The knee is a complex joint made of bone, cartilage, fluid, and a number of ligaments. It is kept mobile by muscles and tendons and any injury or condition that affects these structures is likely to cause an injury to the joint. Knee injuries are usually painful and can lead to immobility of the joint if not addressed in good time. An injury to the knee will be an impediment to your walking and in the way you perform daily activities.

In comparison to other types of musculoskeletal injuries, knee injuries are more common in hospitals. This is because there are many causes and conditions that lead to different types of knee injuries. Some of the conditions and causes that lead to pain in the knee include arthritis especially in older people. Ligament injuries are also common types of knee related problems. Ligament injuries are usually sustained when one is engaged in sports or athletic activities and can result in chronic discomforts or even instability. Examples of ligament problems include the Anterior Cruciate Ligament, Posterior Cruciate Ligament, and Medial Cruciate Ligament injuries.

Knee cartilage or meniscal injuries affect both young and older people and characterized by extreme pain in the joint. The knee can also suffer from patellar tendonitis which is a tendonitis affliction on the large tendon in front of the knee called the patellar. Softening of the cartilage among young people leads to a condition called chondromalacia which is characterized by severe pain under the kneecap. The knee joint is also prone to dislocation especially the kneecap. Bursitis can occur in the knee joint and normally affects the bursa above the kneecap. The condition is common among people who spend hours working on their knees for example gardeners and carpet layers. There are other diseases such as osteochondritis and gout that can adversely affect the knee joint. Due to the many types of causes and conditions for knee problems it is advisable to consult an orthopedic specialist whenever you experience severe or chronic pains in the knee.