Knee Pain Symptoms, Causes, Treatment

 
Knee Pain Symptoms, Causes, Treatment 

Knee Pain Definition

Knee pain refers to soreness, discomfort and aching sensation around the knee joint. As we know that, knee joint is a complex structure that connects the thigh bone (femur) to the shinbone (tibia) and is also supported by other bones, tendons, ligaments and muscles. Knee pain can vary in intensity, location, duration and it may affect one or both knees.

 

Knee Pain Symptoms

Pain

The intensity and location of the pain may differ based on the structure tendons ligaments and cartilage of the affected knee.

Swelling

Inflammation in the knee joint can cause giving the knee a puffy, swelling and enlarged appearance.

Stiffness

Knee pain often leads to stiffness into joint making it difficult to fully bend or straighten the knee. This can result in decreasing the activities involving the movement of legs.

Limited Function

Knee pain can badly impact daily activities and functional movement such as walking, standing, squatting and getting up from chair.  

Redness and warmth

Inflammatory conditions or infections affecting the knee joint can cause redness and warmth over the effected area.

 

Knee Pain - Causes

Acute injuries

Usually, the result of sudden trauma or accidents, such as strains, sprains tendons and tear in the ligaments.

Overuse injuries

Repeated stress or strain on the knee joint due to running, jumping. 

Arthritis

Osteoarthritis is the most common form of arthritis, occurs when the protective cartilage in the knee joint wears down over the time. Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disease that can also affect the knee joint.  

Tendonitis

Inflammation of the tendons that attached muscles to the knee can cause pain and discomfort. The patellar tendon (connecting the kneecap to the shinbone) and the quadriceps tendon (connecting the quadriceps muscles to the kneecap) are commonly effected.

Dislocation or kneecap problems

The kneecap (Patella) can become dislocated, causing intense pain and imbalance.   

Deficiency of Minerals and Vitamins mainly of

Ex- vit B6, vit B12, vit C, vit D3, Vitamin E, Phosphorus, Magnesium, Zinc and    Calcium. 

Lack of exercise

Physical activities help to lubricate the joints and maintain their mobility. Without regular exercise the knee joint may become stiff, weak, less flexibility leading to pain and difficulty in performing everyday activities.

Overweight

Overweight can put additional stress on the knee join, the excess weight increases the load on the knee which is leading to pain and increase wear/tear on the knee joint.  

Knee Pain Diagnosis

X- ray

MRI

Electromyography (EMG)

CT scan

It is important to consult with healthcare professional for above mentioned reports.

 

 

Treatment for Knee Pain

 

Yoga Therapy

Yoga therapy can be beneficial for managing knee pain. Yoga practice promoting flexibility, strength and stability in the knee joint. Here are some general yoga practices for knee pain.    

ü Setubandh Asana

ü Balaasana

ü Warrior pose with support

ü Quadriceps Stretch

ü Chair pose with support

ü Tree pose with support

 

Weight management

Weight management is an essential aspect of managing knee pain, because excess weight puts additional stress on the knee joint.

Please click the below link for diet pattern:-  

https://healthwellnessadhikari.blogspot.com/2023/06/alkaline-dietdiet-chart.html

Follow Anti- inflammatory foods such as vegetable, salad, fruits etc.

Avoid Inflammatory foods like Trans-fat, Refined Sugar and Processed food.

 

 

Acupressure

Acupressure therapy release endorphins which are the natural pain-relieving chemicals in the body. By applying pressure to specific points around the knee may help to reduce pain and discomfort. Acupressure techniques can enhance blood circulation, relaxation, relieve pain and improve overall well-being.

Naturopathy treatment

Naturopathy is a form of alternative medicine that focuses on natural remedies and treatments to support the body's ability to heal itself.

Ø Hydrotherapy (Hot and cold fomentation)

This involves the use of water in various forms, such as warm or cold compresses, baths or wraps to alleviate knee pain and reduce inflammation.

Ø Mud Therapy

Mud therapy is a form of naturopathic treatment that uses mud to apply to specific areas of the body to alleviate pain and promote healing. Mud therapy is believed to have various therapeutic effects due to its mineral content and ability to retain temperature. A thick layer of medicinal mud is applied directly to the affected knee area. The mud is typically mixed with water to create a paste and then spread over the knee joint. Mud has the ability to retain heat, which can help improve blood circulation in the affected area. The increased blood flow may aid in reducing inflammation and providing relief from pain. The minerals present in the mud, such as silica, magnesium, and calcium, may have anti-inflammatory effects, which can be beneficial for knee pain caused by inflammation.

It's important to note that mud therapy should be administered by a trained naturopathic professional to ensure the right type of mud is used and that the treatment is safe and effective.

 

Potli massage

Potli massage is a traditional therapy that involves the use of heated herbal pouches (potli) to massage the body and alleviate various ailments, including knee pain. The herbal pouches are typically made with a combination of medicinal herbs, spices, and natural ingredients that have therapeutic properties. The warmth from the pouches and the herbal ingredients can help improve blood circulation, reduce inflammation, relax muscles, and provide relief from knee pain.

 

Physiotherapy

Physiotherapy is a highly effective and widely used treatment approach for knee pain. It involves the use of physical techniques and exercises to manage pain, improve joint function, and promote overall mobility. The physiotherapist will prescribe targeted exercises to strengthen the muscles around the knee joint. Strengthening these muscles can help stabilize the knee, support proper alignment, and reduce stress on the joint.

 

Manual therapy

Manual therapy can be a beneficial approach for managing knee pain, especially when it is caused by musculoskeletal issues or certain conditions. Manual therapy involves hands-on techniques performed by a skilled healthcare provider to assess, diagnose, and treat the affected area. It aims to improve joint mobility, reduce pain, and enhance function.

 

Cupping Therapy

Cupping therapy is an ancient practice that involves placing special cups on the skin to create suction. The suction is created either by heating the air inside the cup or using a handheld pump. Cupping is believed to promote blood flow, reduce inflammation, and relieve muscle tension, which may provide temporary relief for knee pain in some cases. However, it's essential to note that the scientific evidence supporting the effectiveness of cupping therapy for knee pain is limited and mixed.

 

Electric stimulation

Electric stimulation, also known as electrotherapy, is a therapeutic process that uses electrical currents to stimulate nerves and muscles in the body. Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation (TENS) is a non-invasive technique that involves applying electrodes to the skin around the knee. The device delivers low-level electrical currents that can help reduce pain by blocking pain signals from reaching the brain and stimulating the release of endorphins, which are the body's natural painkillers.

 

Note:- These treatments reduce the pain, inflammation, decrease muscle spasms and improve the blood circulation at affected area. 

 

It is important to have a comprehensive treatment so that we can manage / cure the problem.  

Note:- Please follow all treatment under expert supervision/healthcare professional.   

 

Thanks ,

Dr. Ramesh Adhikari  

E-mail  dr.adhikariyoga@gmail.com

Website  www.dradhikariyoga.in

[Ph.D. (Yoga), MD Acupressure, NDDY, UGC-NET, QCI, Food and Nutrition]