What to do if your knee does not bend or straighten after an injury

A complaint that the knee does not fully straighten may indicate to an experienced doctor that there is a pathology in the ligament and tendon apparatus. If your knee not only does not bend, but also movements cause pain, then you can suspect arthritis, arthrosis, bursitis or ligament rupture. In order to differentiate the pathology and prescribe appropriate treatment, the doctor must conduct a series of laboratory tests. First of all, fluoroscopy is prescribed to exclude injury and deformation of bone tissue. After this, it is important to exclude the rheumatoid nature of the pain and limitation of mobility of the knee joint. To do this, a general and biochemical blood test is performed to determine C-reactive protein.

Usually painless limitation of mobility is associated with the formation of contractures. This condition is characterized by loss of elasticity of ligaments and tendons, shortening of muscle fibers and the formation of connective tissue bands that prevent full movement. What to do in this case - we will consider further.

Pain syndrome in pensioners

Elderly people who lead an inactive lifestyle most often suffer from the phenomena of osteoporosis and osteodystrophy, in which metabolism at the tissue level is disrupted. Most often this happens in overweight people, as the load on the knee increases. Naturally, it is practically impossible to completely cure the cause of this type of pain syndrome in older age, just as it is impossible to cure aging. These are physiological changes that are observed with age and indicate “wear and tear” of the corresponding joint. Premature onset of pain indicates the presence of extra-articular pathology, systemic disease, or a history of trauma and injury.

Knee pain during extension in people of pre-retirement age

Unfortunately, in recent years there has been a significant “rejuvenation” of this pathology; this may be associated with a number of concomitant diseases that also affect other organs. Very often, when such symptoms are detected, the doctor checks the history of traumatic injuries to the knee joint.

This pain often worries athletes, who can put a lot of stress on their knees.

Damage to the ligaments, cartilage tissue and other structural anatomical components of the knee can provoke the development of arthrosis or arthritis, depending on the individual characteristics and reactivity of each organism.

If, in addition to pain in the area of ​​the knee and on the side of it, you also have trouble straightening the limb, you should definitely consult a doctor.

Knee pain is classified as a symptom of the nosology of a sedentary lifestyle, in which the load is placed only on the spine. The legs, of course, remain in the same position for a long time, so straightening them after a full day of work can be very difficult, and more importantly, very painful. This pain is usually localized behind the patella and to the side of it. Typically, a little massage and a few steps will help restore the leg's functionality. But there are cases when pain prevents a person from moving, making everyday activities significantly more difficult, even including everyday problems.

Knee pain during extension in young people is most often associated with one of two medical concepts: arthrosis or arthritis. Doctors, as a rule, put one of them in the diagnosis, so it is important to understand the main differences between these two concepts.

Arthrosis

[smartcontrol_youtube_shortcode key=”arthrosis of the knee” cnt=”2" col=”2" shls=”false”]
Arthrosis is a degenerative-deforming disease of the joint, during the development of which the composition of the synovial fluid changes, cartilage tissue and other articular elements are destroyed.

The early stage of the disease is precisely characterized by such a symptom as “stiffness” of the joint. The patient notes that it hurts to start moving and his leg feels like wood at first. For normal movement you need to diverge a little. Then the pain subsides. In addition, there may be a crunch in the knee. The second stage of arthrosis is characterized by additional symptoms such as:

• swelling of the knee area;
• local increase in temperature;
• possible redness of the skin;
• pronounced crunching sound when walking;
• limitation of mobility of the articular area. The patient cannot straighten his leg freely. In addition, the leg does not bend completely;
• pain accompanies not only at the beginning of movement, but also during walking and other loads.

At the third stage, the knee stops bending and straightening altogether. The patient suffers from constant sharp, sometimes shooting, pains, which often worsen at night. With arthrosis of the last degree, cartilage tissue is completely destroyed, in addition, bones are susceptible to destructive processes. Usually the third stage ends with the destruction of articular elements and the assignment of disability.

Does it hurt when your knee bends or straightens? In this case, the possibility of developing arthrosis cannot be ruled out.

Arthrosis or arthritis

Although these two terms are very similar and patients very often confuse them with each other, they are based on undeniable differences that classify these nosologies into different groups.

• Why does the knee hurt when straightening the leg and what to do about it?

Age

Arthrosis is a gradually developing group of diseases that progresses most often in people over 45 years of age and is characterized by a degenerative-dystrophic mechanism of damage. Over quite a long period of time, the cartilaginous layer gradually becomes thinner on the side of the large bones of the leg due to its lack of sufficient amounts of life-giving substances, minerals and vitamins.

Arthritis is an inflammation characterized by generally accepted criteria: redness, pain, swelling, local hyperthermia and loss of functionality. Of course, due to the deep location of the inflammatory focus, some of their component criteria may not be expressed too clearly, however, they are a reliable criterion for making a preliminary diagnosis before obtaining the results of laboratory and instrumental examinations. In this case, the age of patients is up to 40 years, since a young body is able to demonstrate a sufficient inflammatory protective reaction in response to the penetration of a foreign pathogen. In older people, the reactivity of the body as a whole is somewhat reduced, so most often it is simply not able to develop inflammation.

However, if there is a fairly strong infectious agent that affects not only the joints, cases of arthritis are also recorded in older people. And on the other hand, if there is a history of traumatic injuries to the knee joint in young people, one should expect the beginning of a gradual degenerative process already from this age.

Generalization

Another important difference between the two diseases, in which the right and left knee hurts during extension, is the prevalence throughout the body.

Arthrosis affects only the joint, without affecting other organs and systems of the body.

Arthritis is characterized as an inflammatory reaction of the central type, which is localized in the knee, but, unfortunately, the blood delivers inflammatory agents not only to the affected organ, but also to others. Therefore, with the development of arthritis, a general picture of inflammation can be observed (increased body temperature, growth of leukocytes in the blood, a shift in the leukocyte formula to the left), and over time, inflammatory processes can develop in other organs.

Most often, inflammatory agents affect the liver (a kind of filter of the body), kidneys, and heart.

Symptoms

Arthrosis is characterized by the following series of symptoms:

• pain in the knee that appears during physical activity and disappears when completely at rest
• swelling of the periarticular tissues, which is periodic
• slow progression of the disease with complete destruction of cartilage tissue.

Arthritis, in turn, is characterized by the following symptoms:

• Knee pain when bending and straightening: causes and treatment

• very sharp pain inside the knee and on the side of it, which appears with any type of load, even while walking
• swelling of the periarticular tissues, which is permanent, sometimes combined with redness
• increase in general body temperature
• constant sharp or aching pain that periodically subsides and then appears again

Treatment

Only by correctly establishing the reason why the knee hurts when flexing and extending can you decide on the necessary treatment regimen. In most cases, in the initial stages, most patients do not consider it necessary to contact a specialist doctor. It should be noted that all pathology of the knee joint is too sensitive to temporary changes and very quickly develops irreversible signs.

Arthritis in the first stages of the disease under the influence of complex correct therapy taking into account pharmacodynamic features can disappear without a trace. If arthritis starts, inflammation can develop in other organs. Moreover, sometimes arthritis is just a symptom of a more complex disease that is progressing in the body, so timely consultation with a doctor is the key to your recovery.

Although arthrosis is characterized by a slow development of morphological changes until old age, they are irreversible. The only modern treatment offers only the opportunity to slow down progress and compensate for degenerative processes inside the joint. To do this, you should periodically inject hyaluronic acid.

When treating this pathology, it is necessary to remember about physical therapy, which brings good results, and physiotherapeutic methods. You should also do a massage, which will help restore the function of the affected limb.

New methods of exercise therapy show high effectiveness in practice

Pain when extending the knee can indicate a variety of pathologies: minor injuries to articular structures, inflammation and degeneration of bones, cartilage, and ligaments. Age-related changes also have an impact. If you identify the exact causes of pain in the limbs during extension, the unpleasant syndrome can be quickly relieved.

Content

The knee joint does not bend due to contracture

If, after an injury or pinching of the sciatic nerve, a contracture has formed and your knee joint does not bend, then it is necessary to begin a special rehabilitation course as soon as possible. Whatever doctors tell you, remember that this condition is reversible and can be corrected with the help of comprehensive manual intervention.

Our clinic employs specialists who have hundreds of cases of successful recovery after the formation of contracture joints in both the knee and other joints. We usually offer our patients safe and painless methods for developing the affected ligamentous and tendon apparatus. At the same time, work is carried out aimed at developing muscle structure, improving metabolic processes and blood supply to pathologically altered areas. Therapeutic massage, acupuncture, manual therapy, and physical therapy are prescribed.

Risk factors

The knee joint is one of the most easily damaged joints in the body. This happens due to the maximum loads on it. The joints hurt, become inflamed and stop performing their functions. Painful sensations can be triggered by various factors:

Age-related changes

When straightening, the knee can hurt in a person at any age, even in a child. But older people are more likely to suffer. The joint gradually wears out, the cartilage layer decreases, and a deficiency of joint fluid occurs. Age-related changes lead to the fact that it is difficult to straighten the limbs and the knees hurt.

Body mass

Before training, it is necessary to warm up the joints.
Degenerative changes in the joints of the legs also occur due to large body weight. Obesity increases stress on the knee and ankle joints. They wear out quickly. Often plump ladies over 50 suffer from such discomfort.

• Sharp pain when straightening the knee joint: which doctor should I contact?

Sports loads

Pain may occur after sports training. This is due to overload, injury, and hidden degenerative-dystrophic process. Attempts to straighten the leg will not be successful if the meniscus is completely or partially injured, or the ligaments are sprained or torn. Pain behind the knee occurs due to injury to the femur and pinched nerve roots due to osteochondrosis in the lumbar region. In any case, if you experience repeated or persistent discomfort, you should see a doctor.

Ligament damage

Ligament damage is a fairly common disease, especially among athletes.

Ligament rupture can be partial, incomplete (tear) or complete.

The external collateral ligament is damaged less frequently than the internal one. Most often, damage to the external ligaments occurs when the tibia is excessively deviated inward. The rupture may be combined with a separation of part of the head of the fibula. The internal collateral ligament is injured more often, however, its damage is usually incomplete. The injury occurs when the tibia deviates excessively outward. This ligament damage is often combined with a rupture of the internal meniscus and damage to the joint capsule.

Symptoms of ligament damage include:

• acute pain in the damaged area;
• restriction of movement;
• swelling of the joint area;
• with a complete rupture of the ligaments, increased mobility in the articular area is observed;
• muscle spasms.

Meniscus tears in children most often heal on their own

What symptoms require medical attention?

Mild pain when extending the leg is possible due to sudden movement and after sitting for a long time. This is not a reason to see a doctor. But if the following symptoms occur, a medical examination is necessary:

• painful crunch;
• restriction of movements when walking.
• paroxysmal painful spasms;
• pulling, aching or cutting sensations in the knee joint;
• increase in local temperature;
• throbbing pain and muscle spasms that appear when kneeling or squatting;
• feeling of heaviness after walking up stairs.

Joint swelling and changes in skin tone are additional signs of infectious inflammation or degeneration of joint surfaces and cartilage tissue.

Meniscal injuries

[sma[smartcontrol_youtube_shortcode key=”knee meniscal damage” cnt=”2" col=”2" shls=”false”] Menisci are cartilage fibers that are located between the femur and tibia joint area. They act as shock absorbers, serve to distribute loads, stabilize the joint, and protect articular cartilage from overstrain due to loads.

The following types of meniscus damage are distinguished:

• separation of cartilage tissue from the attachment site;
• stretching;
• inflammation;
• body rupture;
• rupture of the anterior or posterior horns.

If the patient experiences pain during extension or an inability to fully straighten the knee, most likely there is a sprain or tear of the body or anterior horn of the meniscus. When the dorsal horn is affected, the limb usually cannot bend completely.

Diagnosis of meniscus damage is carried out by a doctor using MRI, ultrasound or arthroscopy.

As a rule, a small tear of the meniscal body can heal on its own, especially if it occurs in a child. If the horns rupture, surgery is necessary because there are no blood vessels in this area and the cartilage tissue here does not regenerate. An interesting fact remains that in a child, the cartilage fibers of the menisci are densely penetrated by blood vessels, so in the child the process of fusion and healing of the menisci is much better and faster. If the horn of the meniscus is slightly damaged in a child, it may be possible to do without surgery.

Symptoms of meniscus damage include:

• severe pain in the joint area;
• the formation of effusion (fluid that is released from small blood vessels during inflammatory processes);
• immobility of the articular area;
• amyotrophy;
• a person has difficulty going up and down the stairs;
• swelling of the joint area;
• a click is clearly heard when bending;
• local increase in temperature;
• muscle nutrition decreases.

Stretching as a cause of pain

Knee sprains are a common type of injury in athletes. However, damage does not only occur due to the stress of playing sports. Ligaments can be stretched if you quickly bend your leg, brake sharply while running, or lift a heavy bag. In this case, the cause of injury will be a sharp and strong muscle contraction.

Signs of a traumatic injury are:

• painful crunching and clicking;
• swelling and hematomas, often not immediately apparent;
• stiffness and feeling of instability in the knee.

When a ligament is sprained, the knee joint becomes blocked.
When a ligament is sprained, the knees hurt not only during flexion and extension, but also when pressed.

Measures to relieve pain at home with a mild sprain are simple:

1. Cooling. Apply ice or a special cooling pack to the injured area to reduce pain and tissue swelling.
2. Immobility. Tightly bandaging the knee with an elastic band or using a special bandage (brace) will ensure the joint remains at rest.
3. Giving the limb an elevated position in bed. The injured person should spend most of the time lying down, with the affected leg elevated above the body, which helps reduce swelling.
4. Providing rest to the injured limb. At first after injury, any joint movements and support on the sore leg are excluded. They use crutches to move around.

Moderate severity of injury requires more serious measures. Immobilization is carried out using a plaster or bandage for a period of 21–28 days. Treatment is prescribed using anti-inflammatory and restorative medications, thermal physiotherapeutic procedures, and after removing the bandage, massage and therapeutic exercises.

Treatment of severe sprains is carried out in a hospital and begins with surgery aimed at restoring the structure of the joint. After the operation, a cast is applied for a period of 8 weeks or more - this depends on the severity of the damage.

Possible diseases

Pain when straightening the leg can be the beginning of various diseases. But if you know what to do, and if caught early, most devastating conditions can be reversed.

Arthrosis

The disease is a consequence of joint abrasion due to degenerative depletion of cartilage tissue.

Causes:

• joint overload;
• diseases of the circulatory system;
• metabolic disorders and hormonal fluctuations;
• injury or complication after surgery.

Symptoms of the disease are not only pain, which intensifies with exercise and changes in weather, but also swelling and heaviness in the legs. Motor amplitudes are limited.

Arthrosis in the knee joint can be detected using an x-ray. For the treatment of the disease, exercise therapy, yoga, taking non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs Indomethacin, Naproxen, Ibuprofen, Ortofen and Diclofenac and others are indicated. In advanced stages, the destroyed joint is replaced with an endoprosthesis.

Arthritis in the degenerative stage

The clinic of joint inflammation in the early stages is not very pronounced. As the disease progresses, partial or complete immobility of the joint occurs, which causes severe pain when walking and stretching the leg, and in later stages - even at rest.

When it spreads to bone tissue, the joint becomes deformed. The leg seems to be jammed and cannot be fully extended.

Therapy includes basic anti-arthritis drugs "Azathioprine", "Methotrexate", "Sulfasalazine", non-steroidal and steroidal anti-inflammatory compounds (for severe pain - in injection form), chondroprotectors and products with hyaluronic acid. Additionally, physiotherapeutic procedures and massage are prescribed.

Bursitis

The inflammatory process in the joint bursa leads to the accumulation of purulent contents. The patient suffers from severe pain. The skin in the affected area may turn red, and bumps may appear at the bottom of the joint. The knee becomes swollen and hot.

The disease can be caused by both the proliferation of infectious agents and inflammation.

The disease is difficult to cure and requires surgery. But often the disease recurs, so it is not always possible to get rid of bursitis.

Tendinitis

The inflammatory process covers the patellar tendons and nearby tissues. The pain is localized in the front. Professional athletes and those who lead a sedentary lifestyle usually suffer. Inflammatory processes and rheumatoid pathologies can provoke the disease.

Most often, ultrasound of the knee joint is used to detect the disease. And before the operation, CT and MRI are prescribed.

Surgery is not necessary. Treatment is possible by immobilizing the affected leg and taking non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. If the inflammation is bacterial in nature, antibiotics are included in the course of treatment.

Baker's cyst

A tumor-like formation in the popliteal fossa, which is noticeable with full extension of the leg. A tumor in the socket of the back of the knee presses on blood vessels and nerve endings, causing pain, numbness in the limbs and visible swelling. The formation is detected by X-ray, diaphanoscopy and ultrasound examination. The main causes of the disease are old age and injury. Surgical treatment is required.

Meniscus injury

A common type of injury in athletes or as a result of severe contusion. Damage is possible in both the external and internal meniscus. Visually the joint swells. When a rupture occurs, the pain is sharp, and you cannot stand on your leg. The disease is difficult to identify and requires arthroscopy - an endoscopic diagnostic operation. Sometimes during the examination it is possible to resect damaged tissue and polish defects. In difficult cases, transplantation is required.

Ligament rupture

Pathology can be caused by:

• strong direct impact and side impacts to the knee area;
• falling with emphasis on a bent limb;
• twisting of the foot or lower leg;
• rotation of the body with a stationary lower leg;
• reverse knee extension of more than 10 degrees.

Even if you just pull the ligament, acute pain will occur; if it ruptures, it will be unbearable. Additional signs are severe swelling and hematoma. Determining the complexity of the injuries will require x-rays, ultrasound, CT and MRI.

With a low degree of sprain, it is sufficient to immobilize the limb, apply cold compresses, massage with influence on bioactive points, physiotherapy and restorative ointments. It is possible to use folk remedies. In difficult cases, torn ligaments will have to be stitched.

Inflammation of the sciatic nerve

The disease is preceded by prolonged hypothermia, injuries, hernias, and vascular pathologies. Sciatica also develops due to overwork of the legs, if you do not straighten them for a long time. When a person sits for a long time, the cartilage of the joints also degrades, which provokes arthrosis. There will be pain not only in the hip area, but also in the knee area.

The following will help identify the disease:

• radiography;
• electroneuromyography;
• CT and MRI.

The therapeutic course includes anti-inflammatory drugs, including hormonal ones, physical therapy, novocaine blockades for severe pain, and vitamin therapy.

Problems with the knee joints can also arise due to flat feet. It affects posture and gait, which can lead to injury to the kneecaps and cartilage. When a person with flat feet walks, the legs seem to turn inward, which increases the load on the cartilage and provokes their deformation. Knee pain can also occur with back problems - osteochondrosis of the lumbar spine.

The leg does not bend at the knee: what to do?

So, you have a situation in which your leg does not bend at the knee and you do not experience pain when walking and squatting. In such a situation, it is easy to assume that there is contracture in the knee joint. What to do if the knee does not bend and this causes visible inconvenience, deforming gait and posture? First of all, the cause of this pathology should be clarified.

If you have destruction of the cartilage tissue of the lower spine with periodic exacerbations of osteochondrosis in the form of radiculopathy and ischalgia, then treatment should begin with this disease. It is worth understanding that for the formation of a contracture joint, a temporary restriction of limb mobility due to pain is sufficient. When the sciatic nerve is pinched, the pain syndrome spreads along the outer and inner sides of the thigh, any movements cause increased pain. If this condition is not treated for a long time, then the innervation of muscle fibers is inevitably disrupted and the blood supply to the affected limb deteriorates. Prerequisites arise for the development of muscle tissue dystrophy and limitation of the range of mobility in the knee and ankle joints.

The second group of reasons for limited mobility lies in traumatic lesions of the tendons and ligaments. These are various sprains, microscopic tears, subluxations and complete dislocations with deformation of the joint capsule, impacts and much more. With such pathologies, a temporary restriction of mobility is required, after which a properly conducted rehabilitation period is important. You should pay attention to the “development” of the injured limb with the help of therapeutic massage and physical education under the guidance of an experienced instructor. These tips are especially relevant for those patients who are forced to wear a cast for a long time due to fractures of the femur and tibia.

And if the knee does not bend due to bursitis: what to do in this case, which specialist should I contact? First of all, it is necessary to eliminate the cause of knee bursitis. This can be done using manual therapy techniques or surgically using an arthroscope. The second method has a long rehabilitation period, and when using manual therapy techniques, you should prepare for long and persistent treatment. However, the result in this case is more predictable, since any surgical intervention in the joint cavities leaves a risk of developing septic necrosis and, as a consequence, human disability.

Dangerous consequences

Degenerative changes in the joint can lead to its complete immobility, and as a result, to disability. Pain will occur not only when straightening the leg, but will accompany it constantly. Joint problems often provoke varicose veins and blood clots.

If your knees hurt a lot when you straighten your leg, you shouldn’t take painkillers and delay getting a medical examination. The most important practical advice here is to see a doctor immediately. Most knee ailments are completely curable.

Content

Knee pain when straightening the leg occurs for various reasons. Most often this is an injury or the beginning of the development of a joint disease. Accompanied by constant pain, stiffness in movement and swelling, redness.

First aid measures

Of course, if you feel restricted in movement, you should consult a doctor.

If you do not have the opportunity to visit a specialist in the near future, and the pain is already tormented, you can take a painkiller. The most effective drugs include non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, including:

• ibuprofen;
• indomethacin;
• ketanov;
• diclofenac;
• arthrothec;
• flubiprofen.

Among the folk remedies, compresses made from fresh cabbage leaves, raw potato pulp, and nettle decoction are very effective in relieving pain.

Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs will help you relieve pain

Knee pain when straightening the leg - causes

If pain occurs in the knee joint during extension, the causes are:

• injuries;
• inflammatory processes;
• penetration of infection;
• arthritis;
• arthrosis;
• rupture or tear of ligaments;
• tendon damage;
• changes in knee cartilage.

Physiological factors

The most common joint diseases are:

• in old age;
• with excess body weight, excess weight more than 30 kg;
• with constant work associated with heavy lifting;
• genetic predisposition.

In such cases, the joints are less strong and more likely to be damaged. In old age, joints wear out and inflammation begins. With excess weight and stress on the body, all the stress goes to the legs, which contributes to the development of diseases.

Traumatic injuries

Traumatic injury occurs as a result of:

• falling to the knee;
• intense physical activity;
• sudden jumping onto a high surface;
• sprinting, acceleration;
• jumping lunges with the knee touching the floor;
• lifting weights;

When a knee injury occurs, the pain lasts from 30 minutes to several days. If the blood vessels are damaged, then the tissue becomes blue at the site of damage and temporary numbness is possible.

Disorders of different parts of the knee may occur:

• damage to ligaments or tendons;
• meniscal damage;
• cracks or broken bones;
• dislocations.

Inflammatory processes

Inflammation in the knee joint most often occurs during hypothermia, as a result of an allergic reaction, heavy physical activity, or infection.

It causes the following diseases:

• arthritis;
• arthrosis;
• injury;
• inflammation of the periarticular bursa;
• infectious suppuration of the joint.

If the cause of inflammation is an allergy or injury, it will go away on its own within 3-4 days, without medical intervention.

Arthrosis and arthritis

Osteoarthritis and arthritis have their own distinctive characteristics. Each of them affects the knee joint. With arthrosis, only the joints are affected, but with arthritis, the entire body suffers from infection. Arthritis is also caused by dysfunction of the immune system.

Arthrosis is accompanied by the following symptoms:

• pain manifests itself when moving the knee, in the initial stages it is insignificant, subsides with rest;
• a crunch appears when the limb moves, the joint wears out, the bones rub against each other;
• movement of the limb causes discomfort and stiffness;
• the appearance of the joint changes.

Arthritis is accompanied by the following symptoms:

• the pain is constant, especially at night;
• complete stiffness of a joint or the whole body;
• body temperature rises;
• chills;
• increased sweating;
• weakness;
• psoriasis appears on the skin.

Causes of pain when extending the knee

[smartco[smartcontrol_youtube_shortcode key=”the knee does not straighten” cnt=”2" col=”2" shls=”false”]The range of reasons why it may be painful to straighten the leg is quite wide. The most common reasons include:

• arthrosis;
• arthritis;
• meniscus damage;
• ligament damage;
• knee injury.

The presented list of reasons is not exhaustive, but includes the most common ones.

In addition, factors that provoke pain during extension or the inability to fully perform this function with a limb can also be muscle spasms, pinched nerve endings, or osteochondrosis of the lumbar region.

As a rule, the development of diseases is accompanied by additional symptoms (crunching when walking, swelling of the joint area, increased fatigue, etc.). However, in the early stages of the disease they do not yet manifest themselves. Therefore, if you feel a limited ability to move, which does not go away for several days, it is better to seek medical advice, since the sooner pathogenic disorders are identified and appropriate measures are taken, the faster, more painless and cheaper the treatment will be.

It should be noted that the structure of the knee joint is quite complex and includes many elements:

• cartilage;
• bones;
• blood vessels;
• nerves;
• joint fluid;
• muscles;
• ligaments;
• menisci.

It is quite difficult to determine which of these joint elements is damaged and the nature of the violation through a routine examination. To confirm the diagnosis, the patient is usually prescribed an ultrasound, MRI, arthroscopy or x-ray. The type of examination depends on the expected nature of the damage, because not every method can be effective. So, if arthrosis is suspected, an x-ray is most often prescribed. If inflammation of the synovial fluid, bursitis, tendonitis, or meniscus tear is suspected, an x-ray will not be informative, since it is simply impossible to see these damages with its help. In such cases, ultrasound or MRI is prescribed. If we analyze the last two methods, it should be noted that they are almost equally informative for studying the diseases in question, however, MRI is an order of magnitude more expensive.

It is possible to determine exactly which joint element is damaged and the nature of the disease only after ultrasound diagnostics, arthroscopy or MRI

Diagnosis of pain

For knee pain during extension, the doctor collects a detailed history of symptoms.

Then he prescribes blood tests:

• biochemical research;
• general blood analysis;
• immunological research;

In addition to the tests, a functional examination is carried out:

• X-ray;
• magnetic resonance imaging;
• computed tomography of the joint;
• ultrasonography;
• atroscopy;
• radionuclide research;
• thermography.

All studies are carried out according to indications, most often it is enough to take a picture; if the picture is not clear, an additional examination is prescribed.

Treatment of knee pain when extending the leg

Treatment is prescribed by a doctor. Medicines are prescribed in combination with folk remedies. It is not recommended to take pills on your own; the doctor takes into account all the characteristics of the disease and the individuality of the body.

Drug treatment

For drug treatment, painkillers are prescribed:

• Ibuprofen;
• Acetaminophen;
• Analgin;
• Napproxen;
• Diclofenac;
• Ketorolac;
• Nise.

Drugs that help restore cartilage tissue protect them from damage.

Belong to the group of chondroprotectors:

• Teraflex;
• Rumalon;
• Don;
• Structum;
• Artradol;
• Honda Evalar;

Treatment with antibiotics is also prescribed in the presence of infection:

• Sulfasalazine;
• Ceftriaxone;
• Doxycycline;
• Tetracycline;
• Ciprofloxacin;
• Azithromycin;
• Erythromycin.

In combination they take drugs that restore blood circulation:

• Pentoxifylline;
• Actovegin;
• Eufillin;
• Lipoic acid.

In case of inflammation and severe pain, steroid hormones are prescribed:

• Hydrocortisone;
• Diprospan;
• Celeston.

Traditional methods

Folk remedies have been used since ancient times; they help relieve inflammation.

The most effective methods:

• Rub a solution of iodine in alcohol onto the painful area;
• Shredded potatoes are mixed with 15 ml of kerosene. The mixture is smeared on the joint. Make a compress, leave it overnight, repeat for 7 days.
• Potatoes and horseradish root are crushed. The mixture is applied to the damaged area and a compress is made. Leave for 5-6 hours. Fresh medicine is prepared every 2 days. Repeat for 6 days.
• The onion bulb is cut into thick rings and applied to the damaged area. Bandage it and leave it for 3-4 hours;
• Dandelions are poured with alcohol and left for 1.5 months. Lubricate the knee area every day;
• Fresh flowers of black elderberry and common chamomile are poured with boiling water and infused. The water is drained, the mixture is applied to the joint, wrapped as a compress for 4-5 hours;
• Fresh pine branches are steamed and infused. The resulting solution is used to wash the knee every day.
• Mustard and honey are taken in equal quantities. Heat in a water bath until the honey dissolves. Apply the mixture to the damaged area;
• The cabbage leaf is washed and applied to the knee, wrapped with an elastic bandage, and left overnight.
• Fill the calendula bush with water and bring to a boil. Then it is applied hot to the swollen area, wrapped in cellophane and insulated. Leave it overnight. Duration – 2 weeks.
• Heated vegetable oil is spread and rubbed into the knee with massaging movements. Duration – 7 days.
• Oat grass straw is crushed. The mass is applied to the sore spot along with a heating pad. Wrap in warm cloth. Duration – 3-4 days.

Exercises to treat joints

Physical therapy has been developed for the treatment of knee joints. It restores the functioning of the knee joint, relieves pain and develops its normal movement.

Useful exercises for joints:

1. Lying on your stomach, lift each leg up in turn, hold it for about a minute and gently lower it. Repeat once for each leg.
2. Body position is the same as in the previous exercise. The legs are raised up one by one, held for 2-3 seconds and lowered. For each leg, repeat 12-16 times.
3. If you are in good physical condition, you can try the exercise. The position is as in the previous exercise. Both legs are raised up and smoothly spread to the sides. Stay in this position for half a minute and smoothly return to the starting position.
4. Lying on your side, one leg bent at the knee, the other straight. Perform lateral lifts with a straight leg, holding the leg in the air for 40-60 seconds. Repeat for each leg 8-10 times.
5. Sitting on a chair, take turns raising your leg as high as possible. Hold for 50-60 seconds and gently lower. Repeat 7-8 times.
6. While standing, raise the body on the toes. In the upward position, they are held for 10 seconds and then smoothly lowered. Repeat 8-12 times.
7. Standing straight, rest on your heels, lift your toes up as much as possible. Hold in position for 20 seconds and lower smoothly. Repeat 8-12 times.
8. Standing straight, roll from one leg to the other. In this case, one leg stands on the full foot, the other on the toe. Change the position of the legs with smooth movements. Do it smoothly for two minutes.
9. At the end, self-massage of the lower extremities is performed, lasting 3-4 minutes.
10. Position – lying on your back, legs raised up, arms along the body. Simulates riding a bicycle. Duration 4-5 minutes.
11. Position – standing, leaning on the wall. Smooth squats to the bottom, holding the position for 30-40 seconds. Repeat 10-12 times.

Surgical intervention

The surgery is performed using a special camera through a small skin incision.

Proceed as follows:

• Partial or general anesthesia is performed;
• Make two small cuts;
• The camera is introduced;
• Perform the necessary manipulation;
• Stitches are applied.

Surgical intervention allows:

• Align, remove, stitch damaged areas of the meniscus;
• Heal cartilage damage;
• Restore ligaments.

Dangerous consequences

In the absence of the necessary treatment for pain in the knee during extension, there is a risk of developing the following complications:

• arthritis can gradually affect all joints of the body;
• disability;
• complete lack of movement in the knee joint;
• formation of bone growths on joints;
• If it is infectious, the infection may spread throughout the body.

Pain in the knee when straightening the leg can occur for various reasons. This may be a symptom of a disease and requires examination by a doctor. There are several treatment and diagnostic methods. Folk remedies will also help relieve pain and inflammation, but cannot be the main treatment.

doctor

Knee-joint

The knee is a joint that allows the leg to bend, provides stability to the body and supports all of its weight. Thanks to the knee, activities such as walking, running, turning, jumping and squatting are possible.

This work is ensured by several components:

• bones;
• cartilage tissue;
• muscles and ligaments;
• tendons.

No. 1. Injuries

Acute or chronic injury is a common cause of knee pain. According to some studies, the knee is the joint most often subject to injury. The very anatomical structure of the knee and its functions predispose to the development of injuries, which can disrupt its functioning and, accordingly, cause pain.

The appearance of such symptoms indicates damage to one of three ligaments:

• anterior and posterior cruciate;
• medial collateral.

Such injuries occur in athletes, especially track and field athletes. But this does not mean that non-professional athletes are out of the risk zone. Incorrect running technique is one of the causes of ligament damage and joint pain, which is typical for non-professional athletes.

Football and other contact sports with a ball can cause injuries such as direct blows to the knee. Some injuries may be so severe that they require surgery.

Despite the fact that this injury is serious, it is, unfortunately, not uncommon. Pain can occur not only in the acute period, but also persist in the future.

A fracture can affect several bones, including the kneecap. At risk are older patients and those suffering from degenerative diseases. In this case, a fracture can form even with minor injuries and everyday activities.

No. 2. Bursitis

This is an inflammation of the joint capsule of the joint. Anatomically, they are designed to soften the work of the joint and allow the ligaments to easily slide over the component parts of the joint.

Sudden impacts, chronic injuries and irritations can damage this joint capsule, which leads to inflammation.

Characteristic symptoms of inflammation will be: swelling, pain, stiffness of movement, and the knee becomes hot to the touch.

Treatment is prescribed individually, but more often it comes down to taking anti-inflammatory medications; rest for the knee and the absence of a traumatic agent are also necessary.

No. 3. Dislocations

Patella dislocations are also common, which is accompanied by severe and acute pain. When seeking medical help, the doctor can easily return the patella to its place, however, visual examination methods are mandatory.

Radiography allows you to identify possible fractures and, based on this, develop treatment tactics. In severe cases, surgery may be required to prevent further dislocations.

No. 4. Degenerative changes in tissues

Osteoarthritis is a common problem and degenerative tissue disorder. A decrease in the volume of cartilage and surrounding tissues is the cause of pain, stiffness of movement and dysfunction of the joint.

Such changes are more associated with the aging process: it occurs in 10% of men and 13% of women aged 55-65 years.

No. 5. Rheumatoid diseases

These are inflammatory autoimmune diseases in which the target organ is the joints. Their own immune system perceives them as enemies and attacks.

Characteristic symptoms of the disease include: swelling, severe pain in the joints; if left untreated, bone erosion and joint deformation may occur.

There is no specific treatment for rheumatoid arthritis, but depending on the clinical picture, the doctor may prescribe a number of medications:

• anti-inflammatory drugs;
• corticosteroids;
• biological agents and antirheumatic drugs;
• painkillers and others.

This is a very painful form of arthritis. Characteristic symptoms include: severe swelling, stiffness of movement, severe pain, etc. Their appearance is associated with the accumulation of uric acid in the joint; taking anti-inflammatory drugs or other treatments helps break down these chemicals.