Knee Pain Location Chart
Contents
What knee pain means based on location?
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.
What is Figure 4 knee pain?
Skip to content Figure-4 Test (Click to Enlarge) The figure-4 test is performed in patients who may have tears of their popliteomeniscal fascicles to the lateral meniscus. These patients commonly present with vague lateral knee pain and often do not have any findings on the MRI scans to indicate a lateral menicus tear.
The way that this test works it that the popliteus tendon normally pulls the meniscus out of the joint when the knee is brought into a figure-of-4 position. However, when the popliteomeniscal fascicles are torn, the meniscus will sublux back into the joint and becomes pinched. This most commonly occurs in wrestlers.
Performance of the figure -4 test is performed by having the patient place the foot of the affected extremity on the contralateral knee. For a right knee, this resembles the number “4”. A positive test which reproduces their symptoms over the lateral joint line is suspicious for either a peripheral meniscal tear or a tear of the popliteomeniscal fascicles.
What kind of knee pain should I worry about?
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.
Where is meniscus pain felt?
What are the symptoms of a meniscus tear? – Symptoms of a meniscus tear may be different for each person, but some of the most common symptoms are:
Pain in the knee joint: usually on the inside (medial), outside (lateral) or back of the knee Swelling Catching or locking of the knee joint Inability to fully extend or bend the knee joint Limping
The symptoms of a meniscus tear are similar to other medical conditions or problems. Always see your health care provider for a diagnosis.
What is the fastest way to cure 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. Knee 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
Why you shouldn’t ignore knee pain?
Delaying joint care can lead to injury and other problems – For patients who have joint pain or mobility issues, it’s important to stay current with your joint health. In some cases, ignoring joint pain for too long may increase pain or mobility problems, or even result in a fall or injury.
The more proactive you are in preserving your joints, the longer we anticipate they will last,” says Dr. Lange. “Taking care of your joint pain early could delay or prevent the need for surgery. If you do need surgery, having surgery earlier can lead to better outcomes in many cases. The details differ for every person, which is why we always suggest having an evaluation with a clinician to better understand your own unique situation.” A check-in with your orthopaedic specialist can help you understand all the available options for your unique situation.
Together, you and your orthopaedic specialist can:
Address your joint symptoms and concerns Review or order imaging, such as an x-ray or an MRI Discuss exercises or other lifestyle changes that can reduce pain and improve mobility Discuss the role of pain medicine Schedule a cortisone injection to help relieve pain and inflammation in a joint Pursue a referral to physical therapy or other non-surgical treatments Discuss joint replacement surgery or another procedure Discuss the risks and benefits of continuing care versus waiting for a period of time
When is knee pain serious?
WHEN TO SEE A DOCTOR – Most knee pain is the result of aging or continual wear and tear on the joint. Other knee problems are often the result of injury or a sudden change in movement. Mayo Clinic recommends the following treatment options for knee pain:
Seek immediate medical attention: If your knee injury is accompanied by a deformed joint, a popping noise, the inability to bear weight, intense pain or sudden swelling, you should seek immediate medical attention. Schedule an office visit: If your knee injury results from a forceful impact, or if you experience significant swelling, redness, tenderness and warmth around the joint, significant pain or fever, you should make an appointment with your doctor. Self-care: Not all knee pain requires medical treatment. If your knee pain comes on slowly, results from a minor injury or results from a more strenuous activity, it can sometimes be managed at home. You can try over-the-counter pain relievers and should follow the RICE model of self-care.
What is the first line for knee pain?
Corticosteroid injections – Corticosteroids have been used for decades and are often the first choice for people with osteoarthritis and other kinds of joint pain in their shoulders, hips, and knees. These injections can decrease inflammation, reduce swelling, and typically provide relief for two to three months.
What is the most painful knee condition?
Knee pain and an active lifestyle Most people experience knee pain at some point in their lives. Sports, exercise, and other activities can cause muscle strains, tendinitis, and more serious injuries to ligaments and cartilage. It’s difficult to pinpoint the exact number of people who experience knee pain over their lifetime, but we do know the rates of how many people experience pain severe enough to turn to knee replacement surgery : In 2017, 966,000 knee replacement surgeries were performed in the United States.
- The severity of knee pain can vary widely and depends on factors such as the cause and your age.
- For some, knee pain can be so severe that it limits daily activities.
- For others, mild knee pain may be a chronic hindrance to the active lifestyle they desire.
- The location of knee pain can also vary.
- For example, the Clinical Journal of Pain found that the most commonly reported location of knee pain is in the middle of the knee, in the joint that connects the thighbone to the shinbone.
The second most common area people experience knee pain is in the kneecap area. Some people experience a combination of the two. Here are some of the most common conditions and injuries that cause severe knee pain. If you have an injury to the ligaments in your knee, you can experience knee pain.
The ligaments are what connect your thigh bone (femur) to your lower leg bones (tibia and fibula). They hold these bones together and keep the knee stable. Knee ligament sprains and tears are very common sports injuries, and can occur to the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL), posterior cruciate ligament (PCL), and medial collateral ligament (MCL).
Knee ligament injuries may also occur from high-energy accidents, such as a car crash. The ACL ligament is the main ligament that runs through the middle of the joint between the thighbone and shinbone. ACL ruptures are the most common type of ligament injury in athletes.
starting or stopping suddenlyshifting directions quicklyjumping and landing incorrectlycolliding with another person
Symptoms of a knee ligament injury can include:
sudden, severe pain in the kneepain that persists while walkinga “popping” noise in the kneethe knee abruptly “giving out,” causing you to fall down or feel unstable while walkingswelling within 24 hours after the initial injury
Any ligament injury can result in severe knee pain and could require surgery. Other injuries, including tears, can take place in the cartilage of the knee. Cartilage is a semi-hard (tough, but flexible) tissue that covers the end of your bones. In addition, knee cartilage also includes the two menisci on either side of the joint: the medial meniscus, located on the inside of the knee, and the lateral meniscus, positioned on the outside of the knee.
- A meniscus tear is a common injury, and typically requires surgery.
- Unlike a ligament injury, which can happen in a variety of ways, a meniscus tear typically occurs as a result of one single movement.
- For instance, a sudden twist or turn can cause this knee cartilage to tear.
- Meniscus tears are more common as you age, because the cartilage gets weaker and thins out, so it’s more likely to tear.
Symptoms of a cartilage tear in the knee can include:
a “popping” soundknee paininitial pain and discomfort (though still able to walk)worsening pain and stiffness days after the injuryknee “giving out”knee catching or locking
Arthritis is a condition that causes inflammation and pain in joints in the body, but it most often occurs in the knee. Arthritis is a chronic condition that can get worse over time and eventually require surgery. The three most common types of arthritis are rheumatoid arthritis, post-traumatic arthritis, and osteoarthritis, Symptoms of arthritis in the knee include:
stiffness and swelling in the kneedifficulty bending the knee fullyknee pain
Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune condition that causes the tissue around the joint to become inflamed and thickened. Chronic inflammation often leads to damage and loss of cartilage. Rheumatoid arthritis occurs in about 0.6 percent of the U.S. population and is two to three times more common in women. Symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis are similar to other types of arthritis in the knee:
stiffnessknee painknee swellingdifficult bending the knee fully
Post-traumatic arthritis can result after a serious knee injury, including bone fractures and ligament tears. Injuries such as a broken bone can wear down the joint surface and cause arthritis over time. Knee injuries can damage the cartilage in your knee as you get older, leading to the following symptoms:
painswellingstiffness
The most common type of arthritis is osteoarthritis, which is a progressive wearing of the cartilage in the knee joint. It occurs more frequently in people age 50 and older. After 50, the impact of osteoarthritis can worsen due to accumulated use and the wearing down of cartilage that occurs with age.
knee painlimited range of motionstiffness of the kneeswelling of the jointknee tendernessdeformity and weaknesspain that worsens over time
According to a 2018 study in Arthritis Research & Therapy, knee pain that lasts more than 1 year is commonly associated with osteoarthritis. Doctors diagnose arthritis and other knee problems using X-rays and a physical evaluation. You will be asked about your pain level, knee flexibility and function, activity levels, any past injuries or conditions, and your family history (such as if anyone in your family has arthritis).
What is the most common type of knee pain?
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.
What causes the worst knee pain?
Common Causes of Bad Knee Pain – The primary causes of severe knee pain are a sudden injury, overuse injury, and arthritis. Sprains and tears of knee ligaments are common injuries causing bad knee pain, especially in athletes.
How long should you have knee pain before seeing a doctor?
10 Signs You Should See a Doctor About Your Knee Pain You may deal with little aches and pains fairly often, especially if you live an active life or work on your feet. You probably postpone seeing a doctor about this discomfort, deciding that if you wait for a little while the sensation will subside.
Sometimes, this theory holds true, but what about the cases where it doesn’t? In this blog, we list 10 warning signs that justify a trip to your doctor or an orthopedic surgeon to talk about knee pain.1. Deformity of the Joint Look at your knees next to each other. If your affected knee appears misshapen compared to your healthy knee, you may have a fracture, dislocated knee cap, or patella injury.2.
Difficulty Walking When your knee pain progresses enough to give you a limp or make you avoid walking, see a doctor. Pain of this intensity can indicate a bone injury or a degenerative condition.3. Inability to Hold Weight When you stand up, do you feel the need to shift your weight away from your bad knee? If your affected knee cannot hold your weight, seek help.
- This symptom can indicate a range of knee conditions, all of which require medical care to address.4.
- Nee Instability If you notice that your knee wobbles or feels like it will collapse, seek medical help.
- Generally, joint instability indicates a ligament problem, which may become worse if you continue using your knee as usual.5.
Less Sensation in the Knee While many knee issues cause pain, lack of pain can also indicate a serious health concern. If you have leg or knee pain that doesn’t increase when you press on the knee, the discomfort may stem from sciatica or another non-knee condition.6.
Long-Term Pain or Discomfort If you try to wait out your pain and it doesn’t seem to go away, a doctor can help. Generally, athletes should see a healthcare provider for pain lasting more than 48 hours and other adults should see an expert if there seems to be no change for three weeks.7. Pain That Affects Your Daily Activities Generally, most healthcare providers recommend that you schedule an appointment as soon as you notice that your symptoms impact the way you live.
If knee pain makes your commute more frustrating, your afternoon jog uncomfortable, or your job more difficult, have a professional evaluate the joint.8. Pain That Affects Sleep Many patients with knee issues have trouble falling asleep or staying asleep because of it.
- If your knee pain keeps you up, seek help.9.
- Redness or Swelling Around the Joint Like deformity of your knee joint, changes in the shape and color of your knee can indicate serious problems.
- If you notice redness or swelling, touch the area to see if you feel any tenderness or warmth.
- These symptoms can be signs of infection.10.
Reduced Range of Motion When your knee becomes injured, it may swell internally. This swelling can reduce your range of motion, making it difficult to straighten or bend your leg completely. If you notice a decreased range of motion that lasts for more than 24 hours, see a doctor.
Don’t try to wait out knee pain. If you experience any combination of the symptoms listed above, seek, If your symptoms seem minor or infrequent, start with your general practitioner. He or she can help you decide whether or not to see a specialist. If you notice a sudden change in your symptoms or you experience symptoms of high intensity, schedule an evaluation with a knee expert, especially if you’re an athlete.
If you experience extreme symptoms, such as a high fever, seek emergency medical care immediately. : 10 Signs You Should See a Doctor About Your Knee Pain
Can knee pain go away on its own?
When to see a doctor – Knee pain will usually go away without further medical treatment, using only a few self-help measures. If you need help you might first see a physiotherapist or your GP. You may be able to access a physiotherapist on the NHS without having to see your GP.
- You can find out if this kind of `self-referral’ is available in your area by asking at your GP surgery, local Clinical Commissioning Group, or hospital Trust.
- You might also have the option of paying to see a physiotherapist privately.
- You don’t need a referral from a doctor to do this.
- You might wish to see your GP if the pain is very bad or is not settling.
See a doctor if:
you’re in severe pain your painful knee is swollen it doesn’t get better after a few weeks you can’t move your knee you can’t put any weight on your knee your knee locks, clicks painfully or gives way – painless clicking is not unusual and is nothing to worry about.
It’s important not to misdiagnose yourself. If you’re worried, see a doctor.
Can a meniscus tear heal itself?
In the case of meniscus tears, some people think the injury will heal over time on its own. But the truth is that there are different types of meniscus tears — and some tears won’t heal without treatment. If your tear is on the outer one-third of the meniscus, it may heal on its own or be repaired surgically.
What does certain knee pain mean?
Here are some common causes of knee pain: MEDICAL CONDITIONS. Arthritis – Including rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, lupus, and gout. Baker cyst – A fluid-filled swelling behind the knee that may occur with swelling (inflammation) from other causes, such as arthritis.
Where does your knee hurt when you have arthritis?
The pain can be felt all around your knee, or just in a certain place such as the front and sides. It might feel worse after moving your knee in a particular way, such as going up or down stairs. Sometimes, people have pain that wakes them up in the night.
What part of the knee is painful with osteoarthritis?
Symptoms – Osteoarthritis of the knee typically starts with knee pain that only occurs when you put pressure on the joint. If the osteoarthritis gets worse over time, this pain gets stronger and more frequent. You may even feel it when you rest the joint or at night, and it may keep you from sleeping.
- You might have other symptoms too, like joint stiffness.
- Some people’s joints are especially painful in the evenings or mornings.
- Depending on the part of the knee that is affected, the inner or outer side of the knee may hurt more.
- If the area under the kneecap is affected, the pain may be most noticeable when getting up and climbing stairs.
In severe osteoarthritis, the joint is also painful at rest. Then the pain is often duller and may be very intense at times, leading to exhaustion and really limiting the everyday activities you can do. The knee joint can also become stiffer and more tender to the touch.
- Moving it less weakens the muscles and ligaments, making your knee feel unstable.
- Sometimes the knee gets inflamed for a while.
- That usually causes the knee to feel warm and swell up, and the pain gets worse for a few days.
- Some people have osteoarthritis only on the inside or outside of the knee joint.
In that case it’s usually the inside that’s affected, and this can be associated with bow-leggedness (varus deformity).
How do I know if I tore my LCL?
The symptoms of a tear in the lateral collateral ligament can include: Knee swelling. Locking or catching of your knee with movement. Pain or tenderness along the outside of your knee.