Lateral Knee Problems

The knee is one of the most complex, as well as the largest joint in the human body. Because of its location and the pressures and stress it endures, the knee is prone to many injuries. These hurts can range from mild to severe, but all need to be checked to gauge the severity of any damage that might have occurred. The knee is a joint that can be used despite injury, and by ignoring the damage, most people only make it worse. Knowing all you can about the knee can help a person better understand the possible severity of his or her own injuries.

Function

• The function of the knee is to serve as a hinge between the upper and lower leg bones, with the patella serving as a platform over which the muscles, tendons and ligaments slide, providing a "fulcrum" that gives the leg more "torque" and strength. The knee joint gives the human much more flexibility and allows us to squat, bend, twist, rotate, run, jump and leap. The human knee is one of the reasons we can stand upright, and is the main reason we are able to run and maneuver with the agility and ability we are currently capable of.

Significance

• The significance of injury to the knee cannot be overstated. Because the knee "floats" in a complex network of muscles, ligaments, tendons and cartilage, it is more likely to be injured during hard use. If a blow or other trauma is sustained, especially during movement, the damage can be severe. Lateral knee pain is when the pain is happening on the outside of the knee. The ring of muscle and cartilage that surrounds the kneecap is divided into the lateral (outside), medial (inner), posterior (rear), and anterior (front) parts of the knee. Pain in different areas can mean various types of possible injury.

Possible Injuries

• When a person experiences lateral knee pain, the most common injury is iliotibial band syndrome (ITBS). This syndrome is often called "runner's knee," as it most commonly affects regular runners. But it can affect anyone. The muscles that runs from the hip down the outside of the leg to the knee are the iliotibial band muscles. When there is a motion that causes repetitive use of this muscle over and over, it can lead to ITBS. The muscle can cause damage to the knee joint if this syndrome is ignored, as the muscle is rubbing over the bone at an angle that is causing misalignment. This is the most common injury when you have lateral knee pain. Other possible knee injuries can include meniscus tears, tendon problems, kneecap instability and even bone fractures.

Treatment

• The most common treatment for lateral knee pain is rest. The muscle, strained and taut from overuse and irritated, needs to be rested and allowed to decompress. This rest can make a difference in just a few days, or it can take several weeks or even months. The activity, in most cases running, must be stopped or cut back and then reintroduced slowly, but only after proper stretching. Unfortunately, as is common in many knee injuries, once you have had this problem, it is very likely to happen again. If the lateral knee pain is from another type of injury, such as a meniscus tear or torn ligament, tendon or bone fracture, it is likely that surgery will be needed to provide relief.

Warning

• Do not ignore knee pain. A mild knee pain that does not go away needs to be investigated every bit as much as a severe knee pain that causes immediate lameness. Knee injuries can often be ignored or can seem to "get better" on their own, with limited side effects---even while there is an injury. When a patient continues use of an injured knee, the injury is often compounded until the resulting damage is far worse than it might have been if properly diagnosed at the beginning. If you have persistent knee pain, see your orthopedic physician as soon as possible.