Conditions of Chronic Knee Pain

Of the two types of knee pain, chronic knee pain is the worse. This is because unlike acute problems that last only a short period of time, chronic knee pain last a very long time. There are several causes for chronic knee problems that will be addressed along with some chronic knee pain treatment suggestions.

Conditions and Treatments for Chronic Knee Pain from Osteoarthritis

Arthritis is a condition that affects the joints in the body. There are two different types of arthritis; osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis.

Osteoarthritis can be caused by developmental problems, metabolic, mechanical and it can be hereditary. Knee trauma can occur if treatment for knee pain is not sought and followed. Treatment usually is a combination of several of the following:

• Rest and exercise
• Weight loss
• Physical therapy
• Medications

Conditions and Treatments for Chronic Knee Pain from Rheumatoid Arthritis

Rheumatoid arthritis is a mystery to doctors with the cause unknown but it is believed that autoimmunity plays a major role in its development. This can cause chronic knee problems that can lead to knee trauma if left untreated. Treatment for knee pain associated with rheumatoid arthritis includes physical therapy, orthoses, anti-inflammatories, steroids and possible disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs.

Tendonitis Causes and Treatments for Knee Pain

Chronic knee problems can occur from knee trauma. This trauma is usually caused by sports injuries that either damage the tendons or cause inflammation of the tendons. The most common treatment for knee pain associated with tendonitis is topical treatments with a penetrating ointment or lotion as well as support for the affected tendons.

Bursitis Causes and Chronic Knee Pain Treatment

Bursitis is an inflammation that occurs in the sacs that help tendons and ligament move more efficiently and smoothly. If the bursa, the soft tissue between the joints, becomes infected it can cause chronic pain. Knee problems can occur from this and require aspiration, or draining by a doctor. There are several chronic knee pain treatment methods that can ease and even cure bursitis:

• Ice packs – These help ease the pain and gets blood flowing to the area again.
• Anti-Inflammatory medicines – These can be over the counter medications or prescription depending on the severity of the pain.
• Cortisone injections – These are administered by your doctor and usually injected directly between the joints.

Gout Causes and Chronic Knee Pain Treatment

Gout is a different type of arthritis that is caused by a buildup in the joints around the joints. The buildup is a uric acid crystal buildup that comes from the kidneys not eliminating the uric acid, an increase in food high in purines and an increased production of uric acid in the body. This can be a major cause of chronic pain. Knee problems from gout do not normally occur but can. Treatments for the chronic knee pain of gout include:

• Adjusting your eating habits by limiting your intake of meats and other foods high in purines.
• Prescription and Non-prescription medications what help break up the buildup of the crystals.