Pain above Knee

Knees are the joints which connect the lower part of the legs to the thighs. The knee cap is one of the largest and most complicated joints in the human body. The knee supports the entire weight of the body and due to this reason, the knees are prone to injury and other knee problems.

Knee pain, especially above the knee, plagues people from all walks of life -- athletes or sports persons, working people and homemakers. Pain above knee is often experienced in runners so it is also known as runners knee or patellofemoral pain syndrome.

Experiencing pain above or in any other region surrounding the knee can be very bothersome as it causes a hindrance to the daily chores and makes even basic movements painful.

The symptoms of this disorder are inflammation and a feeling of stiffness in the affected region. A grinding or crunching sound, sometimes felt like a click, can also be noticed.

There are many reasons if an individual is experiencing pain and a feeling of discomfort above the knees. A few causes of pain above knee are mentioned as under:

➔ Arthritis:
The inflammation of the knee joints can cause intense pain and discomfort. This pain, caused because of arthritis, occurs due to stiffness in the joints that can worsen due to overexertion or under pressure.

➔ Baker's Cyst:
Unlike its name, Baker's cyst is not a tumor or a growth but an accumulation of fluid behind the knee joint. The popliteal cyst is normally triggered due to knee arthritis, ligament injuries, tear in the meniscus, etc. This can result in swelling, which can turn chronic, in case of delayed treatment.

➔ Bursitis:
There is a small sac, called bursa, which is located between the joints to provide the required lubrication. This is a thin membrane-like tissue that supports the movement of joints, muscles and tendons. Inflammation and infection of this sac can lead to bursitis, which can trigger pain and discomfort in the knee, along with swelling and limiting knee movement.

➔ Chondromalacia Patellae:
Chondromalacia patellae is a condition where the cartilage of the knee cap becomes soft. The softening of the knee cap puts pressure on the area surrounding the knee cap which can trigger pain even if there is a slight movement. This condition usually affects people who are above 40 years of age.

➔ Displacement of the Knee Cap:
Displacement or dislocation of the knee cap is caused due to over pressure or overexertion of the knee cap. A dislocated kneecap is the result of rubbing of the knee cap against the thigh bone. The pain caused due to this condition usually occurs above the front or center of the knee. The individual may also experience pain at the knee joints when squatting.

➔ Gout:
Gout is another disorder that causes swelling, redness, bouts of pain (sometimes intense) in the joints. This problem is caused due to the accumulation of uric acid, which is a waste product, in the joint.

➔ Muscle Pull:
At times, the muscles around the knee tend to get pulled due to a bad posture or sprain causing a dull, aching pain in the knee. If pain continues for more than one week then it is an indication of a serious condition that may require prompt medical attention.

➔ Tendinitis:
Tendinitis is a condition where the tendons in the knee get inflamed or strained. The symptoms of tendinitis are swelling and a feeling of stiff joints in the knee. If pain above either knee is experienced continuously for more than a month, then it may be an indication of rheumatoid arthritis.

➔ Other Causes:
Some other causes of experiencing pain and discomfort above the knee are obesity, injury or trauma caused due to an accident or rigorous sport, overuse of the joint and aging.

Before administering treatment, the doctor may advice a series of diagnostic tests, to check for the exact cause of this knee problem.

A physical exam, X-ray, and CT scan may be recommended for closer monitoring of the affected joint.

• There are plenty of ✔ over-the-counter medication and painkillers that may be prescribed by a doctor to reduce the inflammation and pain.
• Follow a ✔ proper diet plan and exercise regimen to reduce the excess weight.

• Applying ✔ cold or hot packs to the affected area will provide relief.
• There are ✔ knee exercises specially designed for people who suffer from arthritis. But these exercises must be followed under the guidance and supervision of a physiotherapist or a physical trainer.

If you experience persistent and severe knee pain, consult an orthopedic who may take an X-ray of the affected region and diagnose the exact cause of the pain. Combined with this, a proper diet, regular exercise regimen, and quitting vices will help prevent joint disorders.

Disclaimer: The Story published herein, is meant for educational purposes only and does not intend to supplant the advice of a healthcare practitioner.