Your knee joint connects your thighbone, kneecap and shinbone. The ligaments, tendons and muscles surrounding these bones give you the flexibility to move and bend. They also stop you from moving or bending the wrong way, at least when everything is functioning properly.
Most knee pain starts without warning. Most of the time, that’s because you sustained a direct blow to one of your knees in an accident or while playing a contact sport. Other common causes stem from suddenly twisting or bending your knee awkwardly.
Preventing Arthroscopic Knee Surgery
Prevention is always the best treatment for knee injuries. The orthopedic specialists at the Medex Diagnostic and Treatment Center offer tips for preventing knee damage, such as:
- Lose excess weight, as obesity adds extra pressure on your knees, especially when climbing stairs
- Don’t overdo your workout at the gym
- Strengthen the muscles around your knees
- Exercise to increase the range of motion of your knees
- Use knee pads to absorb the shock from direct blows in sports
- Stretch your leg muscles and warm up before starting any exercise regimen that uses your legs or feet
- Be mindful of your body and don’t overexert yourself
Knee pain often signals an injury. More serious damage to your knee joints, though, usually gives you specific signs. Visit Medex for a consultation when you have symptoms such as:
- Severe throbbing pain
- Stiffness of the knee joint
- Inflammation and redness
- Locking of the joint
- Weakness and instability
- A crunching or popping sound when you move
Why You May Need Surgery
Knee injuries are fairly common, especially for those who love playing sports or tend to overdo a workout at the gym. You can get knee pain if you’re overweight, both from the added stress and from obesity-related diseases such as diabetes.
