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, more lateral internal rotation, rotation, lifting and lowering) can occur in 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 crunches 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, the pain and limitations of movement disappear. Otherwise, the prognosis is not reassuring: complete or partial paralysis of the organ of movement can lead to permanent disability.
What can it hurt?
The anatomical design of the knee joint has its own characteristics, which, with each change, respond with pain. The knee joint comprises 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 the conditions for an ideal biomechanics, a stable balance of the body in a horizontal position, as well as a 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. On the side of the thigh there is a thin muscle plus a large adductor, as well as the hamstring, semitendinosus and semimembranosus. The most powerful muscle in the joint structure of the knee is the quadriceps, which in turn is divided into 4 muscle heads: rectum, lateral broad, medial broad + intermediate broad. Also involved in the creation of the knee joint are the sartorial, lean, adductor, hamstring, semitendinosus + semimembranous muscle, as well as the triceps muscle of the leg and the popliteal muscle. Their combined plexus creates firmness, mobility and mobility of the lower limbs.
Warning!Forced violation of the integrity of the joint 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 internal space of the joint consists of supraspinatus cartilage tissue, cruciate ligament, menisci, synovial bursa. The blood supply and innervation of the knee joint are carried out through many complex plexuses. The sciatic, peroneal, tibial, and peroneal nerves are responsible for the sensitivity of the anterior and medial knee. The back provides sensitivity to the tibial nerve with its branches.
The plexuses of nerves and vessels (pulp and non-pulp nerve fibers) enter the menisci along its peripheral part of the cartilage plate and inside it. With traumatization of the menisci, an acute pain syndrome develops, because the menisci are quite sensitive. As dystrophic processes develop in the genus of the joint, the pain grows and becomes permanent, and the organ itself loses its functionality and ability to move.
Risk factors and alarming symptoms
Knee pain develops due to certain risk factors involving special conditions associated with the general condition of the body, lifestyle and harmful environmental factors. The risk group for diseases of the articulatio genus accompanied by pain is made up of people with:
- genetic abnormalities;
- abnormalities in the development of cartilage and connective tissue;
- patients with diseases of the central nervous system and peripheral nervous system;
- neurodisfunctions;
- 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 the pathology of the knee joint structure is a creak 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 cartilage plate from the distal portions of the bones, as well as thickening of the joint capsules with poor production of synovial fluid. Overweight with excessive stress on the knee joints or constant motor exploitation of the lower limbs gradually destroy the shock-absorbing structure of the locomotor organs, leading to destructive processes.
The causes leading to gonarthrosis or knee joint pain 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 of patients suffering from joint pathologies. Rheumatoid arthritis ranks second after osteoarthritis and arthritis. The mechanism of pain development begins from the moment of damage to the cartilage periosteal tissue, ligamentous plexus, accumulation of fluid in the intra-articular space with loss in the area of adjacent tissues, as well as due to a decrease in synovial lubrication, piecesof bone, cartilage, meniscus, or other post-traumatic body. Acute pain occurs after the nerve plexus has been pinched as a result of an injury or disproportionate physical exertion.
Inflammatory causes
Most often, inflammation of the genus articulatio (unilateral or bilateral) begins as a result of intense physical exertion, as well as against the background of other pathologies that lead to the deposition of salts in the joints or the leaching of Ca + cartilage. The latter is the trigger of the inflammatory process in the joints of the lower limbs.
Diseases of an inflammatory nature, symptoms:
| Inflammation of the ligamentous plexus and muscles of the knee joint (tendonitis) | Pathology occurs at a young age (16 - 28 years), as well as in physically active patients at the age of 30-45. Athletes often get sick. The pain is acute, with variable exacerbations. With the recession of the inflammation, it becomes sore. At rest the leg does not hurt, the slightest movement generates 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 appears. A microbial infection can be involved in the process. After removing the cause, the pain subsides and knee function 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: drug + surgical (puncture of the bursa, stress during suppuration / destruction). |
| Inflammation of some muscle groups of the genus articuldtio or myositis | Intense sports or long hikes lead to muscle aches. A large accumulation of lactic acid in 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. 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 on the affected tissues and is common throughout the body (up to 38-39 degrees). After drug therapy, the pain disappears, the joint regains its former shape + function. |
By eliminating the source of the pathology through drugs or surgical treatments, the functional capacity of the knee joint is restored, and acute or aching pain disappears completely. If the inflammatory process has attracted larger areas, and 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 injury of a mechanical nature can lead to gonarthrosis. Bruises, compressions, knee bone fractures, open or closed injuries, as well as meniscus rupture plus bursitis, ligament rupture, 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 sport, 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.
Disorders that cause degeneration and destruction of the knee joint:
- Arthritis.
- Arthrosis.
- Sclerotherapy of muscles, ligaments, ligaments, bags.
- Many osteophytes replace cartilage plaque.
- Meniscopathy.
- Metabolic disease.
- Hormonal system dysfunction.
- Intoxication of the body with heavy metals.
In place of abraded cartilage, bare areas appear, that is, bare bone, which, when the joint moves, creates unbearable pain in the knee. After some time, pointed osteophytes develop in this area. Gradual deformation of the joint with gonarthrosis leads to a change in the anatomical configuration of the joint structure and partial or complete paralysis of the motor function of the knee (or knees). Symptoms of destructive knee osteoarthritis are sharp pain and constant crunching of the knee with swelling of the soft tissues.
Advice!Degenerative-destructive gonarthrosis is not treated with folk remedies or an individually invented drug scheme, but only permanently under the strict guidance of doctors. Self-treatment will lead to permanent disability!
Pathology diagnostics and first aid
The final diagnosis of pathology is carried out in stationary conditions. The causes of pain and limitation of the biomechanics of the knees are determined through laboratory and instrumental studies. They approach the diagnosis individually, because each case of morbidity has its source + mechanism of development, so not all patients are suitable for the same studies.
List of diagnostic measures:
- Taking general and biochemical blood tests.
- General urinalysis (if pyelonephritis and urolithiasis are suspected, other urinalysis is recommended).
- Performing tests to identify rheumatoid factor.
- Knee radiographs in three projections.
- CT plus MRI of the joint genus to identify the degree of damage to bones, cartilages, ligamentous-muscular apparatus.
Patients with gonarthrosis of unknown etiology are advised to consult the following doctors: traumatologist, arthrologist, rheumatologist and endocrinologist. If a malignant process in the joints is suspected, the patient is referred to an oncologist.
First aid for acute knee joint pain is provided at home or in the event of an injury. Before the arrival of an ambulance, the joint must be immobilized, that is, fixed with a splint. In addition, 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 a warmer or vasodilator. If the wound is open bleeding, apply a tourniquet above the knee to stop the bleeding.
Diseases of other organs, such as the cause of knee pain
Pain and impaired functional movements of the knee joints are not only the result of inflammation, osteoarthritis / arthritis or trauma, but a complication of concomitant pathologies. After a full course of medical therapy, pain can decrease or disappear completely, it all depends on the remission of somatic diseases.
The 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
- Crohn's disease
- Blood disease
- strokes
Medical 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 research results.
Variety of pain
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 the degree of destruction of the joint. By the nature of the painful sensations it can be: acute, stitched, aching. By localization: from the inside, from the outside, from the front, back of the knee joint, as well as above and below the patella. By type of spread: Pain is narrowly localized or radiated 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), physical therapy, massage and time-tested folk remedies.
Drug
All the forces of treatment are aimed at eliminating the cause of the pain, then at treating the underlying disease. In parallel, you can use medicines in the form of ointments, gels, local compresses. In the first days of acute pain, it is recommended to administer the drug intravenously or intramuscularly. After the decrease, you can move on to oral administration.
The complex of therapeutic measures consists of:
- Pain relief in the affected joints.
- Eliminates inflammation of the knee.
- Biomechanical reparative interventions, ie the motor function of the genus articulatio.
- Treatment of pathology leading to pain in the knees (the treatment regimen is prescribed by the attending physician or by highly specialized specialists such as endocrinologist, hepatologist, allergist, rheumatologist, arthrologist, oncologist).
- Increase the resistance of the body.
- Normalization of metabolism.
- Hepatoprotectors.
- Restoration of the cartilaginous periosteal layer and normalization of the production of synovial fluid (use of the latest generation chondroprotectors, vitamins B and C, D).
Warning!Obese patients are advised to lose those extra pounds through special diets prescribed by a dietician. All people, without exception, must reduce the load on the lower limbs, working gently.
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 limbs. The set of exercises is chosen by the physical therapy doctor. The massage is carried out locally only on the joints of the legs or of a general nature. Using warming, anti-inflammatory or analgesic ointments will improve blood circulation and metabolism. The course of massage procedures depends on the speed of recovery of the organs. In addition, a special diet is applied to these activities, excluding fried, fatty, sweet, sour. The nutritionist adjusts the menu by adding jelly-rich dishes in the form of split meals. All procedures in the complex in one course of treatment will eliminate 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, intensely nourishing the aching knee.
Folk remedies:
- Herbal baths: celandine, chamomile, mint, wormwood + ginseng root. The ingredients are taken on a spoon, poured with boiling water in the amount of 1 liter, then fermented for 2-3 minutes. At a tolerable temperature, a foot bath is performed.
- Baking soda pack: One tablespoon of baking soda per 1 liter of boiling water. After abundant lubrication of the knee with a fortified cream, a compress is applied overnight.
- Moonshine and grated potato tablet: half a kilo of grated potatoes + 0, 5 moonshine. It is recommended to keep one hour. It is repeated 3-4 times a week until the pain and swelling go away.
- Honey rub: 200 g of honey + 100 ml of vodka + 200 g of 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 traveling, excluding injuries, constantly play sports, swim and walk more often in the fresh air. People over 45 are advised to regulate the hormonal background of sex hormones, as well as 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 of the joint structure, which leads to irreversible consequences. The reasons for the development of pathologies can be both somatic diseases and pathologies of the musculoskeletal system itself. Timely treatment will help avoid the consequences.