Pain Above Knee: Causes & Treatment

Pain above knee is a common complaint after suffering from a temporary injury or related to a chronic condition such as arthritis. It can occur in people of all age groups.

Usually, knee pain begins as a mild discomfort, then slowly worsens. The best way to deal with knee pain is through self-care measures such as taking adequate rest and using over-the-counter medications.

Physical therapy and knee braces can also bring about relief in pain. However, in extreme situations, you may require a knee surgical repair.

Possible causes of pain above knee

There are several causes that can lead to pain above knee. These are broadly classified into the following categories:

A. Overuse

B. Injuries

C. Arthritis

Let us look in detail at each of these reasons that contribute to knee pain.

A. Overuse: Stress on the knee joint can happen when you constantly indulge in physical activities, exercise, doing physical work, or playing sports. The same repetitive motions such as working on your hands and knees and jumping a lot, can cause knee pain with time. Following are some conditions that result in knee pain due to overuse issues:

· Bursitis (especially prepatellar bursitis)

· Osgood-Schlatter disease (also called jumper’s knee)–Occurs only in kids and teenagers

· Patellofemoral pain (PFPS or runner’s knee)

· Tendinitis (especially patellar tendinitis)

B. Injuries: Pain above knee can also occur due to any injury that damages your knee joint. Such injuries can include:

· Sports injuries

· Repetitive strain injuries

· Traumas like car accidents or falls

Some of the more common injuries that cause knee pain include:

· Dislocations

· Meniscus tears

· Knee sprains

· Bone fractures (broken bones)

· Hyperextended knees

· Knee ligament tears

C. Arthritis: It is characterized by pain and inflammation of the joints. Knee arthritis is very common and leads to symptoms such as pain, swelling, and stiffness. There are three main types of arthritis:

· Osteoarthritis

· Rheumatoid arthritis

· Post-traumatic arthritis

Treatment for pain above knee

A. The RICE method for knee pain treatment is most often used to bring relief. This method falls under the self-care method and can be done at home.

· Rest: This is the first step in this treatment method and involves stopping all such activities which caused knee pain in the first place.

· Ice: After the injury happens, apply an ice pack or cold compress for about 15-20 minutes every hour for the first day. After one day, the frequency of application can be increased to every 3-4 hours. The correct way of applying the cold compress is to wrap the ice pack in a towel or washcloth and then place on the site of injury.

· Compression: Compression works by reducing blood flow to the injured knee, thereby reducing swelling. For this, you need to apply a compression bandage or wrap it around your knee. Ask your healthcare provider for guidance if you are unsure of the right way to wear the compression bandage.

· Elevation: Prop your knee up using pillows, blankets, or cushions so that your knee is elevated above the level of your heart.

B. Medications: If the pain is unbearable or does not reduce with the RICE method, your healthcare provider will prescribe some medications. These may be over-the-counter drugs called non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs).

A word of caution here: Do not take these medications for more than 10 days in a row without consulting your healthcare provider, especially if you suffer from kidney or liver disease.

C. Knee braces: Your knee is held in place and supported by a knee brace. Knee braces function by maintaining the alignment of your knee. Usually composed of metal or stiff plastic, they have straps that go around your leg and knee and cushions it. Your healthcare provider will advise you on the type of braces most suited to you and how often you should wear it.

D. Physical therapy: This is beneficial if you are suffering from arthritis or are recovering from an injury. You can take the help of a physical therapist to learn stretches and exercises that strengthen the muscles surrounding your injured knee. This would result in bringing pain relief and increased stability.

E. Knee surgery: When all else fails, knee surgery is the last resort to relieve knee pain. Most people who have a damaged ligament, bone fracture, or severe arthritis, can benefit from surgery. Knee arthroscopy is the most common form of knee surgery performed to bring relief in pain above the knee.

During this procedure, a few small incisions are made in the skin around your knee and a special tool, called an arthroscope is inserted into your knee joint. This arthroscope has a camera and a light to guide the surgeon and help repair the damage inside your knee.

Sometimes, a knee replacement surgery may be required. In this procedure, the knee joint is replaced with an artificial implant called prosthesis. This procedure is helpful if your knee is affecting your ability to stand, walk, and move.

In such cases, either a total knee replacement or partial knee replacement may be done. The type of surgery you require depends on what’s causing the pain and the parts of your knee which have incurred damage.

Getting knee pain is a common occurrence as you age. For those individuals who are overweight, the risk of getting pain above the knee becomes more. Knee pain usually goes away on its own without the need for a medical intervention just by taking some self-help measures. However, if you find your knee pain is lasting for more than a few days in a row or you have recently experienced an injury, it is advisable to consult your healthcare provider.

At KM NU Hospitals which is located in Ambur, Tamil Nadu, you will get the best orthopedic doctor who can expertly guide you on how to treat your knee pain. KM NU Hospital boasts of being the ideal knee replacement hospital in Ambur owing to its team of professional and skilled doctors, latest medical equipment, and best in-house facilities. So, if you have been suffering from pain above the knee for a couple of days, do not hesitate to visit KM NU Hospitals and avail the best orthopedic treatment for your problem.

References:

1. Knee pain. Cleveland Clinic. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/symptoms/21207-knee-pain.

2. Knee pain. Mayo Clinic. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/knee-pain/symptoms-causes/syc-20350849.

3. Knee pain. Mayo Clinic. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/knee-pain/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20350855.

4. Knee pain. MedlinePlus. https://medlineplus.gov/ency/article/003187.htm.

5. What is knee pain? Versus Arthritis. https://versusarthritis.org/about-arthritis/conditions/knee-pain/.

Author: Dr. Allen Sunny Deol S V