The knee is an integral part of the body. It is a joint responsible for a lot of the physical activity we perform in a day. From sitting to walking to running to jumping, the knee plays a very crucial role in the body to enable locomotion. As with all other parts of the body, the knee is not indestructible; it is susceptible to injury, wear and tear with age and disease. Understanding the kinds of knee injuries can help us diagnose and cure the discomfort.

The most common cause of knee pain in young age groups is due to injuries. There are many kinds of injury to the knee, such as fractures, ACL injury (ligament tear), damaged meniscus, and inflammation in bursae(small sacs of fluid that help reduce friction while moving) patellar tendinitis. Tendinitis is the inflammation and damage in tendons. Tendons are fibrous tissue that attaches muscles to bones. Damage to the tendons in the knees can lead to a lot of discomfort.

Knee pain can lead to a lot of problems with the functioning of the body physically. Issues such as a dislocated kneecap can be very debilitating, making it very difficult for a person to move around. This occurs when the patella bone covering the top of the knee slips out of place. In bad cases, the dislocation may be visually observable. The iliotibial band syndrome can also lead to problems with movement. It occurs when muscle tissue connecting the hip to the knee gets stiff and rubs against other parts of the knee. Pain in other parts of the body can lead to an unconscious change in how you walk; this change in gait can cause more stress on the keep joint. People who experience pain in their hip and foot may develop pain in their knees as well. Different kinds of arthritis can also lead to knee pain and discomfort. This can be due to genetics, age, or developing infections.

There are certain groups of people who are at higher risk of developing knee pain; overweight individuals, people with reduced muscle flexibility and strength, particular sportspeople and people performing certain occupations that cause repeated stress on the knee, people with previous injuries are all more likely to develop problems with their knees. Thus, while looking for ways to prevent knee pain, keeping these points in mind can help. Losing weight can reduce the pound-for-pound stress out on the knee joint. Staying in good shape and maintaining good posture while performing any activities can also ensure that you utilize the knee properly, preventing complications and injury. It is important to get stronger and increase your flexibility in the body. With increased support, the body can be more stable and agile as an added advantage.

If you’re experiencing knee pain that is persistent without any particular reason, please consult a doctor. Even if you’ve just had a small fall, do consult a doctor if the problem is consistent. A medical professional can diagnose your issue using the various tools and techniques they have at their exposure. The successful investigation of the problem can help you find the right treatment form to reduce or eliminate the discomfort you’re experiencing.