The most important causes of knee pain: Be careful if it lasts more than 3 days!

Knee pain is a common complaint, especially in middle and older age groups, and can negatively affect daily life. Experts emphasize that knee pain should not be taken lightly, stating that pain that does not subside within 2-3 days may indicate a serious problem. If left untreated, knee pain can lead to restricted movement and can become permanent. Experts recommend consulting a doctor without delay in such cases.

'WHAT ARE THE CAUSES OF KNEE PAIN?'

The three most common causes of knee pain include meniscus tears, cartilage damage, and osteoarthritis. While trauma or meniscus tears are more prominent in younger ages, cartilage damage and osteoarthritis are seen more frequently in older ages. These conditions can make even simple movements such as climbing stairs, squatting, and walking difficult.

'MENISCUS TEARS'

The menisci, which are located in the knee joint and act as cushions between the shinbone and the thighbone, can tear as a result of sudden twisting or rotation movements. The tear can lead to pain that intensifies, especially during movement. If left untreated, meniscus tears can damage the joint cartilage, leading to osteoarthritis and chronic pain. Meniscus tears are usually treated with arthroscopic surgery. In this procedure, the meniscus is repaired or the torn part is removed. However, if the torn part is removed, the risk of osteoarthritis may increase in the future.

'CARTILAGE DAMAGE'

Deterioration of the cartilage structure in the knee joint due to physical trauma or aging can lead to severe knee pain. This damage is diagnosed through physical examination and imaging methods. Although it is not possible for cartilage damage to heal completely, treatment aims to improve the patient's quality of life. Intra-articular injections, cartilage supplements, and surgeries are some of the methods used in this treatment process. Experts emphasize that for the success of the treatment, the patient must be patient and follow the doctor's recommendations.

'OSTEOARTHRITIS'

Known as the final stage of cartilage damage in the knees, osteoarthritis occurs when the joint cartilage completely loses its function. This condition leads to symptoms such as severe pain, stiffness, and swelling in the knee, which can prevent the patient from performing daily activities such as walking or climbing stairs. Surgical methods come to the fore in the treatment of osteoarthritis. While partial knee replacement is applied in cases where osteoarthritis is only in one part of the knee, total knee replacement is preferred in cases of full osteoarthritis. In recent years, performing prosthetic surgery with robotic assistance can increase the success rate of the operation and extend the life of the prostheses.

With early diagnosis and correct treatment methods for knee pain complaints, patients can return to their daily lives pain-free.