Knee Pain in Men in Vacaville

Your knees are very vulnerable joints because they carry a lot of burden from your daily activities. Whenever you lift something or kneel, you are straining your knees in Vacaville.

About 1.3 million people with acute knee trauma are admitted in U.S. emergency departments every year. Osteoarthritis is the most common cause of knee pain. Apart from that, patellofemoral syndrome (runner's knee) is another common cause, and it stems from a strain on the tendon that connects the kneecap to the lower leg. The source of the pain for men over the age of 50 may be tears of the menisci, the cartilage providing structural support to the knee.

The reason why men's knees are so vulnerable to long-term damage is that it will not completely form until they are in their late 20s. There will be a fair amount of stress before it has fully matured, thus leading it to further damage and knee pain later in life.

Understanding the causes of Knee Pain in Vacaville

There are many reasons why knee pain happens in men, including:

• Arthritis: The knee is the joint that is mostly affected by osteoarthritis, which is a degenerative process that causes the protective cartilage in the joint to wear away. In turn, it causes chronic knee pain especially during movement.
• Tendonitis: Activities like cycling, jumping, running, or team sports can overuse the tendons in your knees and cause tendonitis. The tendons are the connective tissue that links muscle to bone and damage on that area can be painful for your knee. It can be felt in front of the knee, especially when you walk up or down the stairs.
• Torn cartilage: Overexertion or trauma to the knee can tear the menisci. It often happens with sprains. Men with torn meniscus will feel sharp pain in the affected knee, causing it to lock up over time.
• Patellofemoral syndrome: Overexertion and overuse injuries can sometimes lead to this condition. There will be a dull, aching pain under or around the front of the kneecap. It is usually caused by a combination of a torn cartilage, patellar tendon strain, and a kneecap that's out of proper alignment.
• Strain or sprain of the knee ligaments or muscles: When you experience a blow or severe twist of the knee, this can happen. It can cause pain, swelling, and difficulty in walking.

Treatment options

The good news is that there are several remedies for knee pain, depending on what caused the problem. It includes the following:

• Using crutches will remove the pressure off the knee until it recovers.
• Resting and applying ice on the knee for 15 to 20 minutes every 3 to 4 hours for the first couple of days after the injury or pain has started.
• Wearing a knee brace to support the ligaments and other structures that have been affected by the injury.
• Physical therapy can help strengthen the muscles supporting the knee. Therapy should focus on the hamstring, quadriceps, and calf stretching, and low-impact aerobic exercises like walking, swimming, and cross-country skiing.
• Taking medications to reduce discomfort and swelling, such as acetaminophen, aspirin, and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs).

Exercise and other physical activity are good for the body, but you must always remain in tune with it especially when knee pain occurs. If you need more help for your knee pain, don't be shy in getting in touch with us here at Absolute Integrative Physical Medicine in Vacaville, CA. Just give us a call by dialing (707) 474-5688 and setup an appointment with us today!