Do you suffer from knee pain?

Knee pain is quite common and affects people of all ages. This could be a result of an injury such as a ruptured ligament or medical conditions including arthritis and infections which can also cause knee pain. The location of the knee pain can vary depending on which structure is involved. For instance, with infection, the whole knee might be swollen and painful, while a torn meniscus or a fracture of a bone gives symptoms only in one specific location.

The signs and symptoms that sometimes accompany knee pain include:

• Weakness or instability
• Crunching or popping noises
• Inability to straighten the knee
• Swelling and stiffness
• Redness and warmth to touch

There are several factors that can increase one's risk of having knee problems, including:

• Being overweight or obese can increase stress on the knee joints
• Lack of strength and flexibility can cause knee injuries
• Certain sports where there is greater stress on the knees such as basketball jumps
• Having a previous injury makes it more likely that one will injure his knee again

Here are a few self-care measures for an injured knee:

• Take a break from your normal activities to reduce repetitive strain on your knee
• Use ice packs as it reduces both pain and inflammation
• Elevate your leg by using a pillow to help reduce swelling

The following suggestions may help prevent injuries and joint deterioration:

• Maintain a healthy weight
• Include flexibility exercises in your workouts as tight muscles can contribute to injury
• Make sure you're in shape to play a sport by preparing your muscles for the demands of sports participation

Contact your doctor if you:

• Are unable to fully extend or flex your knee
• See an obvious deformity on your knee or leg
• Are unable to bear the weight on your knee
• Have a fever, redness, pain and swelling in your knee