Knee Conditions
Knee injuries can happen suddenly, from sports-related movement, to wear and tear from everyday activity or the aftermath of an old injury. When injury occurs, the knee’s ability to function is disrupted, impacting the intricate workings of bones, muscles, ligaments, cartilage and other structures.
Arthritis of the Knee Symptoms
Arthritis of the knee happens when cartilage deteriorates in the joint and loses its ability to prevent shock to the joint. Often, the leg becomes bowed in appearance.
- Pain
- Swelling and stiffness in joint
- Limited range of movement
- Tenderness around joint
- Pain with increased activity, or in morning
- Sensation that knee is locking or slipping
Ligament Injury Symptoms
Ligament injuries can result from sports-related movement or direct impact to the knee.
- Popping noise at time of injury (ACL, PCL)
- Pain in knee (ACL, PCL)
- Severe pain inside of knee (MCL)
- Swelling around injured area (ACL, PCL, MCL)
- Instability (ACL, occasionally with PCL)
Osgood-Schlatter Disease Symptoms
Osgood-Schlatter disease is an inflammation of the patellar tendon from overuse.
- Pain in knee, or just below the knee
- Swelling and tenderness on the bony part of the shinbone, right below the kneecap
- Increased pain with activity, decreases with rest
- Tightness in thighs and muscles near the knee
Articular Cartilage Injury Symptoms
Articular cartilage injuries occur when A direct impact, significant turns or twists result in injury to the protective cushion for the knee bones.
- Pain with certain activities
- Swelling in knee
- Sensation that the knee is locking, catching or giving way
- Cracking or grating sound in knee when moving
Meniscus Tear Symptoms
Meniscus tears reduce the cartilage's ability to cushion, support and aid movement.
- Pain in knee
- Swelling and stiffness
- Fluid build-up inside on top of knee
- Sensation that knee is getting stuck or locking
Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome Symptoms
Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome is damage, strain or inflammation of the kneecap’s structures, which leads to pain.
- Dull or aching pain around the kneecap
- Pain can increase with activity, and when flexing the knee fully
- Decreased range of movement in kneecap
- Cracking or grinding sound in knee when moving
- Slight swelling
