Knee Pain

A reputed 73% of people over the age of 40 reported having knee pain last year, according to a survey done by Wakefield/DJO Global.[3] While it’s easy to think that knee pain is a part of growing older, the reality is that knee pain can affect people of all ages and genders. Injury, medical conditions, and wear and tear are all common contributors to knee pain issues. Knowing what types of issues contribute to knee pain and what options are available to treat joint pain and/or damage can improve your quality of life. Scroll through the sections below to learn about the usual suspects of knee issues.

Problems & Injuries

  • Twisted Knee

    A twisted knee, sometimes called a sprained knee, is common cause of knee pain. A twisted knee is typically caused by ligaments in the knee becoming stretched or torn suddenly. Often these ligaments are damaged during exercises or sports that require keeping your foot planted while twisting at the knee (pivoting). Exercises like tennis or basketball that require suddenly changing directions or jumping and landing increase your risk of a twisted knee, as well as direct hits to the knee during contact sports. Accidents and common day-to-day movements can also cause a twisted knee if the ligaments are strained or weak.

  • Jammed Knee

    A jammed knee is often attributed to a meniscus tear caused by twisting the knee or sudden stops during exercise. The meniscus is the piece of cartilage on the knee that both stabilizes and cushions the joint. A meniscus tear is commonly referred to as a “jammed knee” because the injury tends to cause the knee to lock up or feel as though it’s stuck. More than 40% of people over 65 years have meniscus tears. Mild and moderately torn meniscus tears can heal on their own, however, more advanced tears may require surgical repairs.

  • Pinched Knee

    A pinched knee, or anterior knee pain, occurs when the kneecap rubs against the lower part of the thighbone due to the kneecap not moving properly. Anterior knee pain can affect people at any age. In addition to overweight individuals who may experience pain, it’s not uncommon for healthy young adults, teenagers, skiers, bicyclists, jumpers, runners, and people who lift heavy objects to experience pinched knees as well. In cases where strengthening the muscles that support the knee do not help with anterior pain, surgery to remove or repair damaged cartilage, or to correct tendons can help reduce pain and restore movement.

  • Arthritis

    Nearly 9 million Americans suffer from knee arthritis each year. Partially caused by everyday wear and tear on the cartilage of the knee joint, arthritis can cause stiffness, swelling, and pain. Arthroscopic surgery can help reduce pain by removing loose pieces of cartilage and smoothing bony surfaces on the knee joint. Additionally, surgery can help remove inflamed tissue.

  • Wear & Degradation

    One of the most common causes of knee pain is everyday wear and degradation of cartilage. Routine movements like taking stairs, sitting, walking, and jumping cause wear and tear on the cartilage that supports the kneecap and knee joint. While this is a common occurrence as people age, knee pain does not have to inhibit enjoyable activities. SPA patients reported 27% less interference with activities of daily life than patients who had normal arthroscopic surgery[1], meaning you can get back to life more quickly.

    • The Solution

    Currently, Single Portal Arthroscopy (SPA) offers one of the least invasive options on the market for correcting knee joint issues. In a study, patients who elected for SPA reported less swelling, a faster return of knee function, better pain scores, less scarring and tenderness at the incision, and a reduced need for pain medication[1]. Living with reduced mobility and pain is unnecessary. Learn how single-incision arthroscopy can get you back to the things you love faster. Find a doctor in your area.

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    Medical Disclaimers

    The information in this SPA site is provided for educational purposes only and is not meant as medical advice. Accordingly, Stryker assumes no liability related to your decision to pursue SPA based on any information provided in this SPA site. Speak to your doctor to decide if SPA is right for you and your specific condition. As with any surgery, SPA carries certain risks. Your doctor should explain the possible complications of surgery as well as any side affects you may experience. Your doctor should also let you know what to expect before, during, and after surgery which may be different from case to case.

    References

    [1]: DE Cooper, "Single Portal vs. Two Portal Knee Arthroscopy: A Level 2B Clinical Pilot Study. Arthroscopy Assn. of N. America Annual Meeting ePoster, May 2014

    SPA patients, on average, reported less pain at day 2, day 4, day 7, day 30, and day 90 with statistically significant results at days 4 and 7; less scarring and tenderness at three months post-op; less interference with daily routine activities and playing sports at one month than 2 portal patients; 42% of patients required no pain pills after leaving the facility compared to 10% of 2 portal patients.

    [2]: American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons. (2010). Knee Arthroscopy. In OrthoInfo. Retrieved March 9, 2014, from http://orthoinfo.aaos.org/topic.cfm?topic=a00299.

    [3]: Osteoarthritis Education. (2014). Retrieved March 9, 2014, from http://www.djoglobal.com/education/patient-education/osteoarthritis-education.

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