Elderly people very often suffer from pain in their knees when going down stairs or when performing other movements of flexion and extension of the limbs. Also, similar symptoms can occur during normal walking. This is explained by the fact that in such situations the thigh muscles are involved in the work. They must become quite tense for the knee joint to perform its function.
You need to understand that these parts of the body have a complex structure. Knee joints are forced to cope with a huge amount of stress every day. Therefore, it is not surprising that it is in these parts of the body that malfunctions occur. If we talk about why the knee hurts when bending and straightening, going down stairs or going up, then there can be a large number of reasons for this. Perhaps the person is engaged in too much physical activity or suffers from other pathologies.
Mechanical damage
In this case, the joints experience extremely strong stress due to the fact that the person is too active in sports. Typically, people who run, squat, jump, lunge, etc. suffer from such problems. This is explained by the fact that such exercises are of the same type. When performing frequent movements, during which all parts of the knee must be used, a person experiences too much stress.
This can lead to injury, meniscus tear, muscle inflammation and other pathologies. Also, if the knee hurts when bending and walking, then perhaps the person has previously suffered a fracture, bruise, or suffered from other injuries. In this case, the pain intensifies as soon as the body weight is transferred to the sore leg.
If we talk about the signs of this type of damage to the knee joint, then in this case there will be swelling and discoloration of the damaged area, the appearance of hematomas and bruises. If a person’s knee hurts, but he cannot remember any mechanical effects on his legs, then in this case there is a possibility to believe that he suffers from joint diseases.
In this case, you need to pay attention to additional symptoms. If no pain is observed during rest, but at night the joints begin to ache, then it is quite possible that we are talking about more serious pathologies. It is also worth paying attention to swelling in the knee area, fever, leg deformities and clicks that appear during flexion and extension of the limb.
Treatment using the Nikonov method on muscles
Hip pain when climbing stairs can be eliminated . To do this, you need to identify the problem muscles and act directly on them. An effective method for eliminating painful sensations is the technique of influencing muscles according to the Nikonov method with fixation of the problem muscle, developed by Nikolai Borisovich Nikonov. Over the course of 30 years, the myologist has improved his skills, which has allowed him to achieve significant results in the treatment of pain. Patients who turn to Nikolay Nikonov for help feel significant relief after the first session of influencing muscles using Nikonov’s method.
Arthrosis
As a rule, this disease most often affects the knee joint. This pathology is characterized by a very long development. That is why for many years a person may not even suspect that he is suffering from an illness. However, during the development of pathology, destruction of cartilage tissue in the knee joint occurs. Ultimately, this leads to slight deformation of the limbs and their improper functioning.
If we are talking about an elderly person, then in this case, most likely, we are talking about idiopathic arthrosis. In this situation, the patient notes that his knee not only hurts greatly when bending, but also begins to make a characteristic crunching sound. As a rule, with idiopathic arthrosis, both limbs are affected at once.
There is also a type of arthrosis that occurs in people who have recently been treated for serious pathologies or after an injury to the knee joint. In this case, we can talk about patients of any age. In addition, problems can occur in both joints at once or in only one.
Treatment of meniscus injuries and osteopathy
Treatment of knee meniscus can be conservative or surgical. Currently, arthroscopic operations are widely used, which are performed without large incisions, using special endoscopic equipment. Arthroscopy allows you to examine the joint cavity from the inside, assess the extent of damage, and perform suturing of the tear or removal of part of the meniscus in case of complex injuries. However, these operations are performed only if there are serious indications, while most minor and moderate meniscus injuries are treated conservatively and (alas) not always successfully.
At our center, we use osteopathic methods for treating knee meniscus injuries. We employ osteopathic doctors who have been trained in traumatology and orthopedics and have experience in this field. With the help of osteopathic techniques, recovery from a meniscus injury can be significantly accelerated without resorting to surgical treatment.
In the case of chronic injury (meniscopathy), you almost always need to look for its causes in a violation of the biomechanics of the lower extremities. The menisci may be affected by incorrect body posture, different leg lengths (even within 1 cm), pelvic and sacral misalignment, flat-valgus deformity of the feet and other dysfunctions of the lower extremities. After these violations are eliminated by an osteopath, the trauma to the meniscus decreases and the patient recovers.
In case of acute injuries of the meniscus, osteopathy helps prevent secondary disorders of the biomechanics of the legs associated with prolonged forced hypomobility and altered movement patterns. This gives our patients the opportunity to recover from injury as quickly as possible and return to their previous activities without loss.
Features of the development of arthrosis
At the initial stage of arthrosis development, a person complains that his knee hurts greatly when going down the stairs or bending his limbs. At first, the syndrome does not torment the patient much. However, the pain gradually intensifies and worsens during increased loads on the knee joints.
If you do not begin treatment for this disease, in this case pain will begin to accompany the patient even in a calm state. This is because arthritis destroys the cartilage, capsules, and other important components of the knee joint. There are several types of this pathology.
With primary arthritis, we are talking about mechanical damage to tissue. If we talk about secondary pathology, then it is usually diagnosed against the background of inflammatory processes that are localized in completely different parts of the body.
Causes of knee pain
Pain that appears when going up or down the stairs is a signal that there are disturbances in the functioning of the musculoskeletal system in the body. Painful sensations often appear:
- for damage and injury;
- for various developmental defects;
- for various diseases;
- for other reasons.
In case of damage, injury
Even a mild injury is accompanied by hemorrhage into the soft periarticular tissues, which causes swelling, damage to the nerve roots and pain. If the knee is damaged, traumatic hemarthrosis may occur, in which blood enters the internal cavity of the joint and severe inflammation begins, requiring immediate treatment.
For developmental defects
The knee joint may no longer bend due to developmental defects. For example, this is caused by a defect in the form of a high position of the patella, a large joint space and femoral condyles extended backwards. In this case, surgery is performed before the child reaches the age of five, because in the future the present deformity of the femoral condyles will become an obstacle to successful treatment.
Other causes of pain
Also, the appearance of pain in the knees is caused by neoplasms, inflammation, infectious pathologies of the joints, degenerative changes that occur and the onset of vascular disorders.
For example, this is meniscopathy, which causes pain when climbing stairs. The disease appears when taking an unsuccessful step, hitting the knee or twisting the foot. In this case, the person feels severe localized pain inside the joint. In this case, mobility is sharply limited.
A disease such as bursitis is closely related to damage to the joint capsule and the inflammatory process that begins in it. The pathology develops rapidly, and the knee joint increases in volume. If such serious symptoms appear, you cannot do without going to the clinic for treatment.
Arthritis is damage to cartilage accompanied by inflammatory processes. In this case, the cartilage, the capsule itself and the internal synovial membrane are affected. When walking, there is a crunching sensation in the knee, discomfort, and swelling begins. It is very difficult for patients with arthritis to climb stairs, and during acute periods people practically do not leave the house.
Other causes of knee pain:
- large body weight and strong pressure on the joint;
- increased load during sports activities;
- performing heavy intensive work;
- low content of vital calcium in bone tissue.
Bursitis
This pathology is an inflammatory process that occurs in the synovial bursa. As a rule, such a disease is caused by the accumulation of exudate containing pathogenic bacteria and microorganisms. In this case, we will talk exclusively about pain. Unlike arthritis, bursitis does not cause problems with the functioning of the limbs. In this case, the patient will not complain that his knee hurts when going down the stairs, but he will experience pain.
Meniscus tear
A knee injury can happen to anyone. Typically, this happens when the patient accidentally hits his knee on a hard surface. This can also happen to an athlete who is too active in squats or jumps.
If we talk about how to determine the presence of a meniscus tear, then in this case it is worth paying attention to the sound during flexion and extension of the knee joint. If a click is observed, followed by severe pain, then in this case we are definitely talking about this pathology.
Causes of knee pain
Knee pain can be caused by many reasons. The pain can be painful after intense running, climbing, heavy exercise and sprain injuries. Knee pain also occurs due to bacterial inflammation, metabolic disorders such as gout, and chronic diseases such as degenerative joint disease.
However, knee pain most often affects athletes who put weight on their knee joints, especially so-called "chair athletes" who do not engage in any activity and suddenly decide to ski or run. Knee pain is characterized by limited joint mobility and swelling of the knees, which often occurs after intense exercise.
Other causes of knee pain
There are a huge number of factors that lead to unpleasant sensations. If we talk about why the knee hurts when going down the stairs, bending the legs and walking, then the elderly and those who suffer from excess weight are primarily at risk. Those who have been diagnosed with circulatory disorders in the legs, inflammation of tendons and joints should also be careful.
The development of rheumatoid arthritis, lupus erythematosus, gout, oncology of the extremities or spinal disease leads to similar symptoms. There are a number of other specific pathologies that also lead to a person’s knee pain when bending, going up and down stairs. Only a doctor can diagnose a particular disease. He must do the appropriate research.
Cure for knee pain
If you have pain in your knees, it is best to consult a doctor who will prescribe you the necessary pharmacological medications. Self-medication may not give you any results, and more often it can only worsen the problem.
To improve the motor system and relieve pain, it is recommended to use nutritional supplements for joints (with glucosamine, collagen, hyaluronic acid, chondroitin), which support the production of synovial fluid necessary for the proper functioning of the joints. To temporarily relieve pain, you can use painkillers or topical gels (with paracetamol, ibuprofen, diclofenac). In addition, patches and warming ointments applied to the sore area relieve pain in bones and joints, allowing effective movement.
Good to know
During the examination, the doctor must clarify with the patient what kind of pain he is experiencing. Therefore, it is important to describe the symptoms as accurately as possible. The pain can be sharp, dull, etc. The doctor will also clarify the location of the discomfort. Unpleasant sensations can be observed on the outside or inside of the knee. It also matters whether the knee hurts above or below the joint when descending stairs or during other manipulations.
In addition, before contacting a specialist, it is recommended to note how long the pain lasts. Sometimes unpleasant symptoms last no more than a few seconds. Other patients are forced to cope with pain for days and nights.
Nature of the pain syndrome
When there is inflammation in the knees, a person experiences various unpleasant sensations. Often the knee hurts when going down stairs due to an aggravation or a sudden movement. With severe pain, a person makes serious efforts to try to take a step.
The pain may be localized to a specific location or spread to other areas of the lower extremities. Regardless of its nature, it is recommended to contact a highly specialized specialist to determine the main causes of the unpleasant sensations that arise and prescribe the correct treatment. Even minor pain that appears is a reason to contact a specialist.
Diagnostics
To determine why the knee hurts when bending and walking, the doctor must first conduct x-ray studies. A photograph of the diseased part of the body will clearly show what exactly the patient is suffering from. In some situations, a visual examination of the limbs and palpation is sufficient.
Specialists conduct standard blood tests and pay attention to the patient's medical history. Of course, the age of the sick person is also taken into account. Based on the data obtained, the specialist finds out why a person’s knee hurts when going down the stairs. Treatment is developed based on the data obtained. An individual course of therapy is usually developed.
Treatment options
Most often, medications are used to get rid of problems. As a rule, doctors prescribe painkillers and anti-inflammatory drugs. In some situations, additional rehabilitation therapy may be required.
If a person has knee pain when going down the stairs, then he should adhere to the principles of proper nutrition, especially if we are talking about weight problems. It is also important to ensure that heavy loads are not placed on your knees. This can only damage them even more and lead to inflammatory processes.
Which doctor should I consult for knee pain?
First, it is best to visit your general practitioner, who will conduct an initial examination of the injured knee, based on which it will be possible to diagnose its possible cause. The doctor will examine the sore spot and, if possible, prescribe appropriate pharmacotherapy (most often these will be anti-inflammatory and painkillers) or rehabilitation. If the problem is more complex, your GP will refer you to an orthopedist or rheumatologist for a more in-depth diagnosis.
If you suspect that your knee may have been damaged as a result of an injury, you should not delay visiting your doctor. Quickly identifying the cause of your pain will not only help you combat it, but most importantly, it will save you from serious consequences such as joint damage and disability.
Folk remedies
The most effective remedy for knee pain is onion. If a person has severe knee pain when bending, then in order to get rid of the unpleasant symptoms, it is necessary to chop and fry a small onion along with the husk. After this, the mixture is poured with half a liter of boiling water and cooked for 15 minutes. Next, the finished broth should be filtered and taken twice a day. This folk remedy will help strengthen your bones. In addition, onions have many other beneficial properties. For example, it strengthens the immune system.
If a large amount of insoluble salts are found in the joints, then black radish is suitable. For treatment, you need to eat a few spoons of this natural product before meals. Radish is also applied to sore joints for 5 minutes daily.
Another good way is to use honey. They need to generously lubricate the affected knee and wrap it in several layers of toilet paper. Mustard plaster soaked in hot water is placed on top. After this, the limb is wrapped in cellophane and a down scarf. A person must spend the night in this state. The next morning he will experience significant improvements.
You can also use compresses. If the pain is severe, then you need to mix lilac flowers, chestnut leaves and dandelion in equal proportions. The mixture is placed in a glass jar and filled with vodka. After this, the liquid should be covered with a lid and stored in a cool, warm place for two weeks. After this time, you need to soak cotton wool or cotton cloth in the infusion and apply it to the diseased part of the body. Cling film and a warm scarf are placed on top. The compress is done at night. As a rule, only two procedures are enough for the patient to feel a significant improvement in his condition.
Knee pain treatment
Before starting treatment for knee pain, you should consult a specialist. Depending on the extent of the injury and symptoms, conservative or surgical treatment is performed.
Conservative treatment of knee pain contains an algorithm of the following actions:
- First and foremost, the limb must be protected from further injury. The knee is given rigidity and the load is relieved with the help of crutches.
- It is necessary to avoid putting stress on the limb and avoid activities that cause pain, which promotes tissue healing.
- The temperature of the tissues is lowered in order to minimize the risk of edema or reduce the existing one. In addition, it has an analgesic effect. Cooling is carried out in the first 48-72 hours after injury for 10-15 minutes, approximately every 2 hours.
- It is necessary to apply moderate pressure in the form of a bandage of the limb. This prevents swelling.
- It is advisable to place the limb on high pillows in a supine position. This will help prevent the tumor from spreading to the damaged area.
- Using ointments and tablets prescribed by a professional doctor will help the pain area heal faster.
Surgical treatment for knee pain is considered when conservative treatment has failed and surgery or reconstruction of the damaged structure of the knee is necessary, such as cruciate ligament reconstruction, meniscectomy, repair of a torn tendon or bone fracture.
Features of the use of natural remedies
In addition to the basic treatment of the knee joint, experts allow the use of herbs. However, when resorting to such recipes, you should always remember that even the most harmless products can cause an allergic reaction. In addition, under no circumstances should you take herbs for longer than the specified period. Such funds have a cumulative property. If the content of certain components in the body is exceeded, this can lead to intoxication.
Elderly people should be especially careful with herbs. Today you can find a huge number of recipes using poisonous herbs. In addition, procedures that involve heating the diseased area are not always allowed. If inflammatory processes occur in the human body, then such manipulations can only aggravate the situation. Therefore, traditional medicine should be used very carefully and only after consulting a doctor.
