Left Knee Pain

Knee pain can result from an injury or a medical cause and is classified as either acute (right away) or chronic (long term).

Symptoms

• General symptoms include pain when walking, swelling, pain that gets worse by running, jumping, or climbing stairs, or warmth, redness, a dull ache or stiffness.

Types of knee pain

• Acute knee pain can include fractures and a dislocated kneecap. An example of chronic knee pain is osteoarthritis.

Fractures

• Knee fractures can result from a traumatic injury, as in a sports injury or car accident. Symptoms include swelling, redness, bruising, tender to the touch and pain. Treatment includes splinting (so the knee won't move) or surgery.

Dislocated kneecap

• This occurs because the muscles and ligaments can't keep the kneecap in place. Symptoms include pain, swelling and difficulty walking or straightening the knee. Treatment includes immobilization (non-movement) of the knee so that it will heal properly.

Osteoarthritis

• This happens because the cartilage in the knee begins to break down. In severe cases, the cartilage (or meniscus) will be completely worn away and the femur will rub against other bones, like the tibia. Symptoms include extreme pain, which can worsen with activity. Treatment includes pain or anti-inflammatory medications, or a knee joint replacement in severe cases.