Knee Pain

Knee Pain

The knees are regularly under stress, not only from high-impact sports but also from everyday activities such as squatting, stooping, kneeling, and climbing stairs. The knees get bent, twisted, and occasionally banged into during sports.CausesKnee joint: three-quarter view of front right kneeMost knee injuries involve a blow, a sudden twist, or a hard landing after a jump. A single strong blow in just the right place can tear cartilage and sprain several ligaments.

Runner's Knee

Runner's knee, also called patellofemoral pain syndrome or anterior knee pain, is the most common cause of knee pain and the most common overuse injury in the knee. Runner's knee can occur from repeated direct blows to the front of the knee or for no apparent reason. It can be brought on by a number of activities that place stress on the knee -- or even by wearing shoes that don't support the foot adequately during sports. It can also develop because the kneecap doesn't fit correctly in its groove at the end of the femur. The area around the kneecap or at the back of the knee may ache or swell, especially during and after activity. Squatting or sitting with the knees bent for a long time can be painful. You may feel grinding or popping when you bend or straighten the knee. Strengthening exercises can help correct runner's knee and prevent it in the future.

Jumper's Knee

Jumper's knee, or patellar tendinitis, is an inflammation of the quadriceps tendon at the top ofthe kneecap, or of the patellar tendon at the bottom of the kneecap. Jumping or a direct blow to the knee are the common causes of inflammation and tearing of these tendons.