para>This is an image of a knee joint with the thigh bone, shin bone, and kneecap. There is a callout showing a muscle and tendon over the knee and the ligaments that join the thigh bone to the shin bone on the right and left side of the knee.View Original
This is an image of a knee joint with the thigh bone, shin bone, and kneecap. There is a callout showing a muscle and tendon over the knee and the ligaments that join the thigh bone to the shin bone on the right and left side of the knee.
View Original
This is a series of images showing how to handle sprains and strains. The acronym RICE stands for rest, ice, compression, and elevation.
View Original
This is a series of images showing how to handle sprains and strains. The acronym RICE stands for rest, ice, compression, and elevation.
View Original
What are the causes?
Problems with your knee may be caused by: ‚
- Overuse of the thigh muscles
- Kneecap is not lined up in the right place
- Muscles in the thigh are not balanced. One set might be weaker than the other set, like tight hamstrings or weak quadriceps.
- Injury, accident, repeated stress, or fall
- Flat feet
- Tendon strain
- Not stretching properly before activity
What are the main signs?
- Pain in the front of knee that is worse when you:
- Run
- Get up after sitting for a long time
- Go up and down the steps
- Squat or kneel
- Sit with a bent knee
- Dull ache in the knee
- Swelling
- Grinding, cracking, or clicking when the knee is bending
- Soreness when touching the knee
How does the doctor diagnose this health problem?
Your doctor will feel around your knee. Your doctor will check the strength in your leg by pushing and pulling on your leg. The doctor will have you bend and straighten your knee and may have you jump, squat, or walk. Your doctor may feel the kneecap as you bend the knee and may also move your kneecap up and down and side to side. ‚
The doctor may order: ‚
- X-rays
- CT or MRI scan
- A sample of fluid from the knee to check for infection
How does the doctor treat this health problem?
- Rest. Avoid activities that make the problem worse.
- Ice
- Keeping the knee raised
- Brace or taping the kneecap
- Inserts for your shoes
- Exercises for stretching and strengthening
- Surgery
Are there other health problems to treat?
If you are overweight, losing weight will help take strain off of your knees. ‚
What drugs may be needed?
The doctor may order drugs to: ‚
- Help with pain and swelling
What problems could happen?
- Injury to cartilage leading to arthritis
- Immobility and weight gain
What can be done to prevent this health problem?
- Stay active and work out to keep your muscles strong and flexible.
- Warm up slowly and stretch your muscles before you work out. Use good ways to train, such as slowly adding to how far you run. Do not work out if you are overly tired. Take extra care if working out in cold weather.
- Take breaks often when doing things that use repeat movements.
- Avoid running on hard or uneven surfaces.
- Wear shoes with good support and traction. Do not go barefoot.
- Wear a compression bandage to support your knee.
- Keep a healthy weight so there is not extra stress on your joints.
Helpful tips
- Try swimming or water aerobics to have less impact on your knee.
- Avoid running down hills. Walk down instead or try running in a zigzag pattern to lessen the stress on the front of the knee.
- If going up and down stairs is painful, try going up or down sideways until the pain lessens.
Where can I learn more?
American Academy of Family Physicians ‚
http://familydoctor.org/familydoctor/en/diseases-conditions/patellofemoral-pain-syndrome.printerview.all.html ‚
KidsHealth ‚
http://kidshealth.org/parent/medical/bones/knee_injuries.html ‚
Last Reviewed Date
2015-04-09 ‚
List_set bdysylist
- Neuromuscular and Skeletal
Consumer Information Use and Disclaimer
This information is not specific medical advice and does not replace information you receive from your health care provider. This is only a brief summary of general information. It does NOT include all information about conditions, illnesses, injuries, tests, procedures, treatments, therapies, discharge instructions or life-style choices that may apply to you. You must talk with your health care provider for complete information about your health and treatment options. This information should not be used to decide whether or not to accept your health care provider 's advice, instructions or recommendations. Only your health care provider has the knowledge and training to provide advice that is right for you. ‚
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Copyright ‚ © 2016 Wolters Kluwer Clinical Drug Information, Inc. and its affiliates and/or licensors. All rights reserved. ‚