of the immune system.
An alarming symptom of pathology of the knee joint structure is a crunchy sound during biomechanical actions such as flexion, extension or rotation. This symptom indicates destruction of the joint, ie violation of metabolic processes, abrasion of the supraspinatus cartilage plate from the distal parts of the bone, plus thickening of the joint capsules with scarce production of synovial fluid. Excess weight with excessive stress on the knee joints or constant motor utilization of the lower extremities gradually destroys the structure of the locomotor organs that absorbs the impact, leading to destructive processes.
The causes that lead to gonarthrosis or pain in the knee joints can be divided into three major groups, as follows:
- 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 begins from the moment of damage to the cartilaginous periosteal tissue, ligament plexus, accumulation of fluid in the intraarticular space with leakage into the adjacent tissues, as well as due to reduced synovial lubrication, pieces of bone, cartilage, meniscus or other posttraumatic body. Acute pain occurs after compression of the nerve plexus as a result of injury or disproportionate physical exertion.
Causes of inflammation
The most common inflammation of the genus of articulation (unilateral or bilateral) begins as a result of heavy physical effort, as well as in the background of other pathologies that lead to salt deposition in the joints or leaching of Ca + cartilage. The latter is the trigger for the inflammatory process in the joints of the lower extremities.
Inflammatory diseases, symptoms:
| Inflammation of the ligament plexus and muscles of the knee joint (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 various exacerbations. With the recession of inflammation it becomes painful. At rest, the leg does not hurt, and the slightest movement creates 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 joint. Method of treatment: medication + surgical (puncture of the sac, stress during suppuration / destruction). |
| Inflammation of certain muscle groups of the genus articuldtio or myositis | Intense sports or long walks lead to muscle soreness. A large accumulation of lactic acid in the muscle tissue causes an inflammatory reaction in the muscles of the limbs, and especially in the knee joints. The volume of the motor organ is visually increased. Palpation feels muscle contraction, the patient responds to acute pain by trying to remove the doctor's arm. 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 returns to its previous shape + functionality. |
By removing the source of the pathology with medication or surgical treatment, the functional ability of the knee joint is restored, and the acute or painful pain completely disappears. If the inflammatory process has attracted more extensive areas and if the depth of the lesion is quite large, then motor function can be partially restored. In some cases, surgical restoration of the joint is performed.
Traumatic causes
Any mechanical injury 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 contusions 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 degenerative-dystrophic nature
There are several factors that can trigger the mechanism of degenerative-dystrophic destruction with partial or irreversible processes in the knees, and these are: constant 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, bursa.
- Many osteophytes replace cartilage plate.
- Meniscopathy.
- Metabolic disease.
- Hormonal system dysfunction.
- Intoxication of the organism with heavy metals.
Instead of worn-out cartilage, bare zones appear, ie 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 deformation of the joint with gonarthrosis leads to a change in the anatomical configuration of the joint 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 crunch of the knee with swelling of the soft tissues.
Tip!Gonarthrosis of the degenerative-destructive type is not treated with folk remedies or a drug scheme invented individually, but only permanently under the strict guidance of a doctor. Self-treatment will lead to lifelong disability!
Pathology diagnosis and first aid
The final diagnosis of pathology is made in stationary conditions. The causes of pain and limitations of knee biomechanics are determined through laboratory and instrumental studies. Diagnoses are approached individually, because each case of morbidity has its source + developmental mechanism, so not all patients are suitable for the same studies.
List of diagnostic measures:
- Taking general and biochemical blood tests.
- General urine analysis (if pyelonephritis and urolithiasis are suspected, other urine tests are recommended).
- Performing tests to identify rheumatoid factor.
- X-ray of the knee in three projections.
- CT plus MRI of the genus articuldtio in order to determine the degree of damage to the bones, cartilage, and ligament-muscle 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 ambulance arrives, the joint must be immobilized or fixed with a splint. Further, intramuscular injection of an analgesic drug and one of the nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs is recommended. A cold compress should be applied to the inflamed joint, in no case warming or vasodilating. If the injury is open bleeding, place a wedge 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, arthrosis / arthritis or trauma, but are a complication of concomitant pathologies. After a full course of medical therapy, the pain may subside or disappear completely, it all depends on the remission of somatic diseases.
List of diseases of organs and systems that lead to pain in the joint structures of the knee:
- Hepatitis B, C
- Thyrotoxicosis
- Hypothyroidism
- Diabetes
- Urolithiasis disease
- Bronchial asthma
- crown disease
- Blood diseases
- Strike
History, laboratory and instrumental studies help determine the cause. Each pathology has its own treatment regimen. She is appointed by a doctor after receiving the results of the research.
Types of pain
Pain in the defeat of the knee joints is completely different, depending on the cause, localization, soft tissue attractiveness and microbial infection, as well as the degree of destruction of the joint. By nature, painful sensations can be: sharp, stitching, pain. By localization: on the inner, outer, front, back of the knee joint, as well as above and below the patella. By type of spread: the pain is strictly localized or radiates to the thigh or lower leg. By duration: temporary, permanent, variable.
How to get rid of knee pain
Before starting the therapeutic therapy, the exact cause of the pathology is found out, after discovering the source, they begin to remove it and stabilize the general condition. The therapy consists of a complex of drug treatment, physiotherapy (according to medical indications), exercise therapy, massage and time-tested folk remedies.
Medications
All the forces of healing are focused on eliminating the cause of the pain and then on treating the underlying disease. In parallel, you can use medications in the form of ointments, gels, topical compresses. In the early days of acute pain, it is recommended to give the drug intravenously or intramuscularly. After giving way, you can switch to oral administration.
The complex of therapeutic measures consists of:
- Relieving pain in affected joints.
- Eliminate knee inflammation.
- Restorative measures of biomechanical nature, ie motor functions of the genus articulatio.
- Treatment of pathology leading to knee pain (treatment regimen is prescribed by a doctor or highly specialized specialists such as endocrinologist, hepatologist, allergist, rheumatologist, arthrologist, oncologist).
- Increasing body resistance.
- Normalization of metabolism.
- Hepatoprotectors.
- Restoration of the cartilaginous periosteal layer and normalization of synovial fluid production (use of the latest generation chondroprotectors, vitamins B and C, D).
Attention!Obese patients are advised to lose extra pounds with a special diet prescribed by a dietitian. All people, without exception, should 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 the movement for 1-1, 5 months will restore the function of the lower extremities. The set of exercises is chosen by the exercise physician. The massage is done locally only on the ankles 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. In addition, 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 remedies are negotiated with the treating physician and applied topically directly to 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 a sore knee.
Popular folk remedies:
- Herbal baths: celandine, chamomile, mint, wormwood + ginseng root. The ingredients are taken on a spoon, poured boiling water in an amount of 1 liter, then boiled for 2-3 minutes. A foot bath is performed at a tolerable temperature.
- Baking soda wrap: a tablespoon of baking soda for 1 liter of boiling water. After copiously lubricating the knees with a fortified cream, a compress is applied overnight.
- Moonlight and grated potato wrap: half a kilo of grated potatoes + 0, 5 moonlight. It is recommended to keep for an hour. It is repeated 3-4 times a week until the pain and swelling disappear.
- Rubbing honey: honey 200g + 100ml vodka + 200g grated horseradish. It insists on one day. Painful 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 diet, be careful when moving, excluding injuries, constantly do sports, swim and walk more often in the fresh air. People over the age of 45 are advised to adjust their hormonal background to sex hormones, plus to eat foods rich in gelatin. Spa treatments are recommended for all patients with musculoskeletal problems. Have a doctor's examination once every six months.
Pain in the knee joints occurs spontaneously, is the result of increased wear of the joint structure, which leads to irreversible consequences. Reasons for the development of pathologies can be both somatic diseases and pathologies of the locomotor system itself. Timely treatment will help avoid the consequences.