Knee & Foot Pain Treatment

The constant use of the lower extremities makes them an easy target for injury and pain, specifically in the knees and feet. Walking, sitting and standing all put pressure on our knees and feet, while most athletic activities rely on them as well. Knee and foot pain are common ailments that affect thousands of people in the US each year. These symptoms may be a result of the same condition or can be completely separate. It is important to determine the source of the pain in order to successfully treat these conditions.

Knee Structure

The knee is a hinge joint that connects the thigh bone (femur) to the lower leg bones (tibia and fibula) and the kneecap (patella). Like other joints in the body, the knee is made up of tendons and ligaments, as well as cartilage structures like menisci and bursae. The tendons and ligaments provide strength and stability and allow the knee to evenly carry the weight of the body, while the cartilage structures allow for smooth, fluid movements.

Causes of Knee Pain

Any of these structures can be damaged by injury, disease or other conditions that may result in knee pain. Knee pain is often a result of:

Trauma
Overuse
Sudden turning movements
Awkward landings from falls
Infection
Degeneration

Injury is one of the most common causes of knee pain and can sprain, strain or bruise any of the joint structures. Bones can fracture as a result of major trauma. Degenerative diseases like arthritis are also a common cause of knee pain, as they cause the cartilage between the bones to wear away. Bursitis is an inflammation of the bursae.

Because of the different structures involved, amount of use and wide range of diseases and injuries, knee pain can greatly vary. Pain may be severe and constant, or may be more of a dull ache that comes and goes. You may have difficulty walking or standing, experience stiffness or loss of motion. A fever can also be present if the pain is caused by an infection. Injury to the knee is likely to cause sudden, severe pain, while pain caused by disease may be more gradual and mild.

Knee pain is more likely to affect people who:

Are overweight or obese
Exert excessive use of the knee
Play high-risk sports
Are older
Lack muscle strength and flexibility

Foot Structure

The foot is a strong but delicate structure made up of 26 bones, 33 joints, two arches, and several muscles, nerves and ligaments. Despite its small size, the foot helps to support body weight everyday while we walk and sit, as well as offering balance and acting as a shock absorber.

Causes of Foot Pain

Like knee pain, foot pain can be caused by several different factors that include injury, disease and infection. There are also several deformities that can occur in the feet and cause pain. Even wearing shoes that are too tight can lead to severe and chronic pain. Common causes of foot pain include:

Fractures
Arthritis
Gout
Plantar fasciitis
Bursitis
Bunions
Hammertoes
Tendonitis

Foot pain can occur in any area of the foot, from the toes to the heel and up to the ankle. While some cases may be short and mild, others can be severely disabling and may cause trouble walking and stiffness.

Treatment Options

Many knee and foot conditions can be treated with conservative home methods like rest, ice, compression and elevation. Simply wearing different shoes can help relieve foot pain.

Your doctor may also recommend other treatment options such as anti-inflammatory medications, physical therapy, corticosteroid injections, orthotics or braces.

Surgery may be necessary for more severe cases. Minimally invasive, arthroscopic procedures are available for most foot and knee conditions which helps minimize scars and recovery times. Surgery may remove, repair or replace damaged areas.

Additional Resources

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Jonathan Webb PEDORTHIST

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