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Knee pain is one of the most common musculoskeletal complaints among people of all ages. Whether you're a young athlete, a middle-aged office worker, or a senior citizen, knee discomfort can strike at any point in life. From dull aches and swelling to sharp, shooting pain that limits movement, knee pain can significantly reduce your quality of life.
But the good news is most types of knee pain can be effectively managed or even prevented with timely care, proper diagnosis, and healthy lifestyle choices. In this comprehensive blog, we will explore everything you need to know—knee pain causes, symptoms, treatment options, and prevention strategies—to help you stay active and pain-free.
Synopsis
Understanding the Knee Joint
Before diving into the causes and treatments, let’s briefly understand the anatomy of the knee. The knee is a complex joint made up of bones (femur, tibia, patella), cartilage, ligaments (ACL, PCL, MCL, LCL), tendons, and fluid-filled sacs called bursae. An issue with any of these structures can result in pain or discomfort, which is why specialized care is crucial—something you can trust at Manipal Hospital Kharadi, where advanced orthopaedic services are provided by experienced specialists.
5 Most Common Causes of Knee Pain
Knee pain can be triggered by several factors, including injuries, medical conditions, or simply wear and tear over time. Here are the most frequent causes:
1. Overuse and Repetitive Motion Injuries
This is particularly common in athletes and people with physically demanding jobs. Activities like excessive running, jumping, or squatting can lead to overuse conditions such as:
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Runner’s Knee (Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome)
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Iliotibial Band Syndrome
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Tendinitis
At Manipal Hospital Kharadi, our expert physiotherapy team helps manage such overuse injuries with targeted rehab and preventive guidance.
2. Arthritis
There are over 100 types of arthritis, but osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis are the most common culprits behind knee pain.
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Osteoarthritis: Often age-related, this condition occurs when the cartilage that cushions the bones wears down.
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Rheumatoid Arthritis: This autoimmune condition causes chronic inflammation and joint pain.
The Rheumatology and Orthopaedics departments at Manipal Hospital Kharadi work together to offer integrated care for arthritis patients, ensuring long-term joint health.
3. Ligament or Meniscus Injuries
Trauma from falls, car accidents, or sports can tear the ligaments (like the ACL or MCL) or the meniscus. These injuries often require expert imaging and sometimes surgical intervention. Fortunately, Manipal Hospital Kharadi is equipped with advanced MRI and minimally invasive surgical facilities to handle these cases efficiently.
4. Obesity
Carrying excess weight puts extra pressure on the knee joints, increasing the risk of both injury and chronic conditions like arthritis. At our hospital, personalized weight management programmes are available to support overall joint health.
5. Referred Pain
Sometimes, the knee isn’t the actual problem. Pain from the hip, spine, or foot can radiate to the knee. The multi-specialty approach at Manipal Hospital Kharadi ensures you receive a complete evaluation to identify the true source of discomfort.
Common Symptoms of Knee Pain
Symptoms may vary based on the underlying condition but typically include:
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Persistent ache or sharp pain
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Swelling and stiffness
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Popping or grinding sounds
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Redness or warmth
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Instability or weakness
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Difficulty straightening or bending the knee
If these symptoms persist, consult an orthopaedic expert at Manipal Hospital Kharadi, where accurate diagnosis and timely intervention can prevent long-term damage.
Effective Treatment Options for Knee Pain
1. Home Remedies and Self-Care
For mild pain:
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Rest
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Ice packs
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Compression wraps
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Leg elevation
These steps can often relieve temporary inflammation or strain.
2. Medications
Over-the-counter anti-inflammatory drugs like ibuprofen help with pain relief. In more complex cases, Manipal Hospital Kharadi offers intra-articular injections and pain management services supervised by senior doctors.
3. Physical Therapy
At Manipal Hospital Kharadi, our in-house physiotherapy department offers:
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Muscle strengthening routines
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Joint mobilization
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Balance training
These are especially beneficial in managing arthritis and recovery after injury.
4. Surgical Treatments
Surgery may be recommended for severe injuries or degeneration. Our expert orthopaedic surgeons offer:
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Arthroscopy
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ACL Reconstruction
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Partial or Total Knee Replacement
With state-of-the-art operation theatres and post-op rehabilitation at Manipal Hospital Kharadi, patients experience a smoother, quicker recovery.
Prevention Tips for Healthy Knees
1. Maintain a Healthy Weight
Extra weight leads to excess stress on the knees. A healthy diet plan and metabolic screening at Manipal Hospital Kharadi can help you maintain an ideal BMI.
2. Stay Active—but Smartly
Choose low-impact exercises like swimming or cycling. Our fitness and rehab experts offer customized programs to prevent future injury.
3. Stretch and Strengthen
Stretch before activity and strengthen muscles around the knees. A few sessions with a certified physiotherapist at Manipal Hospital Kharadi can guide you properly.
4. Wear Supportive Footwear
Proper shoes make a big difference in alignment. If you have flat feet or posture issues, our orthopaedic foot specialists can help with inserts and guidance.
5. Don’t Ignore the Pain
Minor aches can escalate. At Manipal Hospital Kharadi, early evaluation can help detect issues before they become chronic.
When to Visit Manipal Hospital Kharadi for Knee Pain
You should see a specialist if you experience:
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Intense or worsening pain
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Swelling that lasts more than 3 days
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Difficulty walking
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Sudden locking of the knee
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Fever or warmth in the joint
The Orthopaedics Department at Manipal Hospital Kharadi is staffed by some of the best orthopaedic surgeons in Pune, supported by radiologists, physiotherapists, and rheumatologists for a complete solution.
Conclusion
Knee pain doesn’t have to slow you down. With the right diagnosis, treatment, and care, you can get back to your active lifestyle in no time. From initial consultation to full recovery, Manipal Hospital Kharadi offers comprehensive knee pain treatment under one roof. Our team is here to support you every step of the way because your knees deserve expert care.
Don’t wait. Book an appointment at Manipal Hospital Kharadi today and take your first step toward a pain-free tomorrow.
FAQ's
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Most implants last 15–20 years or more, depending on activity levels and health conditions.
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