Sometimes, knee pain is caused by age-related wear and tear that wears down the cartilage. Cartilage is a type of soft tissue that cushions the space between bones within joints, such as the knee. If it wears down, the bones can rub against each other, causing pain and inflammation that worsens over time.
Knee pain can also be caused by soft tissue damage such as wear and tear of tendons or ligaments, caused by injury, overuse, or repetitive stress. Sometimes, these injuries do not heal on their own and can cause long-term pain and instability in the knee. If you have a knee injury and it is not diagnosed or treated, your pain may come and go again and again.
The knee is a complex joint made up of bones, muscles, tendons, ligaments and cartilage, and if it becomes injured or you repeatedly lift heavy objects, twist the knee, run or otherwise put pressure on this joint, you may experience knee pain that does not heal.
There are a number of conditions that can affect the knee joint, causing pain and other symptoms.
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ligament injuries – Sprains to the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) or posterior cruciate ligament (PCL) are often caused by bending the knee during exercise, which can cause a popping sound and immediate pain, swelling, and instability when the injury occurs.
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muscle and tendon injuries – Stretching of the knee muscles and tendons, which can cause cramps, spasms, and weakness.
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meniscus tears – Cracks or damage to the cartilage in the knee joint, often caused by bending the knee during sports, can cause pain and a feeling of stiffness or stiffness in the knee.
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cartilage damage – Inflammation can also lead to cartilage damage, leading to the onset of rheumatoid arthritis.
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early osteoarthritis – It is caused by wear and tear on the knee joint as the cartilage wears away, causing stiffness, swelling and pain that gradually gets worse.
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displacement and fractures – Damage to the kneecap, most commonly the kneecap, caused by a fall or direct trauma to the kneecap, causes immediate pain, swelling, bruising, and difficulty walking.
If you have been feeling pain in your knees for some time, this may seem normal to you. But you should consider a knee scan if:
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You have had pain and discomfort in your knee for more than 6 to 12 weeks that has not improved despite painkillers, rest or physiotherapy.
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You are experiencing knee swelling that comes and goes.
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Your knee may lock up, or you may feel a strange sensation when you walk or move your knee.
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Your knee feels unstable, or bows, when you put weight on it.
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You are experiencing persistent pain that is affecting your ability to work, sleep, or participate in sports or leisure activities.
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You have knee pain and you’re not sure what’s causing it.
A knee scan is also recommended if you experience sudden knee pain, your knee seems out of place after an injury or accident, or if you feel a sudden ping or pop in the knee.
X-ray, MRI, and ultrasound are all types of medical scans that are used to create detailed images of the inside of the knee. They show different tissues and structures and work in different ways.
knee mri
An MRI scan uses radio waves and a strong magnetic field to create images of the bones and soft tissues. They are able to produce highly detailed images of internal joint structures and can highlight damage to ligaments, cartilage and meniscus and bone injuries.
They are safe for most people, radiation-free, and are often recommended for imaging of the knee.
knee x-ray
X-rays use low-dose radiation to show bones in detail and are therefore useful for diagnosing bone fractures. They can also reveal critical joint spaces where cartilage has worn down, leading to moderate to advanced osteoarthritis.
They are not so good at revealing early-stage osteoarthritis and may not clearly show damage or injury to soft tissues such as ligaments or cartilage.
knee ultrasound
Ultrasounds use high-frequency sound waves to produce a dynamic, real-time image of the inside of the knee joint. They can also be used to look at the mechanics of your knee joint while you walk.
They are best for assessing soft tissues and diagnosing problems such as fluid buildup, bursitis, and tendonitis. They are not good for creating images of tissues deep within the joint structure.
While X-rays are useful for detecting bone fractures and end-stage osteoarthritis, MRI can help doctors diagnose a wide range of conditions that can cause knee pain.
MRI scans can diagnose early cartilage damage, meniscus tears, and ACL and PCL injuries. They may also reveal early-stage inflammation and microscopic stress fractures that cannot be detected on X-ray.
If you have suffered a serious injury or are playing sports at a semi-professional or professional level, having a knee scan may be the first recommended step to diagnose the cause of pain and instability.
In many cases, knee pain can be controlled with painkillers and rest, while other types can be treated with physiotherapy and strengthening exercises.
But if your knee pain isn’t getting better, it’s still a good idea to get a scan. The scan images will provide you and your doctor with clarity about the cause of your pain, allowing you to make informed decisions about your treatment.
If you get a knee scan through the NHS there is a waiting list involved. But, private providers prefer scan.com Can be accessed immediately without the need for GP referral.
You will have your results in just a few days, and your scan will include a consultation with a specialist radiologist and a digital report that you can share with your NHS GP or specialist. Every booking is reviewed to ensure you have booked the scan best suited to your symptoms.
Having a knee scan will give your doctors a clear idea of what is going on inside your knee joint that is causing your pain. A knee scan provides information about the specific issue or injury and its extent.
Once you have your scan results, you can decide whether to continue your care with one of Scan.com’s clinical experts or seek treatment with another private consultant or the NHS.
Either way, your doctor can confidently make a diagnosis, and together, you can figure out a tailored treatment plan. This may involve a combination of rest, physiotherapy and knee and leg strengthening exercises, or it may mean surgery for more serious knee injuries, such as an ACL or PCL tear or bone fracture.
You and your doctor can also make treatment decisions based on your age, fitness level, and occupation.
Having persistent knee pain can prevent you from exercising, playing sports, and participating in recreational activities you enjoy. But it is not necessary to be like this. A scan will give you the clarity you need to make treatment decisions and move forward.
