Development and treatment of knee joint complaints

Author Krisztina Tatai | 2019.05.06.

When do we talk about knee joint pain?

The knee is one of the largest, weight-bearing joints, which can easily become overloaded, painful and lead to knee joint problems. The knee comprises two separate joints, so it is important to isolate the exact location of the pain. One of these units is where the kneecap meets the femur, and the other is the large area between the thigh and tibia, which can be divided into several parts.

In this light, there can be pain:

• Below and around the kneecap
• Deep inside the region between the leg and the thigh bones
• At the outer or inner edge of the knee joint space or
• At the back, at the knee

If you have knee joint problems, you should see a knee specialist if

• You have a complaint that has been present for a few days and may be getting worse
• A reduction in the range of motion of the knee joint
• You notice pain:
• During a long session or when standing up
• For loads such as climbing stairs
• Experience sharp, stabbing, dull, pressing pain in any situation

If you have pain at night or at rest, swelling, fluid retention or redness and warmth of the skin, consult a specialist immediately.

What are the signs and causes of knee osteoarthritis?

This is a so-called sterile inflammation, which means that there is no open wound around the knee joint to allow pathogens to enter, but the process takes place „behind closed doors”, without direct external influence. If you experience a combination of the following symptoms, inflammation is likely:

• Night/rest pain
• Swelling, effusion
• Blush
• Warmth
• Loss of work

Knee joint inflammation can usually develop in response to excessive, repetitive strain/load:

• Overweight
• A longer than usual hike
• More stairs, squats
• Improperly adjusted bicycle
• Jumping, etc. can cause

Inflammation can also be caused by autoimmune or metabolic diseases, which can include inflammation of the knee joint: most commonly rheumatoid arthritis and gout.

What is the healing process?

Once the desired range is found, targeted muscle strengthening can be applied, followed by tuning to the daily demands of the function, sport or hobby. This is when the core muscles come into play and the pursuit of total symmetry. If the muscles that support your trunk are in tune and in proportion with the muscles of your limbs, you can be sure that your body will be fine in the future. However, if there is some trunk muscle imbalance/weakness and asymmetry, the recovery is not yet complete, no matter how painful the knee joint may be.

The combination of rest, icing and lubrication usually only provides temporary pain relief, so in all the above cases it is worth consulting a specialist to treat knee joint complaints.

We believe that free, pain-free and enjoyable exercise is for everyone!

The first and most important thing to do before treatment is to identify the cause of the knee joint complaints. Finding that:

• What might have caused your pain
• What could have led to your joints being overworked or complaining
• What biomechanical, structural or metabolic changes have occurred in your body

A thorough interview is followed by a physical examination, and imaging and laboratory tests are performed if necessary. Once an accurate diagnosis is made, treatment can begin.

Recovery is a real team effort. The patient is the number one protagonist in the healing process, as only with his or her active participation can lasting results be achieved. However, another important player is diagnosing doctor and assisting in the treatment physiotherapist, masseur and you can start reducing your pain. Depending on the diagnosis, this may initially be medication or physical therapy (physiotherapy, manual therapy, soft tissue treatment, etc.), surgery if necessary. Once your symptoms have been alleviated, you can proceed with restoring range of motion to the joint.