The knee is one of the largest joints in our body, formed by the femur, tibia, and patella. All of this is linked by structures such as the meniscus, muscle tendons, and ligaments. As it is prone to direct and indirect injuries and being very demanding, the knee is one of the areas that suffer most from injuries.
1- Arthrosis
As they carry a great deal of weight throughout the day, it is normal for the knee cartilage to wear out over time. In most cases, the patient presents this complication in the knee but without associated pain. The cartilage in the knee is responsible for sliding, without friction, between the ends of the knee bones.
Arthrosis cannot be cured, but treatments help reduce pain and maintain movement. Treatment ranges from medication, therapies to infiltrations and surgical procedures. The diagnosis of this lesion can be made through imaging tests such as X-rays and MRI.
2 – Patellar Tendinitis
It is an injury to the patellar tendon that, in most cases, is involved in sports activities that require sudden jumps and slowdowns, such as athletics and soccer, for example. Usually, the injury affects the attachment of the patellar tendon to the lower pole of the patella due to the mechanism that occurs during deceleration in sport. Check for loose knee (เข่า หลวม which is the term in Thai)
Patellar tendonitis can be separated into four phases: the first one causes pain after an activity, but without compromising functionality; the second generates pain during and after activities, without hindering the person; from the third stage onwards, the pain is prolonged during and after the activity, with an increase in the difficulty of performing it at a satisfactory level; and in the fourth and last, there is a complete tear of the tendon, requiring surgical intervention.
3 – Runner Syndrome
It is an inflammation in the lateral region of the thigh, specifically in the iliotibial band, resulting from excessive knee flexion-extension that results from increased tension or friction in the region. The main symptoms are hypersensitivity, pain, and a burning sensation in the lateral region of the femur. Several factors can favor the appearance of this injury, such as inadequate shoes, overload caused by training and competitions, and muscle shortening.
4 – Injury To The Meniscus
The meniscus is located in the middle of the knee, between the femur and the tibia. It is responsible for absorbing the impacts on the knees, and different situations can cause injuries to these structures, especially in rotational movements. The symptoms involve pain in the side of the knees and knee blockage, which is caused by the meniscus shifting from side to side, causing snapping and locking in specific positions.
Therefore, the conclusion is no exception: the knee is one of the largest joints in our body, so it is susceptible to various forms of injury. Keeping a healthy life is very important for the longevity of your great companion, so controlling your weight, warming up and stretching before exercise, and strengthening your muscles are habits that will help you a lot.
