There are many people who experience severe knee pain, without knowing what causes it. This article provides some information about this knee problem, its symptoms, causes, and treatment.

Knees are a complex and the largest joint of our body. They bear the entire weight of the body and also help in its mobility. They support the basic movements of our legs like bending, kneeling, getting up from the chair, etc. At times, when there is a sudden jerk to the knee caused by improper movements, it may cause pain and if this condition is left unnoticed, it may lead to severe knee pain, which can be very discomforting.

Causative Factors
There are many known triggers for knee pain, with injury being the most common cause. Here are a few of the causes:

• Arthritis is a very common cause for experiencing severe knee pain. A person affected by arthritis may also experience severe pain when bending the knee.
• Ligament tears and knee pain are common among the athletes and people who do vigorous exercises. This can cause instability and discomfort to the individual.
• Another cause is a dislocated knee cap. Dislocation of the knee cap can also cause chronic pain.
• Some other causes are Baker's cyst, patellar tendonitis, cartilage injuries, and meniscal tear, etc.

Signs and Symptoms
A person experiencing a sudden and intense pain in the knee, will show the following symptoms:

• Inability or pain while walking, usually making the person limp.
• A knee pain that does not go away even after a week.
• The area around the knees will swell and pain is triggered even at a slight touch. The reason behind the swelling in the knee, without an injury, can be due to arthritis, gout, or an infection in the joint.
• The joints get 'locked' and the individual may experience pain while trying to move.
• A feeling of 'knees giving way beneath' caused due to a tear in the ligament, is another symptom.
• A person affected by this condition may experience a crunching or grounding sound arising from the joints of the knees, while moving.
• A popping sound heard due to a tear in the anterior cruciate ligament or ACL, as a result of common knee injuries.

Treatment
The method of treatment depends on the cause and severity of the pain. Before going in for the same, it is essential to diagnose the cause of this condition and consult the doctor who may provide the appropriate treatment. Here are some treatments that will help in alleviating the pain and discomfort.

• The basic treatment is proper and complete rest for the affected area, which allows the acute inflammation to reduce. It is also recommended to use crutches to shift the weight off the injured leg.
• There are also several exercises, like stretching the muscle tendons around the affected joints in a routine way which would help in easing out the pain.
• Another method of treatment is physical therapy, where the therapist suggests different techniques to strengthen the knees and regain the lost mobility of the joints.
• Certain medications like cortisone injections, that help in reducing the inflammation, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications known as NSAIDs can be taken under the guidance of a physician.

If one experiences this condition, he/she should not ignore it. Furthermore, one can follow certain home remedies like applying a cold or hot pack to the affected area, in order to get rid of it. In case one does not get relief and notices a sharp pain, he/she should pay a visit to the orthopedist who may provide certain medications and prevent the condition from becoming severe.

Disclaimer: This Buzzle article is for informative purposes only, and should not be used as a replacement for expert medical advice.