KNEE PAIN
Knee pain is a common problem seen in different age groups.
In children and young adults, the most common cause of knee pain is athletic activity. This can manifest as a inflammation of the tendons around the knee such as patellar tendinitis. Various ligaments around the knee could get injured such as the ACL, PCL and meniscus. There could be a loss of cartilage of the knee joints such as osteochondritis or chondromalacia.
In middle aged persons, common causes of pain include injury as described above, rheumatoid and various post viral arthritis syndromes and in some people early arthritis.
In elderly population, osteoarthritis is the most common cause of pain in and around the knee. Other causes include back pain moving to the knee, pain because of decreased flow of blood into or from the leg.
Diagnosing the cause of knee pain is done by focused questions and a thorough examination of the knee joint.
Treatment depends on the age, the diagnosis and the presence of other co-existing illnesses such as diabetes or hypertension.
NOT ALL OSTEOARTHRITIS NEEDS KNEE REPLACEMENT
Not all osteoarthritis knees need replacing. Many people do well with medications and a regular exercise regimen, physical therapy and adequtely supported by braces.
In case, the disease does not respond to first line treatment, visco-supplementation may be considered.