Knee pain, treatment: Focus Fizikal, Belgrade✓

Knee pain is one of the most common issues that can significantly impact a person's daily life and overall functionality. The knee joint, which connects the femur, the lower leg, and the patella, is essential for leg movement and stability. Given its crucial role in activities such as walking, running, and climbing stairs, the knee is particularly vulnerable to a variety of injuries and conditions.

Knee pain can arise from numerous sources, including injuries caused by impact, falls, or strain, as well as degenerative diseases like osteoarthritis. Depending on the underlying cause and severity, the pain may be mild and intermittent, or it can become chronic, leading to serious disruptions in normal activities. This may result in limited mobility, difficulty walking, and even an inability to complete everyday tasks.

Pain in the knee can manifest itself in different ways, depending on the cause, the severity of the injury or disease, as well as the duration of the symptoms. Individuals can experience different forms of pain and discomfort, and symptoms can range from mild, occasional pain to pronounced, chronic complaints that significantly affect daily activities. These symptoms can vary in intensity, and most often occur in combination with swelling, reduced mobility and changes in knee function. It is important to pay attention to specific symptoms in order to timely diagnose the cause and begin adequate treatment.

• Feeling of pain in the knee: One of the most common symptoms of knee pain is a direct feeling of pain, which can be constant or occur occasionally, depending on the activity. The pain can be localized in the front of the knee, on the side, or on the back of the joint, and is usually worse during or after physical activities, such as walking, climbing stairs, or bending the knee.
• Swelling and inflammation: Swelling is a common consequence of injuries or inflammatory conditions in the knee. This condition occurs when fluid builds up in the joint, causing swelling, which can limit movement and cause pain when touching or moving the knee. Swelling is often accompanied by redness and warmth, which indicates inflammation.
• Reduced mobility and stiffness: Due to pain and swelling, knee mobility can be significantly reduced. People with knee pain may notice difficulty bending or straightening the leg, and sometimes a feeling of stiffness or discomfort occurs when changing position. This stiffness can be temporary or chronic, depending on the cause.
• Clicks, popping or instability: Patients with knee pain often feel characteristic clicking, popping or even movement in the joint during movement. These sounds can be a sign of damage to the meniscus, ligaments or other structures in the knee. In some cases, the knee may seem unstable or "give out", which can make it difficult to walk or perform certain activities.
• Pain when climbing stairs or standing up from a sitting position: One of the specific symptoms of knee pain is increased pain when climbing stairs or standing up from a sitting position. These movements require additional pressure on the knee, which can cause pain, especially if there is damage to joint structures or an inflammatory process.
• Increased pain during physical activity: Physical activities such as running, contact sports or even long walks can cause increased pain in the knee. Activities that involve jumping, speeding up, or suddenly changing direction can make symptoms worse, while rest can relieve the pain.
• Temperature and redness around the knee: In case of inflammation, the knee may become red and warm to the touch. This symptom often accompanies an infection, injury, or condition such as bursitis or arthritis. Increased temperature and redness indicate an active inflammatory process in the joint, which can be a sign of a more serious problem.

Timely recognition of knee pain symptoms is essential for effective treatment and prevention of more serious problems. If the symptoms last for a long time or worsen, it is recommended to consult a specialist doctor in order to determine the cause and undertake appropriate treatment.

• Injuries
• Arthritis
• Overload
• Infection or systemic diseases 

Knee pain can arise from various causes, including injuries, degenerative diseases, infections, and other medical conditions. Each of these causes affects different structures of the knee joint, such as bones, ligaments, tendons, menisci, and surrounding tissues. Understanding the potential causes of knee pain is crucial for achieving an accurate diagnosis and selecting appropriate treatment.

• Knee Injuries: Common injuries include ligament damage, particularly to the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL), and meniscus injuries. These injuries typically result in acute pain, swelling, and reduced mobility.
• Osteoarthritis:This degenerative condition leads to the gradual wear of cartilage in the knee, causing pain, stiffness, and limited mobility, especially in older adults or those who are overweight.
• Rheumatoid Arthritis: As an autoimmune disease, rheumatoid arthritis causes joint inflammation, including in the knees. This condition can result in pain, redness, and decreased functionality, particularly in young and middle-aged adults.
• Bursitis: Inflammation of the bursa, which is a fluid-filled sac in the knee, can produce pain, swelling, and a sensation of heat. This often occurs due to overuse or repetitive movements, such as those seen in athletes.
• Tendinitis: This condition involves inflammation of the tendons, notably the patellar tendon (commonly known as jumper's knee). It can cause pain when bending and extending the knee and frequently affects athletes who perform repetitive motions.
• Gout: Gout occurs when uric acid crystallizes in the joints, resulting in severe pain and swelling, often affecting the knee.
• Infection: Although less common, a knee infection can lead to intense pain, redness, swelling, and fever, and it requires prompt medical treatment.
• Overuse: Repetitive movements, excessive physical exertion, or prolonged standing can result in knee pain, particularly in individuals with weak muscles or poor posture.

Understanding the underlying cause of knee pain is essential for proper diagnosis and for determining the most effective treatment, which may include rest, physical therapy, medication, or even surgical intervention.

The treatment of knee pain varies based on the underlying cause, the severity of symptoms, and the specific circumstances of each patient. Treatment approaches can either be conservative or surgical, with the primary goals being to relieve pain, enhance mobility, and prevent further damage.

Conservative Treatment:

• Rest: The initial step in managing knee pain is to limit activities that may exacerbate the condition. Rest helps alleviate the stress on the injured knee and supports recovery.
• Ice Therapy: Applying ice to the injured knee reduces inflammation, pain, and swelling. It is advisable to apply ice for 15-20 minutes several times a day, especially during the first few days following the injury.
• Nonsteroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs): Medications like ibuprofen can help decrease pain and inflammation, facilitatin easier movement and a quicker return to daily activities.
• Physical Therapy: Specialized exercises guided by a physiotherapist can strengthen the muscles surrounding the knee, improve flexibility and joint stability, alleviate pain, and increase the range of motion.

Surgical Treatment:

When conservative methods fail to yield the desired results or when significant damage is present, surgical options may be necessary:

• Arthroscopy: This minimally invasive procedure involves using a small camera to examine the interior of the knee, allowing the surgeon to repair damaged portions of the meniscus or other joint structures.
• Meniscus Resection: If the meniscus is severely damaged, the surgeon may choose to remove a part of it, which can help reduce pain and enhance knee function.

Meniscus Transplant: In cases where the meniscus is completely destroyed, a donor meniscus transplant may be performed. This procedure is rare but can be particularly effective in younger p atients.

Prevention of Knee  Injuries:

While it may not be possible to fully prevent injuries, there are several strategies to minimize the risk:

• Regular Exercise: Strengthening the muscles around the knee can help reduce joint stress and lower the likelihood of injuries.
• Correct Technique: Using proper techniques in sports and exercises, along with avoiding excessive loads, can diminish the risk of injuries.
• Maintaining a Healthy Body Weight: Excess body weight increases pressure on the knees, which can enhance the risk of pain and injury.
• Wearing Proper Footwear: Shoes that provide good support can reduce stress on the knee, especially during physical activities.

Addressing knee pain requires a timely and individualized approach, starting with an accurate diagnosis and followed by appropriate treatment. If you experience pain, swelling, or difficulty moving, it is crucial to consult a specialist to prevent long-term complications. Our expert team utilizes state-of-the-art techniques to help you recover quickly and regain optimal knee functionality.

In our practice, every patient is treated as an individual, since treatment plans are tailored to specific symptoms and needs. Our goal is not only to accelerate your recovery but also to provide long-term prevention strategies.