#Pain on outside of knee skin#
#Pain on outside of knee full#

This can lead to wear and tear of the cartilage on the back of the kneecap. The usual cause is abnormal movement of the kneecap as the knee is bent and straightened. Squatting, walking up and down hills or stairs, or sitting still for extended periods of time can exacerbate the pain. Patello-femoral pain syndrome is characterised by pain felt behind the kneecap. The damaged cartilage can be surgically trimmed or even removed without causing any joint instability. Symptoms include swelling, pain and the inability to straighten the leg. Tears of the meniscus can also occur in older people due to wear and tear. Severe impact or twisting, especially during weight bearing exercise, can tear this cartilage. One of the most common knee injuries is a torn or split meniscus. The knee joint is bolstered on both sides by additional strips of cartilage, called ‘menisci’ or semilunar cartilages. Overstretched tendons can tear and bleed, but these injuries tend to heal by themselves without the need for surgery. The muscles are anchored to the joints with tendons. A ruptured ACL does not heal by itself and may require reconstructive surgery. The anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) situated in the centre of the joint is the knee ligament commonly injured. Torn ligaments can bleed into the knee and typically cause swelling, pain and joint laxity. Sudden twists or excessive force on the knee joint, commonly caused by repeated jumping or coming to a rapid halt while running, can stretch ligaments beyond their capacity. The knee joint is held together by tough bands of connective tissue called ligaments. Extra capsules of fluid, known as bursae, offer extra cushioning. The entire joint is enclosed inside a tough capsule lined with a membrane and filled with lubricating synovial fluid. The bones are held in place by tough bands of connective tissue called ligaments. The joint is further bolstered on each side by additional cartilages, which sit in between the knee joint. The end of the femur rests in the shallow cup of the tibia, cushioned by a thick layer of cartilage.Īt the front of the knee joint, the kneecap or patella sits in a groove at the lower end of the femur. Contraction of the muscles on the front of the thigh (quadriceps) straightens the leg, while contraction of the muscles on the back of the thigh (the hamstrings) allows the leg to bend at the knee.

The knee is a hinge joint, situated between the thigh bone (femur) and shin bones (tibia and fibula). Treatment options include physiotherapy, arthroscopic surgery and open surgery.

#Pain on outside of knee full#

Prompt medical attention for any knee injury increases the chances of a full recovery. Common knee injuries include ligament, tendon and cartilage tears, and patello-femoral pain syndrome.

Click here to self-refer to a physiotherapist.Awkward movements, falls and collisions, sudden twists, excessive force or overuse can result in a range of injuries to the knee joint and the structures supporting it. If you find that you are not improving, some advice or treatment from a physiotherapist can be helpful in managing knee pain.

#Pain on outside of knee skin#

Stop if there is excessive pain, numbness or tinglingĭo not put ice directly on to the skin as this may cause a burn.Check the skin regularly during and after the ice pack application.

You should be cautious using these treatments if you have altered skin sensation or circulatory problems.Leave it on for up to 20 minutes and use up to 3 times a day. Some people find using ice helpful on the painful area.įor ice therapy use a damp cloth containing an icepack (or bag of frozen peas) over the top of the painful area to help numb the pain. You should discuss this with your GP if the simple pain relief advice does not help or if you are needing to take ibuprofen for more than 10 days. Other medicines can help to reduce inflammation, swelling and pain. Up to date guidelines can be found on the NHS website: However, you should not take ibuprofen for 48 hours after an initial injury as it may slow down healing. Follow the instructions on the packet and discuss using them safely with a pharmacist, especially if you have any underlying health conditions Always follow the instructions on the packet.Īnti-inflammatories like ibuprofen can help with swelling, and therefore help you move more freely. Painkillers like paracetamol will ease the pain, but need to be taken regularly in order to control the pain.