Your knee is the largest joint in the body and must withstand your entire weight. The knee joint serves as a hinge between the thigh bone (femur) and the top of the shinbone (tibia). The kneecap (patella) on the front side transmits the traction force of the strong thigh muscle to the tibia, allowing the knee to stretch. The knee has a complex system of tendons, muscles, and ligaments to aid movement. Because of this, and because of the great forces that occur during activities such as jumping or running, the knee joint is quite vulnerable to injuries.
CONDITIONS OF THE KNEE
Patellar Tendonitis (Jumper’s Knee) - A condition that arises when the tendon and the tissues that surround it, become inflamed and irritated. Typically caused by overuse, especially from activities which include jumping, hence, the name “Jumper’s Knee.” It can occur in any sport. Usually the pain is concentrated at a single point below the kneecap (patella).
Chondromalacia Patella Syndrome (Runner’s Knee) – A condition where the cartilage on the under surface of the kneecap (patella) deteriorates and softens. It is common among young, athletic individuals, but may also occur in older adults with arthritis, previous injury, obesity, or malformation of the patella alignment.
Osgood-Schlatter Disease – An inflammation of the area just below the knee where the tendon from the kneecap (patellar tendon) attaches to the shinbone (tibia). It is a common cause of knee pain in growing adolescents. Pain at the top of the shin may last for several weeks or even months.
Ligament Tears – Complete or partial tears of the Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL), Lateral Collateral Ligament (LCL), Medial Collateral Ligament (MCL) or Posterior Cruciate Ligament (PCL).
Knee Strain – A mild injury to tissue or structures, such as tendons in the knee.
Knee Sprain – A moderate injury to tissue or structures, such as ligaments in the knee.
Bursitis – An inflammation of the bursae (fluid filled sacs that cushion the bones, tendons and ligaments) caused by an injury or overuse. These sacs can enlarge with extra fluid, resulting in joint pain, tenderness and swelling as they push against the inner tissues.
Degenerative Joint Disease – The most common disease of the knee joint, considered to progress naturally with age. The cushioning cartilage, covering the joint surface, is slowly destroyed with age. As bones rub against one another this causes inflammation, pain and stiffness. Advanced arthritis leads to the deformation of the underlying bone.
Dislocation (Patellar Subluxation) – Occurs when the kneecap (patella) partly moves out of place. This occurs due to the kneecap being pushed too hard, or the quadriceps, retinacula, or patellar tendon being pulled too hard.
Meniscal Injuries – The result of abnormal stresses caused during twisting injuries of the knee that result in strain/tears of the meniscal tissues. The inner (medial) meniscus is much more affected than the outer meniscus (lateral).
The information provided is for educational purposes only and not intended for self-diagnosis or treatment. Always consult a physician or health care professional to obtain an accurate diagnosis and when encountering persistent pain, discomfort, inflammation or swelling.
The medical content provided was developed and summarised by medical professionals on behalf of Essity T/A BSN medical and is based on the most current available orthopaedic knowledge.
