What are the most common types of knee pain?
Patellar Tendinitis
Patellar tendinitis is characterized by an overload of the patellar tendon. The pain manifests itself in the tip of the patella. It can occur in runners and particularly affects people participating in jump-intensive sports, such as basketball and volleyball. This disease is therefore popularly known as ‘jumper’s’ or ‘runner’s knee’. In the beginning, the pain usually occurs only after exercise. Because of this, many athletes keep training and competing and tend to ignore the injury or attempt to treat it themselves. Over time, those afflicted then begin to feel pain during sports or in simple everyday activities. A sensation of pain in the lower part of the kneecap is felt especially when climbing stairs or after prolonged sitting.
Meniscus tear
Meniscus injuries are typical knee injuries in a number of sports, However, half of all meniscus injuries are caused by permanent stresses and strains, usually in occupations that involve kneeling.
The turning movements of the body, with the foot held still and the knee joint flexed, crushes the meniscus, causing it to tear or even be torn away from the bone (often the inner meniscus). Ligament injuries in the knee joint are often also combined with meniscus tears because the traumatic events for meniscus and ligament injuries in the knee are similar.
Osgood-Schlatter Disease
This is an overuse condition or injury of the knee that causes pain and swelling below the knee area over the shin bone. It is caused by the constant pulling of the patellar tendon on the area below the knee where the tendon attaches. It is most often seen in preteen and teenage boys from 10 to 15-years-old, but girls are also affected. It is common in young athletes who play games or sports that involve running, jumping, or going up and downstairs. Adolescent athletes who are most often affected are usually involved in football, soccer, basketball, gymnastics, or ballet.
How can I treat knee pain?
The treatment of knee pain depends on the cause. The following conservative therapeutic options are often applied:
- Anti-inflammatory painkillers and ointments
- Heat or cold treatment
- Orthopedic medical devices
- Physiotherapy
- Muscle training (strengthening and stretching)
- Electrotherapy and ultrasound treatment
