What Causes Knee Pain?

The knee joint is comprised of three major sections; the femur that meets the tibia which forms the knee joint. The knee joint in turn as medial and lateral compartment with the patella which combines with the femur, forming a third section known as the patellofemoral joint.

The knee joint itself is covered by a joint enclosure that has ligaments which hold down the inside and outside, known as collateral ligaments as well as the cruciate ligaments. These are the ligaments which provide the stability and strength needed to keep the knee joint functioning.

Located between the knee joints is the meniscus, two pieces of thick, rubbery cartilage that pads the joints between the tibia and the femur. It is a smooth surface in which the body’s weight is absorbed when the person is standing, which is surrounded by fluid-filled sacs known as bursae which reduce friction along the tendons. Injuries that affect these areas can cause pain and prolonged mobility and functional difficulties along the knee joint, including the bones, ligaments, cartilage, and menisci.