Knee problems - Is the pain serious and what can you do about it?

Everybody is the same, we never really think or care about our knees until something goes wrong. The knees themselves take quite a beating throughout your lifetime, especially an active person! The knee takes the pressure of a person's weight when they're stood up. This is then increased when they run, jump, climb stairs or play sport.

Because of this constant battering, it is no surprise that they are susceptible to injury. Knee problems can be both acute (short term) or chronic (long term) in severity. Acute knee injuries will be treatable, chronic injuries can be a little trickier but do improve with exercise and weightloss. Dependent on the damage there will be other options, such as painkillers, steroid injections, physiotherapy, operations and in some cases a complete knee replacement.

You may have an issue with your knee(s) and not be sure if it's something to worry about. Is it a reason to see the doctor or are you worrying for nothing?

My knees make a cracking noise

That noise is very common, and is known as “crepitus”. If you have no pain, swelling or problems with movement, there is no reason to worry. The sound itself is usually caused by bubbles of air popping in the joint fluid. Alternatively it can be tendons and ligaments snapping back into place or catching on bone and cartilage.

If you do however incur pain, notice swelling around the knee or feel it catching when you are in certain positions. This could indicate there is a problem - you may have a small tear on your cartilage. These usually heal themselves without any specific treatment in about 6 weeks. However, if this isn't the case, please book yourself an appointment with your doctor.

Does PFPS spell an end to my gym membership?

Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome (PFPS) can range from mild to severe knee pain which originates from the contact of the posterior surface of the back of the kneecap (patella) with the thigh bone (femur). This is a problem that can often effect young, sporty women. The problem usually attacks after sitting for a long-time, running up and down stairs, kneeling and squatting.

The pain can be eased with anti-inflammatory gel/tablets and ice packs. It's best to strengthen the muscles around the knee also, this in some cases has been known to solve the problem entirely. So should you give up the gym completely? Well the choice is yours - however, you should consider adapting your gym routine and replacing high impact exercises with low impact ones; get off that treadmill and try the bike or swimming instead.

I'm scared of starting running as I might damage my knee

Don't panic, jogging and running does not cause arthritis. However, if you already have arthritis running WILL make it worse. It is all down to your approach to running, create yourself a program and work your way upwards. It is sensible to start with a walking program, next time out move up, and gradually work to a jog or run. As you move upwards and increase the intensity, you can then monitor your body and even give yourself a threshold that you shouldn't move past. If you're running and the pain is so strong it alters your running style....STOP and go see your doctor.

I have osteoarthritis, is it treatable?

Osteoarthritis is a chronic disease of which there is no cure, however there are many things you can do to treat the symptoms of the problem. The key factors in this are managing the pain/stiffness/swelling, improving joint flexibility/mobility, maintaining a healthy weight and getting enough exercise. So how can you do this?

Physical activity

This may seem strange to contemplate exercise when you're in pain, but it is a key part of a treatment plan. Obviously don't grab your hiking gear or enter a Tough Mudder event, we're talking a walk around your village or an easy exercise class. Consult your doctor and work out the right exercise plans for you. Strengthening exercises will help build muscle around the affected joints and ease the burden/reduce the pain. Range-of-motion exercises will improve flexibility and reduce joint stiffness. Aerobic exercise will improve stamina/energy levels and help reduce excess weight.

Weight management

It goes without saying that the heavier you are the more stress there will be on your weight bearing joints; hips, knees and back. So, losing the excess weight will help in reducing the pain and reduce further damage. The key to losing the weight will be consuming fewer calories and increase physical activity (above).

Stretching

As with physical activity, don't jump in with two feet, slow and gentle stretching of the joints will help to lessen stiffness of the joints and relieve pain. Classes such a basic Tai Chi and Yoga are perfect for managing stiffness.

Pain and anti-inflammatory medicines

There are many medicines available, as pills, syrup, cream, lotions or injections.

Physical/Occupational therapy

A visit to a therapist allows you to learn more about the problem itself and find the many treatment options for managing pain. They will teach you how to use the joints to minimise future pain and give you motion and flexibility exercises. You can also find heat and cold therapies and be given assistive devices.

Assistive devices

There are so many devices available to ease certain movements and activities, some can be purchased from pharmacies and medical supply stores and some need to be prescribed by your doctor. It is worth looking into this as you may find the perfect tool for something that is causing you pain. The devices can range from long-handled shoe horns, canes, splints to scooters, knee braces and shoe wedges.

Natural/Alternative Therapies

Many people will dismiss natural and alternative remedies but results have shown they work for many sufferers. Helping them to deal with the symptoms and to improve their overall wellbeing. Therapies include acupuncture, massage, nutritional supplements and hydrotherapy, but there are more appearing all the time.

Surgery

As in any situation surgery is always the last port of call. If needed a doctor will refer you to an orthopaedic surgeon to perform the joint surgery. They can repair or replace even severely damaged joints.

Some days my knees hurt, some days they're fine, when do I go to the doctors?

A lot of people will put up with a little pain and dismiss it as something or nothing and others will go to the doctor with a sniffle. So, when is the point that you know a trip to the docs is a must.

Swollen, red, painful and stiff knees with no actual cause are a sign that you need to see a doctor. If your knee swells up and is painful after a fall or trauma, in this case you may need to go straight to A&E. If you begin to limp suddenly with no actual cause, then you need to see a doctor urgently as this could be an infected joint.

All in all, if you are worried about your knees then seek help, if only to put your mind at ease. For more information about osteoarthritis visit www.arthritisresearchuk.org or call their free phone helpline on 0800 5200 520.