HomeHealth TopicsInjuries WoundsKnee Injuries and Disorders
Back to Injuries Wounds
Knee Injuries and Disorders
Reviewed by Medicinsk Expert•Last updated: 2026-10-22•Injuries Wounds

Knee Injuries and Disorders

Knee problems, which can affect people of all ages, often result from injury or disease and can significantly impact mobility and daily life.

Overview

Your knee joint is made up of bone, cartilage, ligaments, and fluid, with muscles and tendons helping the joint move. When any of these structures is hurt or diseased, you have knee problems, which can cause pain and difficulty walking.

Common Conditions and Injuries

Knee problems are very common and can interfere with activities ranging from sports participation to simply getting up from a chair. Common issues include:

  • Osteoarthritis: The most common disease affecting the knee, where cartilage gradually wears away, causing pain and swelling.
  • Ligament and tendon injuries: A common injury is to the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL), usually caused by a sudden twisting motion. ACL and other knee injuries are common sports injuries.

Treatment

Treatment of knee problems depends on the cause. In some cases, your doctor may recommend knee replacement.

Frequently Asked Questions

Recovery from a partial ACL tear often involves 3 to 6 months of physical therapy to strengthen surrounding muscles and improve stability, whereas a complete tear usually requires surgical reconstruction followed by 9 to 12 months of rehabilitation. Factors such as age, overall health, adherence to physical therapy, and the specific demands of your daily activities or sports significantly influence the final recovery timeline.
You should seek emergency care if you cannot bear any weight on the leg, if the knee is visibly deformed or locked in a position, if you experience sudden, severe swelling immediately after an injury, or if you have a fever accompanied by a red, hot, and swollen knee, which may indicate a serious infection.
Early signs of osteoarthritis include stiffness that is worst in the morning or after periods of inactivity, lasting more than 30 minutes, and pain that worsens with activity but improves with rest. Unlike a muscle strain, which is often sharp and localized to a specific spot, osteoarthritis pain is typically deep within the joint and may be accompanied by a grating sensation or mild swelling that persists over weeks or months.
Use the RICE method: Rest the knee to avoid aggravating movements, apply Ice packs for 15-20 minutes several times a day to reduce inflammation, use Compression with a supportive bandage to limit swelling, and keep the leg Elevated above heart level when possible. Over-the-counter anti-inflammatory medications can also help manage pain, but you should avoid high-impact activities like running or jumping until a professional evaluates the joint.
Source: MedlinePlus, National Library of Medicine

MedlinePlus brings together authoritative health information from the National Library of Medicine (NLM), the National Institutes of Health (NIH), and other government agencies and health-related organizations.

kontakt@hittavard.se

Ⓒ 2024. Alla rättigheter förbehålls av juxt ab

Sök
Om ossVillkor och policyVanliga frågorKontakta oss