Knee pain is a very common problem. However, if it happens to an active young individual then its more worrisome.
There are a myriad of knee pathologies which occur and vary based o the age and activity levels of an individual.
This article aims to educate the readers about the 5 most common causes of knee pain in young active individuals and the ways to deal with it effectively and timely.
1. Mechanical Problems inside the knee
There are many structures inside the knee joint which over time may degenerate and detach from its insertion and gets stuck in between the joint surfaces. The most common of which is called Meniscus. Meniscal tears are various types and very easy to diagnose. Patients may feel a click or pop often aggravated while jumping and running. The treatment is fairly simple provided timely action is taken to resolve this mechanical block.
2. Sore muscles around the knee
The knee joint is supported all around by the muscles ( quadriceps and hamstrings). The usual tendency of a fitness enthusiast is to over work these muscles without giving adequate time for these muscles to recover or relax. It is very important to stretch these muscles before exercising so that the blood flow increases in these muscles and there are less chances of an injury later.
Also it is important to stretch these muscles after the exercises, so as to release the lactic acid deposition and proper oxygenation of the fibres for healing and relaxing.
3. Mal Alignment around the knee
In simple terms it is like a mal alignment of your car tyre which burns out faster and reduces the efficiency of the car. Similarly, the mal alignment around your knee should be identified by an orthopaedic surgeon and corrected before the knee wears out.
4. Vitamin D deficiency
Vit D3 plays a key role in keeping the joints healthy. Its deficiency has direct link to softening of the end of bones known as chondromalacia which leads to pain in pressure (Running). These deficiencies are particularly easy to treat once identified in time.
5. Part of Polyarthralgia/ Arthroses
Some patients have family history of arthritis and joint inflammation. Knee pain could also be a part of this disease complex. However, here usually the patients also complains of other joint pains and pain which increases in the morning and associated with joint stiffness.
It is prudent to say that knee pain can happen to anyone regardless of the age and activity level as the causes tend to be different. However, identification in a timely manner and treatment is the key rather than neglecting the problem.