KNEE PAIN

It is one of the most common problems, especially for old age people.

Women are more prone to develop this problem as compared to men.

CAUSES OF KNEE PAIN-

1) OLD AGE – With the increase in age, the lubricant between the knee joint decreases, and the bones of the joint start rubbing against each other which leads to pain and pain increases with time if no proper measure is taken.

2) INJURY – Any injury to joints can be serious as they can easily get dislocated or fractured and in old age, it is more common because joints become weak.

3) MENOPAUSE -After menopause, a woman’s body goes through a lot of changes and calcium deficiency is one of the changes. This calcium deficiency can lead to weak and fragile bones.

4) BONE LOSS- There are many reasons for bone loss and weakening which include-

a) DISEASES – Diabetes Mellitus, Hyperthyroidism, Hyperparathyroidism, Inflammatory bowel disease, pancreatic diseases.

b) MEDICINES – Antiepileptic, Proton pump inhibitors ( used for gastric problems), Glucocorticoids, Heparin, Chemotherapy.

5) OBESITY – It is one of the most important causes of knee pain as our knee has to support extra body weight which leads to early loss of knee joint lubrication.

SYMPTOMS –

1) During the early period the pain starts around the knee, especially after standing for a long time because the knee joint is not able to support the body weight due to the weakening of bone and loss of lubrication between the joints.

2) As the disease progresses, the pain radiates to the whole leg from the knee, and swelling of the joint and leg can occur.

3) Difficulty in walking.

INVESTIGATION-

1) X-RAY – Knee joint x-ray can show narrowing of knee joint space due to a decrease in lubrication.

2) BMD– A bone mineral density test is done to check the mineral level in bones. If it is low then the patient can be suffering from osteoporosis which leads to weak bone and can cause pain and fracture.

3) Haemoglobin and thyroid levels should also be checked.

4) Blood sugar levels also need to be monitored.

NATURAL MANAGEMENT OF KNEE PAIN-

1) WARM WATER AND SALT – In a bucket pour lukewarm water and add two or three spoons of salt. After that keep both legs in the water. This will help reduce swelling and pain in the legs. Repeat it two or three times a day.

2) KNEE CAP – It is beneficial if worn daily as it helps improve blood circulation and provide support to the knee joint which helps reduce inflammation and pain in the knee.

3) FOOTWEAR – Always wear good quality shoes as shoes with shapeless soles can cause extra pressure on the joints.

4) WALKING – It is advised to walk on even ground to increase circulation in the joints which helps reduce inflammation and provide strength to muscles and joints.

5) DISEASES – If suffering from diabetes, or hyperthyroidism then it is better to take medicine regularly as advised by the doctor because these diseases can cause weak bones.

6) MEDICINE – Avoid taking medicine without a doctor’s advice as some medications can lead to bone loss.

7) HEMOGLOBIN: Maintaining normal hemoglobin levels is important to prevent anemia as it can lead to bone loss. Eating beetroot, and pomegranate is good as they can increase hemoglobin levels.

8) WEIGHT LOSS – It is very important to reduce weight so that the knees do not lose lubrication and the knee joint spaces are intact.

TREATMENT- 

1)  Mostly painkillers like NSAIDs like ibuprofen, aceclofenac, diclofenac, and other similar medicines are prescribed by the doctor.

2) Calcium and Vitamin D3 supplements are also given to the patient to increase the strength of the bone.

3) INTRA ARTICULAR INJECTION – Sometimes when the joint space is reduced too much then doctors can give intra-articular injection under aseptic conditions to improve lubrication between the joints.

4) SURGERY – In case when medicines are not able to control the pain then joint replacement surgery is done.

STAY HEALTHY AND FIT.