Knee Conditions

Depending on the type and severity of the condition, signs and symptoms may include:

• ACL injury – A tear in the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) commonly occurs in athletes who participate in high-intensity, contact sports like basketball and football.
• Fracture – This involves a partial or complete crack in the patella (kneecap) due to falls and vehicular collisions.
• Bursitis – This occurs when the fluid-filled cushion in front of the kneecap called bursae becomes inflamed and irritated.
• Patellar tendinitis – This refers to the inflammation of the patellar tendon, which may arise from constant jumping.
• Torn meniscus – A meniscus tear occurs when the knee is subjected to excessive pressure or twisting while the foot is planted on the ground.
• Cartilage injury – The articular cartilage acts as a shock absorber and allows bones to glide smoothly against one another. It can be damaged by wear and tear or trauma.
• Strains or sprains – These refer to injury to the ligaments, tendons or muscles in the form of overstretching or tearing.

Knee problems may also result from arthritis, which commonly include:

• Osteoarthritis – This is a degenerative disease in which the cartilage of a joint wears away, causing bones to rub against each other and form bone spurs.
• Rheumatoid arthritis – This is an autoimmune condition where the immune system mistakenly attacks healthy tissues in the joint, causing swelling and knee pain.