The knees are the largest joint in the human body and a part of the skeletal system. It is the joint that connects your upper leg to the lower leg and also contains ligaments, nerves, cartilage, and muscles. Without functional knees, it is nearly impossible to make movements like walking, running, cycling, or anything that requires you to fold or bend your knees. It also helps you keep your body stable when in a standing position.
However, sometimes, your knees may not respond well, and it may be hurtful to move your knees. This condition is common in young adults as well. There can be several knee pain causes, and your doctor may be able to advise you on the best solution.
In this article, we will talk about the causes of knee pain in young age and how it may affect your body movements. Read on to know more.
Knee Pain Causes in Young Age
Knee pain is commonly associated with old age. However, it can also occur in young adults and teens. There are several knee pain causes in young adults, and treating the problem immediately is the best solution. Leaving knee pain unchecked can only worsen the situation if there is a serious problem. So, if the problem continues for a few days in your teens, you must visit a doctor as soon as possible.
If you are wondering, "why do my knee hurt?" Here are some of the possible causes of knee pain in a young age:
- Anterior knee pain,also known as patellofemoral pain. Usually, anterior pain is caused due to extended pressure on the kneecap. In such a case, the kneecap may be pulled out, which can cause pain
- Abnormal hip rotation
- Kneecap damage or injury
- Injury to knee ligaments and tendons
- Wrong training methods
- Weakened or tightened thigh muscles
- Overuse of knees
- Flat foot problems
- Knee pain due to strain or sprain. It may result in meniscal tears, ligament injuries, tendinitis, bursitis, dislocated kneecap, etc.
- Underlying medical conditions like Osgood-Schlatter disease, Sinding-Larsen Johansson Syndrome, Juvenile arthritis, Osteochondritis Dissecans, etc.
- Sports activities are often the cause of knee pain in young adults.
Symptoms of Knee Pain
In order to understand how to get rid of knee pain fast, you must also understand the symptoms of knee pain. Depending on the cause of the knee pain, the symptoms may vary. Some of the common symptoms include:
- Knee pain that may increase gradually
- Pain behind, below, or on the sides of the kneecap
- Pain or grinding sensation when bending knees
- Weakening of thigh muscles
- Popping or clicking of the knee when bending
- Buckling knees
- Knee pain may increase after certain activities, especially those involving walking
- Problem with walking or standing for long
- Weakness
- The problem in balancing the body
- Stiffness or swelling of knees
- Redness of knees
Since knees are essential to keep your body aligned, severe knee problems and pain may cause body balancing problems. You may not be able to walk, stand or bend your knees comfortably in such a condition.
>> Also Read: 5 Freehand exercises for your Daily Workout
Diagnosis of Knee Pain
Knee pain can cause discomfort in day-to-day activities. So, if your knee problem persists for a few days, it is best to visit a doctor and get the problem diagnosed. Here is how knee pain and problems are diagnosed:
- Your doctor may ask if there is a known cause of the knee pain, like an accident, injury, sprain, etc.
- You may be asked a few questions like for how many days the pain is there, what is the extent of the pain, if you can walk or bend your knees and if the pain gets worse during night-time.
- Further, the doctor will examine your knees physically. The stability of the kneecap will be examined, and its alignment.
- The flexibility of thigh muscle and hip motion will also be examined.
- Additionally, you may be asked to go for an x-ray, MRI, or CT scan to confirm if there is a fracture and also to assess ligaments and tendons.
Once the problem has been diagnosed, your doctor will suggest you a remedy for the same.
How to Relieve Knee Pain?
Knee pain can be relieved at home. Usually, in teens, home remedies for knee pain can show improvement and even cure the problem if there is no serious problem. However, we highly recommend that before any kind of home treatment, you must consult your doctor, especially if your pain is severe and has been consistent.
Home Remedy for Knee Pain
- You can apply ice to the affected knee area. Wrap the ice cubes with a towel and leave them for some time. Do it every day.
- Take proper rest. In most cases, exertion and physical activities can further lead to an increase in the knee pain.
- Try to keep your knees elevated to reduce the swelling.
- You may use compressions on the affected knees.
- Once your knees are good to go again, try to lose weight if you are overweight. Overweight people are more prone to knee problems.
Other Ways
As mentioned above, home remedies come in handy only in case the pain is not severe. However, in case of acute pain, you must see a doctor and follow the below:
Medications
If you are wondering what is the fastest way to relieve knee pain, medicines can be the answer. Your doctor may suggest painkillers and other anti-inflammatory drugs to keep the pain under control. Make sure to take pills only after a consultation.
Massage
Once you have gone through the diagnosis, you may ask your doctor if you can go for a knee massage. It might help to get the situation better and relief the pain.
Exercises and Physiotherapy
In some cases, you may be advised to perform certain exercises on a daily basis for a few days to help the knee condition. Additionally, physiotherapy may also be recommended
Surgery
In serious cases of fracture, severe ligament trauma, etc., knee surgery may be needed.
Let’s Wrap it Up
Knee pain may be a possibility for people with heavy weight. Since the upper body weight is more, it may put extra pressure on the knees. Apart from this, people with weak muscles and poor body balance may also be prone to knee problems. So, make sure to eat healthy, perform daily exercise, and maintain a healthy weight.
In case of persistent pain, do not delay medical attention. Walking, climbing stairs, and even standing can be affected due to severe knee pain. Home remedies for knee pain while climbing stairs or for other activities may be helpful to a great extent, but only in case of non-serious conditions.
In some cases, knee surgery may be advised in order to make the knees functional again. The cost of surgery may be high. Buying health insurance early in life can be quite helpful. With Care Health Insurance, you can purchase a plan as per your preferences. Under Care Super Mediclaim you can get coverage for defined surgical procedures and be assured of financial aid in times of medical emergencies. For more information allow our experts to get in touch with you.
We wish you good health!
Disclaimers: The above information is for reference purposes only: Policy Assurance and Claims at the underwriter's discretion.
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