Our knee is made of three bones namely lateral, medial and patelio-femoral bones. When there is injury or degeneration of bones due to any reason, it can cause knee pain. People having rheumatoid arthritis will frequently complain of knee pain and joint pain. Knee pain is the discomfort and pain observed on the knees for variety of reasons. The intensity of pain may range from mild to severe depending on the severity of the problem.
Causes :
Three major factors like aging, injury and involvement in athletic activities are the main cause for knee pain. When there is any trauma, it affects the cartilages or ligaments of the knee causing degeneration of bones or ligaments.
Knee pain is caused due to overuse of knees and restricted movement of knees. It can occur due to poor physical activity and not doing any stretching exercises. The knee has to be put to use properly for warming and cooling down so as to function well. Very often mild pain in the knees will settle down on its own or gentle massaging. Knee pain can also develop due to overweight (obesity).
For some people, the underlying health issues like arthritis (rheumatoid arthritis or osteoarthritis), bursitis (inflammation on the knee), accumulation of fluids behind the knee, any infection on the joints, knee injuries, mutilation of cartilages, torn ligaments, medial collateral injury caused to ligaments and minor injuries or sprain on the ligaments etc. In rare cases, it may occur due to the formation of tumors in the bones.
There are 4 major types of injury :-
- Ligament injury – Injury can affect the inner part of the knee called collateral ligament or the outer part or sometimes it may be within the ligaments. Depending on the extent of injury, the range of pain varies widely. The affected ligament will become tender and warm. The cruciate injury of the ligament is felt deep inside the knee, creating popping sensation.
- Meniscus Tears – The meniscus of the knee may get torn due to the rapid movements and applied forces. This type of knee pain is common in sports personalities.
- Tendinitis – Tendinitis occurs in the front portion of the knee which often happens during strain or rapid jumping or fall. For this reason patellar tendinitis is also called as “jumper’s knee”.
- Fractures – It is a severe form of trauma in the knees which occur during motorcycle accidents causing breakage of bones inside.
Pictures of Pain Behind Knee :
Images, Pics, Pictures and Photos of Pain Behind Knee
Treatment :
For mild forms of pain behind knee, avoiding physical activity and taking rest will make it better. You can also apply ice pack on the affected portion for several times. Keep the knees in elevated position and do not sit or stand on the same posture for long time. If needed, you can take ibuprofen or any other pain killer for getting relief.
If you are overweight, then try all possible methods to reduce your weight. Since the entire weight of the torso is put on the knees, it can be affected badly. Always wear proper fitting shoes and avoid using high-heeled shoes or sandals. In case, pain behind knee is caused due to bursitis, then avoid putting the affected knee on the bed; instead use a pillow between the knees to reduce pain.