Injury tends to affect any of the ligaments, bursae, or even the tendons which surround the knee joint. Injury can even affect the ligaments, cartilage, as well as menisci, and bones which form the joint. The design of the knee joint is so complex and it is also an active weight-bearing joint which make the knee one of the most commonly injured joints. All these injuries are the cause of joint knee pain.
Ligament injury can be cause by trauma. There can be injury to the ligaments which are on the inner portion of the knee, the outer portion of the knee, or even within the knee. Injuries to these areas can lead to joint knee pain. A ligament injury to the knee is usually leading to joint knee pain at rest which may be swollen and warm. This pain gets usually worsened by bending the knee, putting weight on this knee, as well as walking. The severity of joint knee pain can vary from mild to severe. Patients can even have more than one area injured in the case of a single traumatic event.
Joint knee pain due to ligament injuries can be initially treated with ice packs, immobilization, besides rest, as well as elevation. It is recommended to avoid bearing weight on such an injured joint, and crutches too may be required for walking. Some patients may have to be placed in splints or braces in order to immobilize the joint. This is done in order to decrease pain as well as promote healing. Arthroscopic or open surgery may be required in case of severe joint knee pain due to severe injuries.
Surgical repair of ligaments involves suturing, grafting, as well as synthetic graft repair. These are procedures which can be done by either open knee surgery or by arthroscopic surgery. The decision to perform these types of surgery depends on the level of joint knee pain due to the extent of damage to the ligaments as well as the activity expectations of the patient.