In my career as a doctor, I have encountered a wide variety of knee problems, from minor sprains to severe arthritis. I remember one time, a middle-aged man staggered in, and his knee began to protest because of a long-term strain. He smiled and said to me, "Doctor, I heard that my knee hurts, just press it, is it true?" This patient, let's call him Mr. Zhang for the time being, has a knee problem that is not simple. After a detailed examination, I found out that he had early knee arthritis. Mr. Zhang's case is not uncommon, and many people think that knee pain is a minor problem that can be solved with some traditional methods, such as massage, hot compresses, etc. But in fact, if not handled properly, these methods not only do not solve the problem, but can also worsen the condition.
A common cause of knee pain
As one of the most complex and weight-bearing joints in the human body, the health of the knee is essential for maintaining the ability to perform daily activities. Knee pain is a common problem that affects people of all ages. Understanding the common causes of knee pain is the first step in finding the right treatment. Below, let's explore some of the typical causes of knee pain. 1. Arthritis Osteoarthritis: As we age, the articular cartilage gradually wears down, causing friction between bones to increase, triggering pain and stiffness. Rheumatoid arthritis: This is an autoimmune disease that causes inflammation of the joints, affecting the function of the joints. 2. Injury Meniscus Tear: Meniscus are two pieces of cartilage located within the knee joint that cushion and stabilize the joint. Violent or abrupt turning can cause a torn meniscus. Anterior cruciate ligament injury: This is a common sports injury, especially when you come to a sudden stop, turn, or direct impact on the knee. 3. Overuse of repetitive activities for long periods of time, such as running, squatting, climbing stairs, etc., can lead to overuse of the knee, triggering inflammation and pain.
4. Patella problems
Improper sliding of the patella (kneecap) can lead to patellar syndrome, causing pain in the front of the knee. Infected joint infections, although uncommon, can cause severe pain and redness in the knee. Overview of Knee Arthritis Knee arthritis, commonly known as knee arthritis, is a common condition that affects knee health, and it can cause pain, swelling, stiffness, and decreased athletic capacity. Depending on the cause, there are two main types of knee arthritis: osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. Osteoarthritis (OA)Osteoarthritis is the most common form of arthritis, also known as degenerative arthropathy, which is mainly caused by wear and tear of the articular cartilage. Cartilage is a tough, elastic tissue that helps joints move smoothly, and its wear and tear can reduce cushioning in joints, causing direct friction between bones, leading to pain and limited movement. Osteoarthritis can be caused by a variety of factors, including overuse, genetics, excess weight, and increasing age.
Rheumatoid arthritis (RA)
Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disease characterized by the immune system mistakenly attacking the body's own tissues, including the joints, resulting in inflammation, pain, swelling, and over time can lead to changes in joint morphology and loss of function. The specific cause of rheumatoid arthritis is not fully understood, but genetics, tobacco smoking, and environmental factors are thought to be involved.
Symptoms and treatment
The main symptoms of knee arthritis include knee pain, swelling, stiffness, and limited range of motion. These symptoms may interfere with an individual's daily activities, such as walking, going up and down stairs, and even sitting up. The goal of treating knee arthritis is to reduce symptoms, improve joint function, and improve quality of life. Treatment may include: Medications: These include over-the-counter medications (such as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) and prescription medications (such as pain relieving and anti-inflammatory drugs). Physical therapy: Strengthening the surrounding muscles through specific exercises to improve the stability and mobility of the joints. Lifestyle changes: including weight loss, avoiding overuse of damaged joints, and engaging in low-impact exercise. Surgical treatment: In severe cases, arthroscopic surgery or joint replacement surgery may be required.
Knee massage: benefits and risks
Massage is an ancient and widely used treatment that is used by many people to relieve pain, reduce stress, and improve overall physical health. Especially for cases of knee pain, massage seems to be an intuitive solution. However, just like any treatment, massaging the knee has its benefits and risks, and understanding these can help us deal with knee discomfort more scientifically. Benefits for pain relief: By promoting blood circulation, massage can help relieve knee pain, bringing essential nutrients and oxygen to the damaged knee and speeding up the recovery process. Improves flexibility and range of motion: Massage can help relax and stretch the muscles and soft tissues around the knees, which can increase the range of motion and flexibility of the joints. Reduces swelling and stiffness: By promoting lymphatic flow, massage helps to reduce knee swelling and stiffness due to inflammation. Mental relaxation: Massage is not only good for the body, but also has a positive effect on the mind, which can help relieve stress and anxiety associated with chronic pain.
risk
May exacerbate certain conditions: For certain knee conditions, such as severe cases of osteoarthritis or cases of active inflammation of the knee, strong massage may exacerbate the pain or inflammation. Wrong massage techniques: If the massage technique is not done correctly, it can lead to soft tissue damage and even aggravate knee problems. Potential Injuries: Especially without professional guidance, some powerful massage techniques can cause damage to the structure of the knee. Neglect of medical treatment: Reliance on massage as the sole means of treatment may lead to neglect of more effective medical treatments, such as physical therapy or medication if necessary.