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It is one of the largest joints in the human body, but more importantly, it is also the most complex: the knee. As the link between the thigh and the lower leg, the knee has an extremely difficult job to perform, which it does day in and day out, whether we’re at home, at work or on the playing field. The mechanics of the knee are extremely complex, covering a three-dimensional range of motion that is still not fully understood. Knee pain is very common and can occur as a result of aging, surgery or physical inactivity.
This page provides a brief overview of commonly occurring problem areas; detailed information is available in our FACT SHEET:
Download PDF Related productsDamage to the meniscus can usually be traced to wear on the joint – over the years the tissue loses its elasticity and is no longer as firm. Accidents such as those that occur during skiing play only a secondary role. Chronic overuse or incorrect use of this joint in our day-to-day lives – even if we’re unaware of a problem – constitutes another cause of injury. Pain is noticeable in everyday movements.
Knee bandages, in combination with appropriate athletic activities and physical therapy, are a component of treatment.
Injuries to the cruciate and lateral ligaments are always the result of an accident in which external forces acting on the knee exceed what the ligaments can handle. Whether you’ve been skiing or playing soccer, intense pain, rapid swelling of the knee joint and little or no movement are all signs that point to a possible ligament injury.
Most ligament injuries require surgery either to replace the ligaments or to sew them back together. Elastic joint bandages complement subsequent rehabilitation efforts.
In addition to normal, age-related wear and tear on the knee, the joint can also be worn down or its cartilage damaged if an individual is significantly bowlegged or knock-kneed. Changes such as these can sneak up on a person, with pain often first appearing during perfectly normal, day-to-day activities. In its advanced stages, this condition severely limits the movement of the joint.
Antirheumatoid painkillers along with joint bandages can help reduce or even eliminate pain.
This term encompasses a variety of different conditions related to the kneecap (patella); these conditions range from disorders of the upper leg muscles to a congenital malformation in which the kneecap is prone to lateral dislocation. Typically, pain occurs when walking, running or straightening up after squatting.
Helpful treatment options can include physical training for the thigh muscles aimed specifically at improving their ability to hold the kneecap in place and/or move it properly. The use of knee bandages is also helpful.