The anatomy of the knee consists of a vulnerable joint, that when placed under a great amount of stress, can lead to serious problems. Whether you are someone who misses playing high-impact sports or just wants to garden again in the evenings, it’s important to get back to the things you loved to do before the knee pain arrived. If you’re dealing with knee pain, then now is the time to get help.
Anatomy of the Knee
The knee consists of a tibia, femur, and patella. Tibia is the shin bone of the lower leg, the femur is the thigh bone, and the patella refers to the kneecap itself. Each bone end has a layer of cartilage over it that protects the knee and absorbs shock. There are also ligaments, tendons, and muscles that surround the knee and allow it to move and bend.
Common Knee Issues
There are numerous knee problems that can develop due to continual wear and stress overtime, sports activities, or the aging process. The most prevalent knee injuries that people experience are listed as follows:
- Torn cartilage
- Sprains or strains
- ACL injury
- Tendonitis
- Fractures
- Arthritis
- Torn meniscus
- Patellar tendinitis
- Knee bursitis
Knee Problem Diagnosis
When a knee problem is being examined, there are certain tests that your knee doctor will need to do, in order to have the most information possible about what’s going on. Examples of tests he or she may have you get include x-ray, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), computed tomography scan (CAT or CT scan), radionuclide bone scan, or arthroscopy.