What is a Joint Pain?Any condition, which is caused to the Joint- naturally, or accidentally- from any disease or injury that can limit our movement and leads to aching Joints is termed as Joint Pain.What is Knee Pain?Knee Pain: It is a common problem among people that originates in any of the skeletal structures like Knee Joint, kneecap, ligaments and cartilages of the knee. Knee Pain can be localized or diffused throughout the knee.
What are the conditions, which causes Joint Jain?
Various conditions like arthritis, gout, strains, sprains, tears and musculoskeletal injuries from the past may result in Joint Pain. Ageing is another factor that leads to Joint Pain as a result of the degenerative changes.
Types of Knee and Joint problems causing knee Pain:
Osteoarthritis: Most common form of Knee Pain among the older age group. Now being observed irrespective of age as well. It’s a condition that results from the breakdown of Joint cartilage and the underlying bone.
Sprains and Strains: while playing, lifting any weights, twisting while walking, wearing all day high heels, could result in sprains and strains.
Knee Dislocation: This is a rare case that may result from a blow on the joint, accident or a sudden twist while playing, running etc. Knee dislocation has chances of tearing ligaments or muscles along.
Which injuries can cause continuous pain?
- Ligament tear injury: Painful injury accompanied by redness and swelling. It may get worse on bending the knee or putting any pressure or weight.
- Meniscus Tear injury: Common injury for sports players but sometimes seen in aged adults also because of degeneration. Generally, swelling and warm sensation inside the knee joint is felt.
- Knee and joint problems can have following symptoms; generally the symptoms are traceable early but in rare cases the symptoms could be delayed.
a) Gradual increase in pain
b) Swelling or morning stiffness in the joint making it difficult to bend
c) Pain aggravation during any activity like walking, climbing stairs, running
d) Aching or sore legs due to buckling or locking of the knee joint
e) Limping or walking with support
f) Pain In knee or leg extension
First Aid Tips:
a) For fresh injuries, apply ice pack for 10-20 minutes & pain relieving ointment
b) Change the current posture or allow the joint to take rest if under constant stress
c) Crack bandage can help in reducing the swelling immediately after the injury
d) Keep the knee in an elevated position
e) Avoid smoking as it slows down the healing process by decreased blood supply and delays tissue repair
Living and Managing:
Since it is a common problem and starts from an early age, one needs to understand the lifestyle modifications for managing the same. It is difficult to prevent, however, a few preventive measures can be taken to reduce the chances of injury or further damage.
(These are some general recommendations and the specific advice may vary depending on the specific condition. Please consult your doctor for further advice.)
a) Regular exercise
b) Prefer cycling over running
c) Prefer swimming over the gym
d) Wear soft and cushioned soles
e) Shifting body weight in prolonged standing posture
f) Avoid sitting with crossed legs for longer durations
g) Avoid climbing stairs if diagnosed with osteoarthritis
