KNEE PAIN

Knee pain can occur in all kinds of situations – for example when you get out of bed in the morning, get out of the car after a long drive, or even while you’re taking a short walk. What’s more, those who experience knee pain aren’t always aware of what’s causing it.

Seemingly unexplainable knee pain is often caused by excessive or inappropriate mechanical stress brought about by athletic or professional activity, or even simply age. However, normal everyday movements can also lead to excessive mechanical stress. Sometimes people don’t realize that their knee pain has been caused by a fall or incorrect movement because they don’t notice the pain until sometime after such an event has occurred.

When pain only gradually becomes noticeable, and its causes are unclear, many of those affected wonder what they should do and whether they should see a doctor. In many cases, pain can be eliminated by taking measures to protect the knee for a while. Depending on the actual cause of knee pain, certain types of treatment may nevertheless become necessary. Such treatment options include pain medication, physical therapy, and surgery. At the same time, wearing a Bauerfeind knee brace or support can help reduce knee pain and stabilize the joint.

---

Typical knee pain

Causes of knee pain

Play it safe: Consult a physician if you experience unusually intense and persistent knee pain.

Osteoarthritis (OA) - Wear in the knee joint as a cause of knee pain

Osteoarthritis is a condition in which cartilage in a joint breaks down slowly. In the knee joint, this cartilage functions as a protective layer between the thigh and lower leg bones. If left untreated, osteoarthritis can cause cartilage in the knee joint to deteriorate to such an extent that the two bones begin to rub directly against each other.

Knee pain caused by wear typically occurs after a person begins moving again following a long period of inactivity – i.e. after sitting or lying. Physicians use the term “pain on movement” if pain dissipates after the first few steps are taken.

As the arthritis progresses, the level of pain usually increases and pain can even occur during periods of inactivity. It should be noted, however, that the progression of osteoarthritis, and the level of pain experienced, varies among those afflicted with the disease. This means that the extent to which the illness has progressed unfortunately cannot be determined by either the duration of pain or its intensity. In addition, many of those who suffer from osteoarthritis experience pain only intermittently.

When a patient suffers from arthritis, finding a knee brace that offers support and effective pain relief while also being comfortable to put on can be a challenge. According to extensive testing by independent researchers, the Bauerfeind GenuTrain® knee brace is proven to relieve OA pain and improve knee stability while its anatomical shape and donning aids make it easy and comfortable to wear.

The Arthritis Foundation has awarded GenuTrain its coveted “Ease of Use” commendation, a certification recognizing products proven to make life easier for people who have arthritis and other physical limitations. Independently tested by experts and evaluated by people with arthritis, “Ease of Use” products are easy to use by everyone.

Meniscopathy - Meniscal damage as a cause of knee pain

The meniscus is a two-part cartilage (each part is crescent-shaped) in the knee joint. Each knee has two menisci (medial and lateral meniscus) that either absorb or cushion tensile forces. Meniscopathy is the term used to describe meniscal damage not caused by trauma. In other words, meniscopathy refers to damage primarily caused by wear due to inappropriate mechanical stress and excessive strain over a long period of time. However, injuries such as cruciate ligament tears (post-traumatic) can also lead to meniscal damage. In addition, meniscal tears can be caused by abrupt rotational movements that occur at work or when participating in sports. Depending on whether the medial or lateral meniscus is affected, the result will be stabbing pain on either the inner or outer side of the knee joint.

Diagnosing knee pain

Because knee pain can have so many different causes, a consultation with a physician or other healthcare provider must be carried out before a diagnosis can be made. The provider will ask the patient to explain when their symptoms began, how long the knee pain lasts, and what it feels like. Patients will also be asked to describe any accompanying symptoms or pre-existing conditions they may have.

Next, the physician will examine the patient to determine the extent of knee joint mobility. Various movement tests can provide indications of specific injuries that may be present. In order to ensure a reliable diagnosis, these tests are usually followed by imaging procedures such as ultrasound, X-ray, MRI, or arthroscopy (minimally invasive examination of the knee joint).

Treating knee pain

The most important component of treatment is to immediately alleviate pain by avoiding excessive strain. Subsequent treatment is designed in line with specific causes. In many cases a knee brace or support will be used to stabilize the knee joint, protect injured knees, and relieve pain.

According to athletic trainers, physical therapists, and other healthcare professionals, one of the first measures taken in the case of most injuries involves a tried and tested method: RICE Therapy (Rest, Ice, Compression, Elevation).

Healing support for knee joints

Medical knee braces and supports from Bauerfeind can offer effective assistance when treating knee pain. The anatomically shaped GenuTrain® knee brace relieves and stabilizes the knee joint. This support is made of a knitted fabric with an integrated ring-shaped Omega pad (functional cushion) that provides optimal relief to the joint by diverting pressure away from the kneecap to other soft tissue structures in the knee.

Two nubs on the lower edge of the pad – the Hoffa pads – exert metered and targeted pressure on the infrapatellar fat pad (Hoffa's fat pad) in the knee joint, providing further relief to the kneecap. In addition, integrated lateral wings on the product help relieve meniscus pain in a targeted manner.

When a person moves, the knee support acts like an intermittent compression massage unit by alternately increasing and decreasing pressure. This stimulates blood flow and promotes the healing process.

The GenuTrain® knee brace is made of a breathable knitted fabric and is comfortable to wear. It adjusts to every movement, does not constrict, and will not slip out of place. The support is also particularly soft and elastic in the sensitive area behind the knee. GenuTrain combines optimal effectiveness with a high level of wearing comfort.

Learn more about Bauerfeind knee braces for knee pain: