Thursday 2 June 2011

Possible Causes of Weak Knees

Small children may complain about knee pain after running, or elderly members in the family may develop knee pain due to arthritis. There exist numerous causes of weak knees. Common possible causes are described below. Finding out the correct cause of weak knees is necessary, as it helps determine proper treatment.

Common Causes of Weak and Painful Knees

One can develop knee pain suddenly, or may complain about chronic knee pain. Some people experience pain in the inner knee (back of the knee), while some experience pain above knee cap. Some avoid walking due to painful knees while some complain about knee pain after sitting. For perfect diagnosis, doctors would examine the symptoms. The symptoms may vary according to the causes. Here are some common causes of weak knees.

Arthritis
Arthritis can lead to weak knees in the elderly. Arthritis is a chronic disease, in which inflammation of the joints and severe pain is experienced by the patient. The disease affects the discs and the bones and leads to stiff joints. These days, more and more young people are being diagnosed with arthritis. Rheumatoid arthritis or osteoarthritis is the main cause of formation of Baker's cyst behind knee. All this can make your knees significantly weak.

Previous or Fresh Injuries
Any type of strain or sprain can lead to stretched muscles, injured nerves or veins, resulting in weak knees. Torn ligament or torn cartilage in the knee is one of the major causes of weak knees. Athletes or sports personalities mostly have to face such problems. Knee injuries during car accidents are also common. Physical trauma or injury leading to dislocation of the knee cap can lead to weak knees, even after proper treatment. Injuries to the thighs, lower legs and hips can lead to increased pressure on knees. This can result in weak knees.

Tendonitis
Inflammation of the tendons in the knee joint can make movement of the knee joint impossible. In athletes, inflammation of the patellar tendon is one of the possible causes of weak knees. This leads to swelling of the knee and restricted or no movement at all. Tendons join the muscles to the bones in the joint and so play an important role in physical activities.

Bursitis
Bursae are the small sacks filled with synovial fluid. Bursae are present in the joints like the elbow, knee, ankle, hip, shoulder, etc. It is because of these bursae that we experience smooth movement of the joints. Inflammation of bursae is called bursitis which can also lead to weak knees. Injuries or infection in knee sac leads to a painful condition known as suprapatellar bursitis. The knee sac gets filled up with extra fluid and the person experiences swelling in the knee. The person may find it difficult to perform daily activities.

Diseases and Disorders
Connective tissue disorders like lupus, iliotibial band syndrome, bone tumors and Osgood-Schlatter condition can make your knees weak. Blood circulation problems (due to diabetes or any other reason), osteoporosis (low bone density) can lead to weak knees and leg pain. Obesity is one of the main causes of weak knees. The knee joints have to bear the weight of the body. Obese or overweight people are likely to complain about weak knees. Hyperthyroidism, varicose veins problems, sciatica, dehydration, anemia, restless leg syndrome, etc. can lead to weak knees.

Other Causes
Knee surgery, or a surgery in the adjoining structures like hip, leg, can make your knees weak. Low calcium levels or electrolyte imbalance due to wrong diet can lead to weakness in knees and legs. Wear and tear can be the cause of weak knees in the elderly. Excessive weakness due to any kind of diseases like flu, typhoid, diarrhea, cancer, can lead to weak knees. Women may experience weak knees and legs during pregnancy due to excessive weight. Sometimes, women may complain about weak knees during menstruation, or after childbirth, due to overall weakness. Excessive exercise and lack of exercise (sedentary lifestyle) are the causes of weak knees in people living in this modern world. Even use of ill-fitting shoes can cause problems in knees and legs. Lack of essential nutrients, excessive intake of alcohol, drugs, caffeine, soda, excessive smoking can weaken your bones and muscles. Standing, sitting or working with a wrong posture results in knee problems.

It can be concluded that any kind of infection of the knee joint, injuries to knee or the adjoining structures, surgeries, various diseases and disorders, wrong diet, bad habits and unhealthy lifestyle can make the knees weak. I hope you have found the cause of pain in your knees in the above list of possible causes of weak knees. Restricted movement of legs can result in a number of difficulties in performing daily activities. You should sincerely take care of your knees.

No comments:

Post a Comment