Knee diseases can be caused by genetic factors or they can develop due to problems that develop later.
1) Trauma related ones
A knee injury can affect the ligaments, tendons or fluid-filled sacs (bursae) surrounding your knee joint, as well as the bones, cartilage and ligaments that make up the joint itself. Some of the more common knee injuries include:
Anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury
The ACL is one of the four ligaments that connect your shin to your thighbone. ACL injuries are especially common in people who play basketball, soccer or other sports that require sudden movements and tackling. It is more often torn with knee rotation. Most tears require surgery.
Fractures
The bones of the knee, including the kneecap (patella), can be fractured during trauma such as motor vehicle accidents or falls. Although some simple fractures of the kneecap can be treated with a cast, most fractures around the knee require surgery.
Torn meniscus
The meniscus is made of tough, rubbery cartilage and acts as a shock absorber between the tibia and femur. It can tear if you suddenly bend your knee while carrying weight. Many people, especially around the age of 50, suffer from meniscus tears. Although very few meniscus tears due to aging require surgery, surgery may be necessary, especially if you have a locking and locking in your knee.
Knee bursitis
After some simple traumas, the fluid-filled pads called "bursa", which facilitate the movement of the tendons (muscle tendons) around the joint, can be injured. In this case, water-filled swellings form in the front part of your knee that do not go away. Although some of these swellings may go away on their own, some of them require intervention.
Patellar tendonitis
Tendonitis is a chronic inflammation of one or more tendons. It occurs mostly as a result of strain and repetitive overuse. Runners, skiers, cyclists and participants in jumping sports and activities can develop inflammation of the patella tendon, which connects the quadriceps muscle on the front of the thigh to the tibia. They are usually treated without surgery.
2) Mechanical problems
Some examples of mechanical problems that can cause knee pain are
Intra-articular free bodies (Joint mouse-Loose body)
Sometimes injury or degeneration of bone or cartilage can cause a piece of bone or cartilage to break off and fall into the joint cavity and float free. As long as the free body does not interfere with knee joint movement, it does not cause any problems. However, if it enters between the joints and gets stuck, it can cause joint locking and cartilage injury. In these cases, surgery is required to remove the free body from the inside.
Iliotibial band syndrome
The iliotibial band is a tough band of tissue that runs from the outside of your thigh to the outside of your knee. If it constantly rubs against the outside of your thigh, it causes pain on the outside of your knee that increases with movement. Treatment usually does not require surgery. Distance runners and cyclists are particularly susceptible to iliotibial band syndrome.
Slipped kneecap
This happens when the triangular bone that covers the front of your knee (patella) slips, usually to the outside of your knee. In some cases, the kneecap may remain dislocated and you can see the displacement. It is more common in women. It may not seem to cause any problems when you are young, but it can be a serious cause of pain in older age.
Hip or foot problems
If you have hip or foot pain, you may unknowingly change the way you walk to protect these painful joints. However, this altered gait can put more stress on your knee joint. In some cases, problems in the hip or foot can cause knee pain.
3) Types of arthritis
There are more than 100 different types of arthritis. Here are the most common types that can affect the knees:
Osteoarthritis
Osteoarthritis, sometimes called degenerative arthritis, is the most common type of arthritis. It occurs when the cartilage in your knee is damaged by overuse and abuse, combined with use and aging.
Rheumatoid arthritis (joint rheumatism)
Arthritis is a condition that can affect almost every joint in your body, including your knees. Although arthritis is a chronic disease, it tends to vary in severity.
Gout
This type of arthritis is more common in people who eat a high protein diet. It is a disorder of protein metabolism. Gout usually affects the big toe, but can also occur in the knee. Gout patients must be monitored
Pseudogout (false gout)
Unlike gout, this disease, which is often confused with gout, is caused by calcium-containing crystals that develop in the joint fluid. The knees are the joint most commonly affected by pseudogout.
Septic arthritis
Septic arthritis is a bacterial infection of the joints that can affect all joints. It can cause swelling, increased temperature, pain and redness in your knee joint. Septic arthritis often occurs with fever and is usually not associated with trauma. Septic arthritis can quickly cause extensive damage to the knee cartilage. Therefore, it is advisable to contact your doctor immediately if you have redness, increased temperature, swelling and pain in the knee.
4) Other problems
Patellofemoral pain syndrome
It is a general term for pain that occurs between the kneecap (patella) and the underlying thigh bone (femur). It is very common in Turkish society. It has the character of a stabbing pain in front of the knee, especially when going up and down stairs and squatting on the ground. While most of them can be treated without surgery, some of them need to be treated with surgery.
Risk factors for knee diseases
Certain conditions can increase the risk of knee problems:
Obesity
Being overweight increases the stress on your knee joints, even during ordinary activities such as walking or climbing stairs. It also accelerates the damage to joint cartilage, increasing the risk of osteoarthritis.
Muscle weakness
In particular, weakness of the muscle in the front of the thigh (quadriceps) can increase the risk of knee injury. Strong muscles help stabilize and protect your joints, and muscle flexibility helps you achieve full range of motion.
Some sports or occupations
Some sports put more stress on your knees than others. The risk is especially higher in competitive sports such as soccer and basketball. Jobs that require repetitive stress on the knees, such as construction or farming, can also increase your risk.
Old injury
A previous knee injury increases your risk of re-injuring your knee.
Can we prevent knee injuries?
While it is not always possible to prevent knee pain, the following suggestions can help prevent injuries:
Weight control
One of the best things you can do for your knees is weight control. Every extra pound puts additional stress on your joints, increasing the risk of injury and osteoarthritis.
Stay in shape
Regular daily activity helps you to maintain not only your joint health, but also your overall physical and mental health.
Stay strong, stay flexible.
Weak muscles are a leading cause of knee injuries, so keeping the thigh and calf muscles that support your knees strong is crucial for knee health. Balance and stability training helps the muscles around your knees work together more effectively. Try to include flexibility exercises in your workouts. Seek professional support if necessary.