The Function and Anatomy of the Knee
The Way Knees Work
Two or more bones connected by ligaments make up a joint. The largest joint is the knee. It is composed of three parts:
The patella, which is better-known as the kneecap.
The tibia is the upper end of the shin bone.
3. The thigh bone (femur).
The long muscles located on the anterior of the thigh (quadriceps) play a major part in strengthening the knee.
Articular cartilage forms a covering over the surfaces of the bone where they touch each other. This cushions the bones.
Additionally, the knee mechanism is lubricated by fluid that is generated by the synovial membrane. This thin, smooth tissue liner covers the remainder of surfaces within the knee. It prevents the end of the joint bones from rubbing.
How Does Knee Pain Happen?
When the cartilage lining of the joint wears away, the bones rub together and pain and swelling result.
This is often caused by a trauma or injury to the knee, which leads to osteoarthritis. The lack of cartilage between the bones means there is nothing there to absorb shock. This is a very stressful situation that causes a lot of pain.
Click here to learn more about total knee replacement surgery.
Ways to Treat Knee Pain
It is possible to treat knee pain with both no steroidal and steroidal anti-inflammatories. You can also benefit from cortisone injections, physical therapy, and bracing. However, if you have already given these methods a try and still have not found relief, it is not worth limiting your activities and living with pain. You may want to turn to surgery.
Lots of people have had successful knee replacement surgery. This surgery was first done in 1968. It is very reliable for relieving pain and restoring the functioning of the knee. That's why more than a quarter of a million Americans have knee replacement surgery annually.
Click here to learn more about partial knee replacement surgery.
Two or more bones connected by ligaments make up a joint. The largest joint is the knee. It is composed of three parts:
The patella, which is better-known as the kneecap.
The tibia is the upper end of the shin bone.
3. The thigh bone (femur).
The long muscles located on the anterior of the thigh (quadriceps) play a major part in strengthening the knee.
Articular cartilage forms a covering over the surfaces of the bone where they touch each other. This cushions the bones.
Additionally, the knee mechanism is lubricated by fluid that is generated by the synovial membrane. This thin, smooth tissue liner covers the remainder of surfaces within the knee. It prevents the end of the joint bones from rubbing.
How Does Knee Pain Happen?
When the cartilage lining of the joint wears away, the bones rub together and pain and swelling result.
This is often caused by a trauma or injury to the knee, which leads to osteoarthritis. The lack of cartilage between the bones means there is nothing there to absorb shock. This is a very stressful situation that causes a lot of pain.
Click here to learn more about total knee replacement surgery.
Ways to Treat Knee Pain
It is possible to treat knee pain with both no steroidal and steroidal anti-inflammatories. You can also benefit from cortisone injections, physical therapy, and bracing. However, if you have already given these methods a try and still have not found relief, it is not worth limiting your activities and living with pain. You may want to turn to surgery.
Lots of people have had successful knee replacement surgery. This surgery was first done in 1968. It is very reliable for relieving pain and restoring the functioning of the knee. That's why more than a quarter of a million Americans have knee replacement surgery annually.
Click here to learn more about partial knee replacement surgery.
About the Author:
Dr. Tarlow is a Board Certified Orthopaedic Surgeon with over 20 years specializing in knee surgery. He opened his own clinic, Advanced Knee Care, with a focus on specialty patient care. Click here to learn more about Dr. Tarlow, Phoenix knee surgery and Phoenix and Mesa-area Knee Arthroscopy.