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Knee pain

Knee pain refers to pain or discomfort in or around the knee joint. Joints are sites in the body where two bones come into contact. Your knee joint links your thigh and lower leg. It’s where your thigh bone (femur) connects to your shin bone (tibia). The knee is your body’s largest joint, absorbing and supporting a significant portion of your weight as you move. This is why it is one of the most frequently damaged joints. Knee pain can be a transitory, short-term problem, but it can also be a chronic (long-term) issue that requires a healthcare expert to diagnose and treat.

Symptoms

The location and degree of knee pain can vary depending on the underlying cause. Signs and symptoms associated with knee pain include:

  • Swelling and stiffening
  • Redness and warmth on touch.
  • Weakness or instability
  • Making popping or crunching noises
  • Inability to completely straighten the knee.

Causes

The most common causes of knee pain are:

  • Overuse.
  • Arthritis.
  • Injuries.

Diagnosis

During the physical exam, your doctor will likely examine your knee for swelling, discomfort, soreness, warmth, and apparent bruises, as well as assess how far your lower leg can move in different directions. Push or tug on the joint to assess the integrity of the structures in your knee. In some cases, your doctor might suggest tests such as:

  • X-ray
  • Computerized tomography (CT) scans
  • Ultrasound.
  • Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)

Prevention

During sports and other physical activities:

  • Wear appropriate protective equipment.
  • Do not “play through the pain” if your knee hurts during or after physical activity.
  • Allow your body to rest and recover after intense activity.
  • Stretch and warm up before engaging in sports or physical activities.
  • After exercise, cool down and stretch.

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