If you’re a young adult who is experiencing knee pain, then you’ve come to the right place for understanding why this issue is arising. It can be incredibly worrying and bothersome when our bodies don’t feel up to par and it feels like nothing we do can help remediate the problems. From intense workouts to sitting around all day or even something as simple as walking across a room, knee pain should not be taken lightly. Take some time today to find out what could possibly be causing your discomfort so that you’re able to get back on your feet doing the activities you love in no time at all!
Why would adults have knee pain?
Knee pain can occur in adults at any age, but it is most common among young adults due to the wear and tear caused by intensive exercising, walking, running and sports activities. Knee pain can also be caused by a ligament injury, such as when there is overextension of the knee joint due to a sudden change of direction which disrupts the alignment of bones and ligaments within the joint. Knees can also be affected by conditions such as arthritis or bursitis which results in inflammation of the joint lining. Knee problems related to overweight are also increasingly being seen in young adults as they carry more weight than their bodies have been designed for. To prevent knee pain or reduce its effects, adults should ensure that their knees are supported with the right kind of footwear, limit the amount of strenuous exercise and maintain a healthy body weight.
What sports cause knee pain in adults?
Knee pain can be a major concern for adults that participate in physical activity, especially certain sports. Knee injuries occur frequently in sports such as basketball, soccer, running, tennis and even climbing stairs. These activities involve frequent explosive movements and twists of the knee joint that can cause wear and tear over time. Knee pain can be caused by various factors, such as muscle imbalances in the legs, poor form when performing exercises and sudden stops or changes in direction during an activities. If you are experiencing knee pain as an adult athlete it is important to consult with your physician to discuss possible treatments.
Knee pain causes in young adults
Patellofemoral syndrome
Patellofemoral syndrome is a common cause of knee pain in young adults. In this condition, the cartilage under the kneecap (patella), which usually acts as a cushion between the femur and the patella, becomes worn and irritated. This causes pain when the knee is bent or moved in certain directions. Common causes include trauma, overuse of muscles that surround the knee joint and structural changes of the kneecap. Patients commonly experience crepitus, tenderness, and swelling at the back of their knee when symptoms present themselves. Treatment involves physical therapy to improve strength around the knee joint as well as pain medication or injections. It is important to note that rest alone might not be enough to cure symptoms associated with patellofemoral syndrome and active management should be done with an experienced healthcare provider.
Osteoarthritis
Knee pain is a common symptom of osteoarthritis, and this painful joint disorder affects young adults as well as the elderly. It is caused by the wear-and-tear of joints over time, where the cartilage around the joint begins to break down, resulting in knee pain and stiffness. Knee osteoarthritis makes even simple activities such as walking or bending difficult to perform, and can affect an individual's physical and mental health. Many individuals start to feel knee pain at an early age due to obesity or strenuous physical activity, so it is important for young adults to take preventive measures such as maintaining a healthy weight and engaging in regular physical activity. Left untreated, however, it can worsen over time necessitating medical attention.
Injuries
Knee pain is a common complaint among young adults, especially those who are active in athletic endeavors. Knee injuries can be caused by falls, body contact with other players or objects, and improper technique during physical activity. Activities that involve jumping, changing direction quickly, and putting too much force on the knees can also lead to knee pain. Additionally, other medical conditions such as obesity and arthritis can contribute to the problem. It is important for young adults experiencing knee pain to speak with a healthcare provider about proper diagnosis and treatment options.
ACL injury
Knee pain can be a common complaint among adults due to the high impact activities they may participate in. In particular, an anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury is one of the most frequent causes of knee pain in young adults. An ACL injury is an injury to the internal ligaments of the knee that provides stability during physical activity such as running or jumping. Symptoms can range from pain, swelling, and instability in the involved knee joint. A physician should be consulted immediately if any of these symptoms arise so that proper diagnosis and treatment can be provided. Although ACL injuries cannot always be prevented, taking precautionary steps such as warming up before exercise and using proper form when participating in contact sports are important measures to reduce one's risk of developing knee pain from a more serious injury like an ACL tear.
Fractures
Knee pain is a common injury sustained by young adults today, and it can often be partially attributed to sustaining a fracture. A fracture is when the bone has either cracked or broken completely, leading to pain, swelling and stiffness in the area. Knee fractures can occur due to high impact activities such as sports or vehicle accident injuries. Treatment for a fracture would typically involve wearing a cast or splint for anywhere from 4-8 weeks, depending on the severity of the fracture. Knee pain is an uncomfortable condition that requires medical attention in order to prevent further damage; therefore any sign of distress should be taken seriously and examined as soon as possible by a professional.
View More: What Causes Muscle Cramps During Exercise And its Solution
Mechanical problems
Knee pain is a common complaint among young adults, and can be caused by mechanical problems such as muscle imbalances between the quadriceps and hamstrings. If these muscles do not properly balance each other out with adequate strength, the knee joint can experience an abnormal amount of stress and eventually lead to pain in the surrounding tissues. Other mechanical causes for knee pain in young adults include misalignments in the hip and ankle, which put extra force on the knee joint and create an uneven distribution of weight-bearing. Osteoarthritis is another more serious issue that might cause joint irritation, leading to chronic pain. It's important to get any knee issues taken care of quickly, as unresolved wear and tear on the joint could result in long-term consequences if left unchecked.
Dislocated kneecap
Knee pain is a common issue that affects young adults. One of the causes of knee pain can be a dislocated kneecap, also known as patellar dislocation. When this happens, it means that the entire kneecap has shifted out of its normal position and typically, after the first time it happens, it becomes easier for a kneecap to slip out of place again. Knee pain caused by a dislocated kneecap often comes suddenly and may be accompanied by swelling in the joint or clicking and popping sounds when you move your leg. Fortunately, with proper medical care, such as physical therapy and injections combined with rest and rehabilitation exercises, it is possible to effectively treat a dislocated kneecap in no time.
Hip or foot pain
Knee pain is a common issue for young adults, especially concerning activities like running, jumping, and going up and down stairs. Knee pain can occur due to an overuse injury or sudden traumatic injury, causing muscular imbalances in the hip region. Knee pain can also be caused by an instability, tightness or muscle weakness in the leg, hip or foot area. Overuse injuries are usually a result of repetitive movements such as running, while traumatic injuries may be received during sports activities where there is a lot of contact and jumping. Oftentimes, knee pain will cause referred pains that affect the hip or foot area. It's important to take measures to relax stiff muscles and restore proper joint motion in order to reduce knee pain symptoms. If you experience any type of abnormality for longer than two weeks it is recommended that you seek out medical advice so that you can identify and treat the underlying problem properly.
What are the symptoms of knee pain in adults?
Knee pain is a common complaint amongst adults, and the symptoms can vary greatly depending on the cause. The most common symptom of knee pain is a dull ache or stiffness that increases with activity, although for some individuals it may be sudden and sharp. Individuals may also experience tenderness, swelling, or reduced range of motion in the affected area. Some may even report feeling popping or catching sensations during movement, which are often indicative of joint laxity. Ultimately, all of these can be signs that something may be wrong with your knee and it is important to get it checked out by a medical professional in order to treat any underlying causes properly.
How is knee pain in adults diagnosed?
Knee pain in adults can have a multitude of causes, from common issues like arthritis to rare conditions such as ligament tears. A medical professional can help you determine the cause of your knee pain by carefully assessing your symptoms and performing an examination. X-rays may also be used to look for inflammation and any damage to the joint. An ultrasound scan or Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) can provide detailed images of the muscles, tendons, ligaments and bones within the knee, helping to identify signs of wear or tear that could be causing discomfort. Ultimately, diagnosing knee pain often requires a combination of patient history, physical assessment and imaging techniques - each providing key pieces of information needed to effectively diagnose the source of your pain.
How is knee pain in adults treated?
Knee pain in adults is typically treated with physical therapy and exercise to strengthen the knee. Physical therapy exercises can help to increase the range of motion, flexibility, and reduce inflammation. Pain medications such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen may be prescribed in order to reduce pain sensation. Additionally, steroidal injections may be given directly into a knee joint to reduce local inflammation. Surgery is usually reserved for severe cases of pain or injury, such as meniscal tears or tendon ruptures. Knee surgery can be minimally invasive through arthroscopy and can also involve joint reconstruction or total joint replacement depending on the severity of the injury or condition. Whatever treatment approach is taken, it is important to talk to an orthopedic doctor about any concerning knee pain so that it can be addressed early.
Please book an appointment with the best Orthopedic Surgeon in Lahore, Karachi, Islamabad, and all major cities of Pakistan through InstaCare, or call our helpline at 02137136090 to find a verified doctor for your disease.
Source: https://instacare.pk/blog/knee-pain-causes-in-young-adults
