Knee Pain In Ladies
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Genu valgum | |
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Other names | Knock knee |
A very severe case of genu valgum of the left knee following bone cancer treatment | |
Specialty | Medical genetics |
Genu valgum, commonly called ” knock-knee “, is a condition in which the knees angle in and touch each other when the legs are straightened. Individuals with severe valgus deformities are typically unable to touch their feet together while simultaneously straightening the legs.
The term originates from the Latin genu, ‘knee’, and valgus which means “bent outwards”, but is also used to describe the distal portion of the knee joint which bends outwards and thus the proximal portion seems to be bent inwards. Mild genu valgum is diagnosed when a person standing upright with the feet touching also shows the knees touching.
It can be seen in children from ages 2 to 5, and is often corrected naturally as children grow. The condition may continue or worsen with age, particularly when it is the result of a disease, such as rickets, Idiopathic genu valgum is a form that is either congenital or has no known cause.
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What are common female knee problems?
What are some common knee problems? – Many knee problems are a result of the aging process and continual wear and stress on the knee joint (such as, arthritis). Other knee problems are a result of an injury or a sudden movement that strains the knee. Common knee problems include the following:
Sprained or strained knee ligaments and/or muscles. A sprained or strained knee ligament or muscle is usually caused by a blow to the knee or a sudden twist of the knee. Symptoms often include pain, swelling, and difficulty in walking. Torn cartilage, Trauma to the knee can tear the menisci (pads of connective tissue that act as shock absorbers and also enhance stability). Cartilage tears can often occur with sprains. Treatment may involve wearing a brace during an activity to protect the knee from further injury. Surgery may be needed to repair the tear. Tendonitis. Inflammation of the tendons may result from overuse of a tendon during certain activities such as running, jumping, or cycling. Tendonitis of the patellar tendon is called jumper’s knee. This often occurs with sports, such as basketball, where the force of hitting the ground after a jump strains the tendon. Arthritis. Osteoarthritis is the most common type of arthritis that affects the knee. Osteoarthritis is a degenerative process where the cartilage in the joint gradually wears away. It often affects middle-age and older people. Osteoarthritis may be caused by excess stress on the joint such as repeated injury or being overweight. Rheumatoid arthritis can also affect the knees by causing the joint to become inflamed and by destroying the knee cartilage. Rheumatoid arthritis often affects persons at an earlier age than osteoarthritis.
How do I know if my knee pain is serious?
Schedule a doctor’s visit – Make an appointment with your doctor if your knee pain was caused by a particularly forceful impact or if it’s accompanied by:
- Significant swelling
- Redness
- Tenderness and warmth around the joint
- Significant pain
- Fever
If you’ve had minor knee pain for some time, make an appointment with your doctor if the pain worsens to the point that it interferes with your usual activities or sleep.
How do you know what type of knee pain you have?
Pain – knee Knee pain is a common symptom in people of all ages. It may start suddenly, often after an injury or exercise. Knee pain also may begin as a mild discomfort, then slowly get worse. Leg pain in older children or young adolescents can occur for many reasons. An Osgood-Schlatter lesion results from continued trauma to the anterior tibial bone and causes a visible lump below the knee. The muscular components of the lower leg include the gastrocnemius, soleus, peroneus longus, tibialis anterior, extensor digitorum longus, and the Achilles tendon. The location of knee pain can help identify the problem. Pain on the front of the knee can be due to bursitis, arthritis, or softening of the patella cartilage as in chondromalacia patella. Pain on the sides of the knee is commonly related to injuries to the collateral ligaments, arthritis, or tears to the meniscuses.
Pain in the back of the knee can be caused by arthritis or cysts, known as Baker’s cysts. Baker’s cysts are an accumulation of joint fluid (synovial fluid) that forms behind the knee. Overall knee pain can be due to bursitis, arthritis, tears in the ligaments, osteoarthritis of the joint, or infection.
Instability, or giving way, is also another common knee problem. Instability is usually associated with damage or problems with the meniscuses, collateral ligaments, or patella tracking. A Baker cyst is seen as a swelling behind the knee. It forms when joint fluid collects behind the knee. The swelling may be due from inflammation or from other causes, like arthritis. The condition can be seen in both adults and children. Tendinitis is inflammation, irritation, and swelling of a tendon, which is the fibrous structure that joins muscle to bone. Tendinitis pain in the knee is located in the front of the knee. The pain gets worse when going up and down stairs or inclines. Tendinitis knee pain can happen in runners, skiers, and cyclists.
Can knee pain be hormonal?
Factors that set off the chronic inflammation process include: – 1. Joint pain and hormonal imbalance Many women first report joint pain when they are in perimenopause or menopause. Midlife hormone shifts, especially fluctuating estrogen levels, can have a deep impact on your joints.
- Since estrogen has an anti-inflammatory effect in the body, as it declines naturally it can increase the symptoms of chronic inflammation, including joint pain.
- If you have joint pain and PMS, or symptoms of perimenopause or menopause, find out more about restoring balance to your reproductive hormones.2.
Joint pain and adrenal stress Cortisol, the hormone released in response to stress, works as an inflammatory agent, which is usually okay — if you’re experiencing a relatively short episode of stress. But when you have sustained stress — the kind many of us are experiencing — it can cause inflammation to spread and/or become chronic.
If you have joint pain and high stress, find out more about restoring balance to adrenal hormones.3. Joint pain and earlier injuries Previous joint injuries can be ground zero for chronic inflammation, especially if the injury never healed well. Joint pain and stiffness in the area years later can occur due to chronic inflammation.
Sometimes, bone spurs may develop in joints where a tiny bone fracture is healing or where tendonitis (inflammation of a tendon) has been a recurring problem—think repetitive motion injuries like carpal tunnel or tennis elbow. These spurs can cause sharp pain when they press against soft tissues or nerves.4.
- Joint pain and weight Women who are overweight have much higher risk of osteoarthritis, most often in the knees, because the extra pounds place additional stress on the knee joint.
- Extra body fat in general can lead to additional inflammation and joint pain at any location.5.
- Joint pain and infections Most of us are familiar with the “aches and pains” of the flu, and we know that these joint pains go away when we recover.
But some infections leave long-lasting pain in joints. Lyme disease is one well-known source of chronic joint pain and swelling. We’re also learning that chronic Covid-19 or ” long Covid ” can produce lasting joint pain. Both Lyme and Covid-19 are sometimes hard to identify — Covid’s symptoms aren’t always obvious, and the “characteristic” bullseye rash of Lyme disease only happens in some people, not all.
How do I know if I have knee pain or arthritis?
Knee Arthritis Symptoms – Knee arthritis can make activities of daily living very difficult, including walking and climbing stairs. Signs of arthritis in the knee may include:
Pain in the knee that can be worsened by certain movements and exercises, including prolonged walking or standing. Stiffness of the knee joint, which makes it difficult to bend and straighten the knee. Catching and locking of the knee, which occurs when damaged and rough cartilage makes smooth movement difficult. Crepitus : the audible cracking, crunching, clicking or snapping sound made when moving a damaged joint. Weakness in the knee, which is often a result of reduced activity and resulting atrophy (wasting) of the quadriceps or hamstring muscles. Knee arthritis may reduce how much someone moves, which makes the joint even weaker and worsens symptoms.
What does knee arthritis feel like?
Posttraumatic Arthritis – Posttraumatic arthritis is form of arthritis that develops after an injury to the knee. For example, a broken bone may damage the joint surface and lead to arthritis years after the injury. Meniscal tears and ligament injuries can cause instability and additional wear on the knee joint which, over time, can result in arthritis.
The joint may become stiff and swollen, making it difficult to bend and straighten the knee. Pain and swelling may be worse in the morning, or after sitting or resting. Vigorous activity may cause pain to flare up. Loose fragments of cartilage and other tissue can interfere with the smooth motion of joints. The knee may lock or stick during movement. It may creak, click, snap, or make a grinding noise (crepitus). Pain may cause a feeling of weakness or buckling in the knee. Many people with arthritis note increased joint pain with changes in the weather.
During your appointment, your doctor will talk with you about your symptoms and medical history, conduct a physical examination, and possibly order diagnostic tests, such as X-rays or blood tests.
What is the common age for knee pain?
The most common cause of knee pain can hit you in your 30s as easily as it can in your 60s and 70s. Orthopaedic surgeon Robert Nickodem Jr., MD says osteoarthritis, or “wear-and-tear arthritis,” is the most common cause of knee pain – and the most common form of arthritis.
Cleveland Clinic is a non-profit academic medical center. Advertising on our site helps support our mission. We do not endorse non-Cleveland Clinic products or services. Policy Osteoarthritis includes more than 100 different types of arthritis or joint inflammation and rates of it have been steadily rising year after year.
“Osteoarthritis is like a rusty hinge,” says Dr. Nickodem. “The knee still works, but it creaks.” Fortunately, osteoarthritis is treatable. You may never be completely pain-free, but you can manage the condition and keep your symptoms under control. To help alleviate the “creaking” and soothe your knee discomfort, Dr.
Anti-inflammatory medications, Try aspirin or ibuprofen. Acetaminophen is a good pain reliever, but does not reduce inflammation. RICE therapy, Rest, Ice, Compression and Elevation can help reduce swelling and pain. Physical therapy, Exercise that strengthens your quads and hamstrings may help relieve the pressure on your knees. Knee braces, They can take pressure off the arthritic area. Cortisone injections, An occasional injection of this steroid may lessen the swelling and achy pain. Lubricant injections, Viscosupplementation, or lubricant injections, can help the knee move more smoothly. “It can help three out of four people if the arthritis isn’t too severe,” Dr. Nickodem says.
What vitamins help with knee problems?
These nutrients include glucosamine, chondroitin, MSM, bromelain, collagen, vitamin C, vitamin D, and omega-3 fatty acids. All of these nutrients help reduce pain and inflammation. You can even take supplements like curcumin (turmeric) and vitamin C before bed to improve joint function.
Can lack of estrogen cause knee pain?
The list of menopausal side effects is extensive – from mood swings, to hot flashes, fatigue and more; and while achy, swollen joints are a common side effect of aging, recent studies have found that they can also be a side effect of menopause. The primary female hormone, estrogen, protects joints and reduces inflammation, but when estrogen levels drop during menopause, inflammation can increase, the risk of osteoporosis and osteoarthritis can go up and the result can be painful joints.
- To explain further, osteoporosis, which causes bones to be brittle and weak due to hormonal changes found in women going through menopause, put women at risk for developing osteoarthritis, which is characterized by swollen and painful joints.
- So, while there may or may not be a direct physical link between menopause and joint pain, the two often go hand-in-hand.
How to Recognize Menopausal Joint Pain: Menopausal joint pain is usually worse in the morning when joints are stiff from disuse overnight, but tends to lighten up as the day progresses and movement increases. Joints that are most frequently affected during menopause are the neck, jaw, shoulders, wrists and elbows; though other joints in the body may experience pain as well.
The discomfort is commonly described as stiffness, swelling, shooting pains and even a burning sensation after working out. What Can You Do? If you are going through menopause and experiencing joint pain, there are a few ways to reduce your discomfort and make managing your symptoms a little easier.1.
Get Regular Exercise. It may seem counter-intuitive, but regular exercise is the key to living a life free of joint pain. Countless studies have shown that exercise is good for your mind and your heart, but we now know that it’s also beneficial for bone strength.
Choosing consistent, low-impact exercise such as swimming, biking, hiking and yoga, can help prevent your joints from becoming sore and stiff.2. Maintain a Healthy Diet. In addition to getting regular exercise, eating a healthy, balanced diet will provide your body with the nutrients it needs to endure the unwelcome side effects of menopause, including joint pain.
For example, adding protein to your diet can help to promote and maintain muscle mass, which is vital for bone support.3. Quit Smoking. If you smoke, now is the time to quit. Smoking can increase your risk of cardiovascular issues, diabetes, cancer and even bones loss.
Smoking can slow or prevent the ability of your bones to heal properly, meaning joint pain and stiffness may be more common in menopausal women who smoke.4. Call the Experts. If menopausal joint pain has you unable to live the life you’d like to, we invite you to consult one of our orthopedic doctors in Seattle and surrounding areas to learn what non-surgical or surgical options may be right for you.
Specializing in procedures including ACL reconstruction, knee arthroscopy and more, our orthopedic physicians will help you return to a healthy, happy and pain-free life.
Is knee pain a symptom of menopause?
Joint pain – Menopause may cause joint pain that can affect the knees, shoulders, neck, elbows, or hands. Old joint injuries may begin to ache. As time goes on, you may start to notice that you feel more aches and pains in those areas than you used to.
Why do my knees hurt so bad all of a sudden?
For OA – OA is a chronic condition. While it can’t be cured, you can manage its symptoms. Treatment options for OA may include one or more of the following:
NSAIDs or other pain medicationsphysical therapyassistive devices, like a knee bracetreatment with a TENs unit
Changing your diet, losing excess weight, and quitting smoking can also have a positive impact on managing symptoms of OA. Corticosteroid injections are also a possibility for managing pain in your knee from arthritis. In some cases, a total knee replacement is recommended as the definitive treatment for OA in your knee.
- If you need help connecting with a primary care doctor, you can browse doctors in your area through the Healthline FindCare tool,
- Sudden knee pain can result from a traumatic injury, stress injury, or flare-ups from another underlying condition.
- Remember that it doesn’t take a severe injury to cause a partial tear of your ligament or to wear down your cartilage.
Repetitive movements, stress on your knees, and exercise can all kick off symptoms of knee pain. There are plenty of home remedies and first aid treatments for conditions like runner’s knee and tendinitis. But only a doctor can rule out something more serious.
What exercises should you avoid with knee pain?
11 Knee Pain Dos and Don’ts Medically Reviewed by on December 09, 2022 You can do many things to help knee pain, whether it’s due to a recent injury or you’ve had for years. Follow these 11 dos and don’ts to help your knees feel their best. Don’t rest too much.
Too much rest can weaken your muscles, which can in turn increase reinjury. Find an exercise program that is safe for your knees and stick with it. If you’re not sure which motions are safe or how much you can do, talk with your doctor or a physical therapist. Do exercise. Cardio exercises strengthen the muscles of the heart, but not the joints.
It is weight training mixed with keeping your muscles limber. Cardio is important for keeping your weight stable and you feeling stronger overall. For cardio, some good choices include walking, swimming, water aerobics, stationary cycling, and elliptical machines.
Tai chi may also help ease stiffness and improve balance. Don’t risk a fall. A painful or unstable knee can make a fall more likely, which can cause more knee damage. Curb your risk of falling by making sure your home is well lit, using handrails on staircases, and using a sturdy ladder or foot stool if you need to reach something from a high shelf.
Do use “RICE. ” Rest, ice, compression, and elevation (RICE) is good for knee pain caused by a minor injury or an arthritis flare. Give your knee some rest, apply ice to reduce swelling, wear a compressive bandage, and keep your knee elevated. Don’t overlook your weight,
- If you’re overweight, losing weight reduces the stress on your knee.
- You don’t even need to get to your “ideal” weight.
- Smaller changes still make a difference.
- Don’t be shy about using a walking aid.
- A crutch or cane can take the stress off of your knee.
- Nee splints and braces can also help you stay stable.
Do consider acupuncture. This form of traditional Chinese medicine, which involves inserting fine needles at certain points on the body, is widely used to relieve many types of pain and may help knee pain. Don’t let your shoes make matters worse, Cushioned insoles can reduce stress on your knees.
- For knee, doctors often recommend special insoles that you put in your shoe.
- To find the appropriate insole, speak with your doctor or a physical therapist.
- Do play with temperature.
- For the first 48 to 72 hours after a knee injury, use a cold pack to ease swelling and numb the pain.
- A plastic bag of ice or frozen peas works well.
Use it for 15 to 20 minutes three or four times a day. Wrap your ice pack in a towel to be kind to your skin. After that, you can heat things up with a warm bath, heating pad, or warm towel for 15 to 20 minutes, three or four times a day. Don’t jar your joint(s).
- High-impact exercises can further injure painful knees.
- Avoid jarring exercises such as running, jumping, and kickboxing.
- Also avoid doing exercises such as lunges and deep squats that put a lot of stress on your knees.
- These can worsen pain and, if not done correctly, cause injury.
- Do get expert advice.
If your knee pain is new, get a doctor to check it out. It’s best to know what you’re dealing with ASAP so you can prevent any more damage. © 2022 WebMD, LLC. All rights reserved. : 11 Knee Pain Dos and Don’ts
What makes a woman weak in the knees?
A woman’s pelvis is wider than a man’s, creating a sharper angle where the bones in the knees meet. As a result, the front of the knee joint, the thighbone and the kneecap fit together poorly, and this misalignment can lead to injury and wear and tear on the joint. Women have looser ligaments than men.
What is housewife knee pain?
Who develops housemaid’s knee? – Any age group can be affected by housemaid’s knee. It is generally more common in males than in females. Housemaid’s knee in children is more likely to be caused by infection. Infection is also a common cause of housemaid’s knee in people whose immune systems are not working normally.
What is the most common knee problem?
The knee is a complex joint with many components, making it vulnerable to a variety of injuries. Some of the most common knee injuries include sprains, ligament tears, fractures, and dislocations. Many knee injuries can be successfully treated with simple measures, such as bracing and rehabilitation exercises.
Bones. Three bones meet to form your knee joint: the femur (thighbone), the tibia (shinbone), and the patella (kneecap). The patella sits in front of the joint to provide some protection. Articular cartilage. The ends of the femur and tibia, and the back of the patella are covered with articular cartilage. This slippery substance helps your knee bones glide smoothly across each other as you bend or straighten your leg. Meniscus. Two wedge-shaped pieces of meniscal cartilage act as shock absorbers between your femur and tibia. Different from articular cartilage, the meniscus is tough and rubbery to help cushion and stabilize the joint. When people talk about torn cartilage in the knee, they are usually referring to a torn meniscus. Ligaments. Bones are connected to other bones by ligaments. The four main ligaments in your knee act like strong ropes to hold the bones together and keep your knee stable.
Collateral ligaments. These are found on the sides of your knee. The medial collateral ligament is on the inside of your knee, and the lateral collateral ligament is on the outside. They control the side-to-side motion of your knee. Cruciate ligaments. These are found inside your knee joint. They cross each other to form an X with the anterior cruciate ligament in front and the posterior cruciate ligament in back. The cruciate ligaments control the front and back motion of your knee.
Tendons. Muscles are connected to bones by tendons. The quadriceps tendon connects the muscles in the front of the thigh to the patella. The patellar tendon, on the other hand, runs from the patella to the tibia.
The most common knee injuries include sprains and tears of soft tissues (e.g., ligaments, meniscus), fractures, and dislocation. In many cases, injuries involve more than one structure in the knee. Pain and swelling are the most common signs of knee injury. In addition, the knee may catch or lock. Some knee injuries (e.g., ACL tear) cause instability — the feeling that your knee is giving way.