The knee joint is a vulnerable area of the human body as it carries a great deal of weight and stress on a daily basis, due to activities such as kneeling and lifting heavy objects. Aerobics and jogging also place a high amount of pressure on the knees. The knee is composed of the tibia or shin bone; femur or thigh bone and the patella or knee cap. The ends of the bones are encompassed by cartilage which serves as shock absorber, thereby protecting the knee. The knee forms a meeting point of the two bones of the leg and consists of ligaments, muscles and tendons, which hold the bones together. The ligaments are bands made up of body tissue and are elastic in nature. The knee consists of certain ligaments that protect the joints and make them stable. There are also some ligaments which regulate the movements of the shin bone, restricting forward and backward movements.
Knee problems are quite common and usually start developing as one ages, due to the persistent wear and tear of the knee joint. Other causes of knee conditions could be injury or impact to the knee. Sudden awkward movements of the knee could also result in damage to the knee joint. A common knee problem is strained ligaments. This generally develops when there is an impact or a blow to the knee; or also if the knee is suddenly twisted. This condition results in swelling, pain and discomfort while walking or moving the knee joint. Another condition that affects the knee ligaments is osteoarthritis, which affects the joints of the body, including the knee. When osteoarthritis affects the knee joint, the lining of cartilage starts to become thin. In response to this, the bone starts to become thicker and this can affect the two long bones of the leg, including the knee cap. The synovium becomes swollen and starts to produce an excess of synovial fluid. The ligaments also begin to respond by trying to get the joint back to its original form. The excess fluid causes swelling in the knee joint.
It is essential to seek the proper medical treatment for this condition to prevent further damage to the knee joint. To alleviate the swelling and pain, it is important to allow the knee to rest. Cold compresses will also work to reduce the swelling and ease the pain. You may apply an ice compress to the affected knee after every couple of hours daily. While doing this, remember to elevate the knee to a level higher than the heart, with the help of pillows. Weight management is also important in order to relieve the pressure on the knees. The knees can also be strengthened through exercises, which can be suggested by a physical therapist.