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Anatomy of the Knee
As one of the largest and most intricate joints in the human body, the knee plays a vital role in supporting our weight, allowing us to walk, run, and perform various physical activities. The knee joint consists of several key components, including bones, cartilage, ligaments, and tendons, all of which work together to ensure smooth and pain-free movement.
Bones and Menisci:
The bones involved in the knee joint include the femur (thighbone), tibia (shinbone), and patella (kneecap). These bones are cushioned by articular cartilage, which reduces friction and absorbs shock during movement. The menisci, two C-shaped pieces of cartilage, provide additional shock absorption and stability to the joint.
Ligaments:
Ligaments are strong bands of tissue that connect bones to one another, providing stability and support. In the knee, there are four major ligaments: the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL), posterior cruciate ligament (PCL), medial collateral ligament (MCL), and lateral collateral ligament (LCL). Tendons, on the other hand, connect muscles to bones, enabling movement. The most notable tendon in the knee is the patellar tendon, which connects the quadriceps muscles to the tibia.
What Are the Signs and Symptoms Associated with Knee Pain?
Various signs and symptoms are associated with knee pain, depending on the cause. These are the following:
- Swelling
- Stiffness
- Bruising
- Instability
- Inability to put weight on the affected limb
- Locking, popping, clicking, or giving away
What are Common Causes of Knee Pain?
Various factors can contribute to knee pain, ranging from age-related wear and tear to acute injuries sustained during physical activities. The following are the causes of knee pain:
Osteoarthritis is one of the leading causes of knee pain, affecting millions of people worldwide. This degenerative joint condition occurs when the protective cartilage in the knee joint gradually breaks down, leading to pain, stiffness, and reduced mobility. Ageing, genetics, and previous joint injuries can all contribute to the development of osteoarthritis.
2. Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL) Injuries
ACL injuries are prevalent among athletes, particularly those who participate in sports that involve sudden changes in direction, like soccer and basketball. An ACL tear or sprain can result in severe knee pain, swelling, and instability. Prompt medical attention and appropriate treatment are crucial for optimal recovery.
The menisci, which act as shock absorbers in the knee joint, can be torn or damaged due to forceful twisting or sudden impacts. Meniscus tears are among the more common causes of knee pain, often resulting from sports injuries or simply the wear and tear of daily activities. Symptoms may include pain, swelling, and limited range of motion.
4. Patellar Tendinitis
Patellar tendinitis, also known as jumper’s knee, is an inflammation of the patellar tendon often caused by repetitive stress on the knee joint. This condition is frequently seen in athletes who engage in sports that involve jumping and running, such as volleyball and track and field. Proper rest, rehabilitation, and prevention strategies are essential for managing patellar tendinitis.
5. Other Causes
Numerous other potential knee pain causes include bursitis, iliotibial band syndrome, dislocated kneecap, and inflammatory conditions like gout and rheumatoid arthritis. These issues can contribute to discomfort and limited mobility.
Management of Knee Pain with ANF Therapy®️
1-History:
First, ANF Therapists will take a detailed history to diagnose knee pain and find its cause. They may give you a questionnaire to fill out or ask about the severity, nature, character, and onset of pain, locking, popping, or clicking, duration of symptoms, and previous medical history.
2-Physical Examination:
After a detailed history, they will perform a thorough physical examination, which includes examination of the knee joint, muscles around knee joints, and all systems of the body. They will assess a range of motion, inflammation severity, and weakness areas.
3-Neurological Examination:
ANF Therapists will perform a neurological examination to assess nerve inflammation. They will palpate nerves around the knee joint to assess which nerves are involved and inflamed. This process will help them decide where to apply ANF Devices.
4-Application of Devices:
Finally, ANF Therapists will create a protocol for treating knee pain. Knee pain treatment involves positive and negative anti-inflammatory devices, antioxidant devices, energy devices, and MC to treat knee pain from its root cause. These devices help the body start a natural healing process.
5-Expected Outcome:
6-Follow up:
ANF Devices are changed after 72 hours. Your ANF Therapists will guide you through these changes and the total number of sessions needed to treat your knee pain completely. They will create a personalised treatment plan that aligns with your body’s needs. If you have chronic knee pain, a complete treatment may take 2 to 6 months.
Start Your Journey with ANF Therapy®️:
How to Prevent Knee Pain?
The following are some critical strategies for preventing and managing common knee pain to maintain healthy knees, reduce the risk of injury, and improve your overall quality of life:
1. Exercise and Strengthening:
Regular exercise, particularly activities that focus on strengthening the muscles surrounding the knee, can help protect the joint from injury and alleviate pain. Incorporating low-impact exercises like swimming, cycling, and yoga can promote knee health without placing undue stress on the joint.
2. Weight Management
Carrying excess body weight puts additional strain on the knee joint, which increases the risk of injury and wear-and-tear conditions like osteoarthritis. Maintaining a healthy weight through a balanced diet and regular exercise can reduce the likelihood of developing knee pain.
3. Stretching and Flexibility
Ensuring proper flexibility and range of motion in the knee joint prevents injury. Incorporate regular stretching exercises into your routine, focusing on the muscles that support the knee, such as the quadriceps, hamstrings, and calf muscles.
4. Wearing Appropriate Footwear
Wearing shoes that provide adequate support and cushioning can help absorb impact, reduce stress on the knee joint, and minimise the risk of injury. Consider investing in footwear specifically designed for your chosen sports or activities and replacing it regularly as it wears down.
5. Proper Technique in Sports and Physical Activities
Utilising correct form and technique during physical activities can help prevent knee injuries and reduce the risk of common knee pain. If you need help with proper technique, consider working with a personal trainer or coach who can provide guidance and feedback.
When Should You Seek Medical Help for Knee Pain?
While mild knee pain can be managed through self-care measures and preventative strategies, you should consult an ANF Therapist if you have the following signs:
- Intense pain that doesn’t improve with rest or over-the-counter pain relievers
- Swelling that persists or worsens over time
- Difficulty bearing weight on the affected leg
- Deformity or visible dislocation of the joint
- Inability to fully extend or bend the knee
- Signs of infection, such as redness, warmth, or fever
What are the Complications of Knee Pain?
If you don’t treat knee pain, it can lead to the following problems:
- Chronic pain and discomfort
- Decreased range of motion and joint stiffness
- Muscle weakness and atrophy
- Development or worsening of degenerative joint conditions, such as osteoarthritis
- Increased risk of re-injury or additional injuries due to joint instability
- Destruction of complete deterioration of knee joint
- Locked knee
Frequently Asked Questions:
What is best for knee pain?
What causes knee joint pain?
Various factors, such as degenerative bone diseases, osteoarthritis, gout, pseudogout, meniscus tears, patellar tendinitis, ligament injuries, bursitis, dislocation of the knee cap, direct blows to the knee joint, and sports injuries, can cause knee pain.
Will knee pain go away?
Is it better to rest or walk with knee pain?
Whether you should rest or walk depends on the root cause of your knee pain. If you have knee pain due to overuse injuries, blows, fractures, or sports injuries, it is better to rest. Meanwhile, walking is better if you have knee pain due to chronic degenerative joint diseases like arthritis.
What is the fastest way to relieve knee pain?
How to relieve knee pain at night?
What is the new treatment for knee pain?
About ANF Therapy®️
ANF Therapy®️ uses circular ANF Devices, which are applied directly on the skin after palpation and assessment by a trained ANF Therapist following the ANF Therapy®️ Method, Patented Model no. U202030252, ES1259974.
The ANF Therapy®️ purpose is the alleviation of injury and pain within minutes.
Our aim is that the patient experiences a reduction of pain and swelling, an increase in range of motion, and an improvement in quality of life related to health. Non-transdermal, non-invasive device, NO needles or chemicals are used.
Do you need help with your health issues? Have you been experiencing symptoms of Knee Pain?
Contact us, and we will explain how we can help you!
