Knee pain is something that just about everyone will deal with at one time or another. The pain can be due to some sort of knee injury. At other times, different knee symptoms appear as a sign of the development of some sort of long-term medical problem. Regardless of the origin, there are several common knee symptoms that signal the need for treatment.
Knee damage due to stress on the legs and knees is very common. Athletes sometimes injure ligaments and tendons, resulting in varying degrees of knee swelling and bruising. Depending on the severity of the damage, the knee symptoms may include a bruised knee or even an incidence of the knee buckling when attempting to walk or run. Generally, these types of symptoms will disappear when the underlying cause is treated, and the individual can resume normal activities without fear of much knee pain.
In some instances, the knee symptoms point toward more extensive damage that cannot be healed using simple methods like ice packs and over the counter anti-inflammatory medications. The injuries may be so extensive that fluid collects under the knee, leading to swelling that is extremely painful. When this is the case, it is important to see a doctor immediately. Drawing the fluid off the kneecap will help to prevent more damage to the tendons and ligaments, allowing the damage to begin healing.
One of the more common knee symptoms is pain. With injuries, the pain usually subsides as the knee heals. When an ongoing health problem like bursitis is present, there is often a constant sense of aching and stiffness that accompanies the general pain in the area. The pain is likely to intensify when attempting such activities as kneeling or attempting to go up a flight of stairs.
For injuries or health problems that are severe enough to merit surgery, the knee symptoms often include constant pain, swelling, inflammation to the ligaments and tendons, and a general aching that never seems to go away. Often, various surgical procedures can make a huge difference in the level of pain almost immediately. For example, if the origin of the pain is due to degeneration of bone or cartilage, surgery may be necessary to remove fragments that are interfering with the natural range of movement. After removing those fragments, the swelling and inflammation often disappear, and it is possible to move the knee freely without experiencing a lot of pain.
Almost everyone experiences some minor knee symptoms from time to time. Usually, these subside after resting the joint and using simple methods to ease swelling and inflammation. In situations where the symptoms do not subside after a couple of days, seeing a medical professional is highly recommended. Early detection of a developing knee issue can help to prevent long-term pain, as well as minimize the chances for permanent damage.
