Knee pain is a common problem that affects millions of people worldwide, especially those over 40 or athletes. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), about 10–15% of the global population suffers from joint-related diseases, with knee arthritis and osteoarthritis being the leading causes of limited mobility. As an orthopedic surgeon with over 13 years of experience at Artemis Hospital, I have seen many patients regain their quality of life thanks to modern treatments. This article will provide an in-depth look at knee pain, its causes, treatments, and prevention, based on practical experience and the latest medical research.
Causes of knee pain
Knee pain can come from many causes, including:
Osteoarthritis: This is the most common cause, especially in the elderly. According to The Lancet (2020), osteoarthritis affects more than 300 million people worldwide, causing wear and tear of the joint cartilage and pain during movement.
Ligament injuries: Anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) or posterior cruciate ligament (PCL) tears are common in athletes. I have treated many cricketers in India, helping them return to play through arthroscopic surgery.
Meniscus tears: The meniscus acts as a “cushion” for the knee joint, and this damage often causes pain, swelling, and limited movement.
Rheumatoid arthritis: An autoimmune disease that causes inflammation and destruction of the joint.
Trauma from an accident: Fractures or soft tissue damage around the knee joint can lead to chronic pain if not treated properly.
Diagnostic methods
To make an accurate diagnosis, I use a combination of clinical examination and imaging methods:
X-rays: Detect signs of degeneration or fractures.
MRI: Assess ligament, meniscus, and soft tissue damage.
Blood tests: Rule out autoimmune diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis.
In my practice, I once had a 45-year-old patient with chronic knee pain, misdiagnosed as simple arthritis. Through MRI, I discovered a torn meniscus and successfully treated it with arthroscopic surgery, allowing the patient to return to running after only 6 weeks.
Treatment
Non-surgical treatment:
Physical therapy: Exercises to strengthen the muscles around the knee joint help reduce pressure on the joint. According to the Journal of Orthopaedic & Sports Physical Therapy (2018), physical therapy can reduce the risk of needing surgery by 50% in patients with mild osteoarthritis.
Medication: Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as ibuprofen help reduce pain and inflammation.
Corticosteroid or hyaluronic acid injections: Reduce inflammation and temporarily lubricate the joint.
Surgery:
Arthroscopy: I often use this technique to repair ligament or meniscus tears, with a small incision and a quick recovery time (3–6 weeks).
Knee replacement: For severe osteoarthritis, NAV3 joint replacement surgery is the optimal choice. At Artemis Hospital, I have performed more than 3,000 joint replacements with a 95% success rate, helping patients walk normally within 4–6 weeks.
Injury management: For complex fractures, I use internal fixation to ensure the bone heals properly.
Preventing knee pain
Maintain a healthy weight: Being overweight increases the pressure on the knee joint. According to the Arthritis Foundation, losing 1kg of body weight can reduce 4kg of pressure on the knee joint.
Exercise properly: Exercises such as yoga or swimming help strengthen the muscles without putting pressure on the joint.
Diet: Supplement foods rich in omega-3 (salmon, chia seeds) and vitamin D to support bone and joint health.
Regular health check-ups: Early detection of bone and joint problems helps with more effective treatment.
Conclusion
Knee pain is not only a symptom but also a warning about bone and joint health. With experience performing more than 6,000 surgeries and training at leading medical centers, I encourage patients to see a specialist early for timely diagnosis and treatment. At Artemis Hospital, we are committed to providing comprehensive care, from online consultation to advanced surgery, helping you regain freedom of movement. Contact me via Practo or Artemis Hospital to start your recovery journey!
