Q: What causes a dull ache in the knee?

Conditions that cause dull knee pain include: Tendinitis - The inflammation or irritation of a tendon, a thick cord that attaches bone to muscle. Bursitis – A painful condition that affects the small, fluid-filled sacs called bursae, which cushion the tendons, bones and muscles near the joints. Chondromalacia Patella – A condition where the cartilage on the undersurface of the patella or kneecap deteriorates and softens. Gout - A painful form of inflammatory arthritis that affects the big toe and/or joints, including one or both knees. Osteoarthritis – The most common chronic joint condition. Osteoarthritis occurs most often in older people, where the cartilage, the protective tissue covering the bones, breaks down and causes the bones to rub together. Rheumatoid Arthritis – Causes joint pain, swelling, stiffness, loss of joint function and deformities.

Question 1

What kind of doctor should I see for my knee pain?

Accepted Answer

Although many patients choose to consult their family physician to investigate knee and joint pain, specialist orthopedic surgeons would be more than happy to offer consultation for knee pain. They will explain your treatment options, including surgical, advanced robotic surgery, or non-invasive options, whichever is more appropriate.

Question 2

What can cause pain in the back of the knee?

Accepted Answer

Pain in the back of the knee can be due to strain on the muscles or inflammation of the tendon (tendinitis). Unusual meniscal tears and cysts due to degeneration can also cause pain in the back of the knee joint. Injury to the ligaments or clots can cause similar symptoms.

Question 3

Is walking good for the knee?

Accepted Answer

Walking is a recommended exercise for knee pain. It should be done as much as possible without aggravating the pain. It aids in general fitness and strengthening of the muscles supporting the knee joint.

Question 4

How do you reduce fluid in the knee?

Accepted Answer

Fluid accumulation in the knee is usually due to a reaction to some pathology or injury and can cause significant discomfort and pain. In acute conditions, the fluid can be aspirated using a needle inserted in the knee joint. Injecting corticosteroid also helps reduce recurrent accumulation of fluid.

Question 5

Other than knee pain, what are the symptoms of knee injuries?

Accepted Answer

If you have suffered from any injury to the knee, symptoms include stiffness, swelling and instability. At times, you might hear popping sounds when you move due to dislocation of the kneecap (patella) or limited mobility. You may not be able to straighten out your knee due to pain.

Question 6

What is the best exercise for knee pain?

Accepted Answer

Before starting exercises for knee pain, it is advisable to take any prescribed medication 45 five minutes before you begin. Keeping a hot pack on the knee for about 20 minutes also helps reduce pain while exercising. After you finish, apply an ice pack to reduce inflammation due to exercise. Here are some simple exercises to do at home, for ten counts each, alternating with each leg:

Leg raising (lying down)

Lie flat on the floor or a yoga mat, keeping your hands by your side and feet facing upwards.
Keeping your leg straight, lift it slowly, as high as you can.
Tighten your stomach to push your back flat against the floor.
Hold and count to 5, then lower your leg as slowly as possible.
Repeat with the other leg.

Hamstring stretch (lying down)

Lie on the floor or mat with both your legs bent.
Slowly lift one leg, still bent at the knee, and bring your knee back to the chest.
Hold your hands behind your thigh and straighten your leg.
Pull your straight leg towards your head until you feel a stretch.
Hold for thirty to sixty seconds and slowly bring your leg back to the ground.
Repeat with the other leg.

Half squat

Stand with your feet shoulder-width apart, hands straight in front of you.
Slowly bend your knees until you are in a half-sitting position. Use a chair for support if needed.
Don’t lean forward, keep your back and chest straight.
Keeping your feet flat on the ground, hold for 5-10 seconds.
Repeat.

Leg stretch

Sit on the floor with your legs straight in front of you.
Keep your hands by your sides, supporting yourself, keeping your back straight.
Slowly bend your knee until you feel a stretch.
Hold your leg in that position for 5 seconds and slowly stretch out your leg, holding in that position for 5 seconds.
Repeat with the other leg.

Question 7

What can I do to relieve knee pain?

Accepted Answer

In case of severe knee pain, do not walk, exercise, or lift a heavyweight. Do a simple trick 'RICE'

R - Give your knee some Rest
I - Apply Ice
C- Wear a Compressive bandage
E - Keep your knee Elevated

This will bring instant relief from the knee pain.

Question 8

What is the home remedy for knee pain?

Accepted Answer

Home remedies for knee pain are a bunch of instructions and exercises that are not a treatment for your knee but will help control the condition.

Always be aware of your body weight. If you are overweight, then try to reduce it with dieting and mild exercises.
Massage your knee loosely. Self-massage is as good as a massage done by others.
Look for posture and support. Avoid prolonged sitting, low-height chairs or cushions, and couches you sink into. Wear supportive shoes.
Ensure physical activity to boost the health of cartilage tissue. Practice activities like cycling, walking, swimming and yoga.
Strengthen your upper leg muscles by working with a physical therapist. These muscles protect the knee joint. Strengthening these quadriceps muscles helps with many of the long-term problems with knee pain.

Question 9

How do I know if my knee pain is serious?

Accepted Answer

Knee pain is often accompanied by the following signs and symptoms:

Swelling
Stiffness
Redness
Weakness or instability
Popping or crunching noises
Inability to fully straighten the knee
Inability to bear any kind of weight
Intense pain
A joint that appears deformed

Visit a doctor and seek immediate medical attention if you are facing any of these signs.

Question 10

What does arthritis in the knee feel like?

Accepted Answer

Arthritis of the knee is inflammation of one or more of the knee joints. Arthritis in the knee causes pain, swelling and stiffness. This condition can occur in any joint but is especially common in the knee. Knee arthritis makes it extremely difficult to perform everyday activities, such as walking or climbing stairs. Arthritis in the knee is characterized by:

Gradual increase in knee pain
Swelling
Tenderness
Buckling & Locking
Cracking or popping sounds
Poor range of motion
Knee deformities
Loss of joint space

Question 11

What causes a dull ache in the knee?

Accepted Answer

Conditions that cause dull knee pain include:

Tendinitis - The inflammation or irritation of a tendon, a thick cord that attaches bone to muscle.
Bursitis – A painful condition that affects the small, fluid-filled sacs called bursae, which cushion the tendons, bones and muscles near the joints.
Chondromalacia Patella – A condition where the cartilage on the undersurface of the patella or kneecap deteriorates and softens.
Gout - A painful form of inflammatory arthritis that affects the big toe and/or joints, including one or both knees.
Osteoarthritis –The most common chronic joint condition. Osteoarthritis occurs most often in older people, where the cartilage, the protective tissue covering the bones, breaks down and causes the bones to rub together.
Rheumatoid Arthritis – Causes joint pain, swelling, stiffness, loss of joint function and deformities.

Question 12

What vitamins help with knee pain?

Accepted Answer

Supplements and home remedies for the prevention and treatment of knee pain include:

Vitamin D
Oestrogen
Glucosamine and Chondroitin Sulfate
Methylsulfonylmethane (MSM)
Turmeric
Omega 3
Ginger
S-adenosyl-L-methionine (SAMe)

Knee and Joint Pain: