The knee, one of the largest joints in the body, consists of 3 bones – the thigh bone (femur), the shin bone (tibia), and the kneecap (patella) – joined together by an extensive network of ligaments, cartilage, tendons and muscles. As the knee is an important structure responsible for movement and weight bearing, it is important to understand the conditions that may affect its function, the treatment options available, and how to best care for the knees to help prevent future complications and long-term disability.
Common Knee Injuries
Knee injuries can be a result of sports or recreational activities, accidental falls, or even everyday wear and tear. Most minor injuries like cuts and bruises heal on their own, but certain injuries may lead to serious conditions that can affect knee function in the long run. Common knee injuries include:
Fracture
The kneecap is the most common bone fracture in the knee. Many fractures around the knee are caused by high energy trauma, like falls from heights or car collisions. If the force of impact cause the bone to break and move from its original position, surgery may be needed.
Symptoms of bone fracture in the knee include pain, tenderness, swelling, deformity at the area of the fracture, and limited movement. For minor cases, treatment usually needs cast support to limit movement until the bone fragments heal, which can take about 6 weeks. Surgery may be needed to align and stabilise the bones. Consult a doctor to understand the treatment options available.
Arthritis
Arthritis is a condition where swelling occurs in and around the joint. Osteoarthritis is common in the knee, where the protective cushion between the joints (cartilage) can wear out due to ageing or wear and tear. Genetic factors, joint instability and injury may also contribute to osteoarthritis. Symptoms of osteoarthritis include pain, stiffness, limited movement, swelling, and at times a grinding sensation when moving.