The Function and Anatomy of the Knee
How Do Knees Work?
A joint is made of two or more bones connected by strong bands called ligament. Our largest joints are our knees. The knee is essentially made up of three parts:
1. The kneecap (patella).
2. The shin bone (tibia).
The patella is commonly known as the kneecap.
The long muscles located on the anterior of the thigh (quadriceps) play a major part in strengthening the knee.
The knee is cushioned by articular cartilage which covers the bone surfaces where they come in contact with each other.
Additionally, the knee mechanism is lubricated by fluid that is generated by the synovial membrane. This thin, smooth tissue liner covers the remainder of surfaces within the knee. It prevents the end of the joint bones from rubbing.
How is Knee Pain Caused?
When the cartilage lining of the joint wears away, the bones rub together and pain and swelling result.
Osteoarthritis is a condition that is caused by injury and/or trauma to the knee. The resulting cartilage damage leave bones without a shock absorber. The stress caused by this results in a great deal of pain.
Click here to learn more about total knee replacement.
Ways to Treat Knee Pain
Pain relief may be achieved through the use of steroids or non-steroidal anti-inflammatories. You could also try bracing, physical therapy or cortisone injections. If all else fails, you may want to look into knee surgery. This will definitely alleviate the problems brought on by having to limit your activities due to pain.
Lots of people have had successful knee replacement surgery. This surgery was first done in 1968. It is very reliable for relieving pain and restoring the functioning of the knee. That’s why more than a quarter of a million Americans have knee replacement surgery annually.
Click here to learn more about partial knee replacement procedure.
