The Functioning and Anatomy of the Knee
A Guide to Understanding the Functioning of the Knee
A joint is made of two or more bones connected by strong bands called ligament. Our largest joints are our knees. The knee is essentially made up of three parts:
The patella, which is better-known as the kneecap.
The femur, which is the lower end of the thigh bone.
3. The thigh bone (femur).
Additionally, the quadriceps (long muscles on the front of the thigh) strengthen the knee.
The knee is cushioned by articular cartilage which covers the bone surfaces where they come in contact with each other.
A smooth, thin tissue liner known as synovial membrane covers the rest of the surfaces of the knee joint. This membrane creates a bit of fluid that lubricates the joint so that the bones don’t grind against one another.
How Does Knee Pain Happen?
When the cartilage lining of the joint wears away, the bones rub together and pain and swelling result.
Osteoarthritis is a condition that is caused by injury and/or trauma to the knee. The resulting cartilage damage leave bones without a shock absorber. The stress caused by this results in a great deal of pain.
Click here to learn more about total knee replacement.
Ways to Treat Knee Pain
Steroidal and non-steroidal anti-inflammatories can be used to ease knee pain. Braces are helpful, as are cortisone injections and physical therapy. However, if you have tried all of these without success, you may seriously want to consider knee surgery. It will put an end to your having to limit your activities due to knee pain.
Lots of people have had successful knee replacement surgery. This surgery was first done in 1968. It is very reliable for relieving pain and restoring the functioning of the knee. That’s why more than a quarter of a million Americans have knee replacement surgery annually.
Click here to learn more about partial knee replacement.
Tags: Medicine