Signs & Symptoms of Knee Problems

Knee problems are a common and potentially debilitating ailment. Although they are often associated with elderly individuals, the truth is that many people experience knee problems, whether young or old. They develop from a variety of injuries, illnesses and basic strain. Knee problems can lead to more severe issues that may necessitate surgery; therefore, it is advisable to pay attention to signs and symptoms of knee problems to avoid a worsening condition.

  1. Knee Injury Symptoms

    • A wide variety of knee injuries exist, often with differing symptoms. In ligament injuries (injuries that affect 1 of the 4 knee ligaments), symptoms may include immediate pain when bending the knee, a popping noise in the knee and a feeling that the knee might buckle. People suffering from tendonitis (inflammation in the knee tendons) might experience swelling in the front of the knee, pain when jumping and an inability to straighten the knee. Swelling, pain, difficulty walking and knee popping tend to accompany many of the major injuries.

    Arthritic Knee Problems

    • Several types of arthritis can occur in the knee, including septic arthritis, rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis. Pain and swelling tend to be symptoms in each form; however, there are other signs that differ individually. Rheumatoid arthritis, one of the more incapacitating types, can cause deformity of the knee joints and a fever. Osteoarthritis generally includes stiffness and loss of flexibility in the knee joints.

    When to Visit a Doctor

    • Many people experience some knee pain that does not require doctor assistance. According to mayoclinic.com, if the following symptoms occur, a doctor should be consulted: if you cannot put weight on the knee, if your knee swells, if your leg or knee looks deformed, or if the pain is worrisome.

    Knee Surgeries

    • In instances where knee problems have progressed, surgery might be recommended. The three major types of surgery are arthroscopic, partial knee replacement and total knee replacement. The type of surgery usually varies, depending on the extent of the injury and level of pain or disability experienced.

    Sports Injuries

    • Common causes of knee injuries in young people are sports. Sports injuries are not limited to hard contact sports such as football and soccer. They also occur in tennis, running and many other low-contact activities. Knee injuries resulting in heavy contact might be more obvious to the injured, because they can occur from a heavy blow or tackle. Low-contact sports, however, frequently result over time from repetitive stress on the knee.