Knee pain can be classified by cause and location:

1. Acute knee pain: Occurs suddenly, often as a result of injuries such as meniscus tears or ligament strains.
2. Chronic knee pain: Develops over a longer period, often due to osteoarthritis or inflammatory diseases like arthritis.
3. Anterior knee pain: Pain in the area of the kneecap, often due to overuse or misalignment.
4. Medial or lateral knee pain: Pain on the inside or outside of the knee, often caused by meniscus damage or ligament problems.
5. Posterior knee pain: Occurs in the area of the back of the knee, often as a result of cyst formation or injuries to the posterior structures.

The main causes of knee pain can be divided into several categories:

• Injuries:
  • Acute injuries such as meniscus tears, cruciate ligament injuries, or patellar dislocations.
  • Overstretching of the ligaments due to sports accidents or sudden movements.
• Mechanical overload:
  • Frequent stair climbing, squatting, or jumping puts stress on the knee and leads to wear and tear.
  • Excess weight increases the load on the knee joint and can cause pain.
• Degenerative diseases:
  • Osteoarthritis is one of the most common causes of chronic knee pain and leads to cartilage degradation.
• Inflammatory diseases:
  • Rheumatoid arthritis or gout cause inflammation and pain in the knee joint.
• Misalignments:
  • Knock-knees or bowlegs lead to asymmetric loading of the knee joint.
• Cysts and tumors:
  • Cysts such as Baker's cyst or rare tumors can cause pain in the knee.

The symptoms vary depending on the cause and severity of the complaints:

- **Pain:** Pain can be localized or diffuse and often occurs during exertion or at rest.

- **Swelling:** Inflammations or injuries often lead to swelling in the knee area.

- **Movement restrictions:** Difficulties in bending or straightening the knee.

- **Crunching or rubbing:** Mechanical noises during movements, especially in osteoarthritis.

- **Instability:** Giving way or insecurity when walking, especially in ligament injuries.

- **Redness and overheating:** Typical signs of inflammation, as in arthritis or gout.

The diagnosis is made through a combination of medical history, physical examination, and imaging techniques:

- Medical history:

- The doctor inquires about typical symptoms, possible triggers, and existing preconditions.

- Physical examination:

- Checking for swelling, tenderness, and movement restrictions.

- Imaging techniques:

- X-ray: Visualization of bone anomalies, joint space narrowing, or misalignments.

- MRI: Examination of soft tissue damage, such as meniscus or ligament injuries.

- Ultrasound: Assessment of fluid accumulations or inflammatory processes.

Conservative Therapy

Most cases of knee pain can be treated without surgery:

• Physical Therapy:
  • Exercises to strengthen muscles and improve mobility.
• Medication Therapy:
  • NSAIDs for pain relief and anti-inflammation.
• Injections:
  • Hyaluronic acid to improve joint function.
  • Cortisone for acute inflammation.
• Orthopedic Aids:
  • Use of braces or orthoses to stabilize the joint.

Surgical Therapy

In cases of severe or chronic complaints, surgery may be necessary:

• Arthroscopy:
  • Minimally invasive procedures to remove damaged tissue or treat meniscus injuries.
• Joint Replacement:
  • Partial or total prostheses for irreparable joint damage due to osteoarthritis.
• Ligament Reconstruction:
  • Restoration of stability in cruciate or collateral ligament injuries.

To prevent knee pain, the following measures are recommended:

1. Regular exercise: Joint-friendly sports such as swimming or cycling promote knee function.
2. Strengthening the muscles: Training the thigh and calf muscles stabilizes the knee joint.
3. Weight reduction: A healthy body weight reduces the strain on the knee.
4. Ergonomic posture: Avoidance of poor posture and overstrain through correct movement patterns.
5. Early detection: At the first signs of discomfort, a doctor should be consulted in a timely manner to prevent long-term damage.