Welcome to Knee.com

At Knee.com we are motivated to provide our visitors with simplified, yet comprehensive information regarding the knee. We have researched knee injuries, knee pain, knee rehabilitation, and preventive measures to protect the knee.

The knee is a hinge joint, which connects the upper leg (femur bone) with the lower leg (tibia and fibula). Other than the bones, the knee is also a complex system of ligaments, tendons, and cartilage. The knee is the joint most susceptible to serious injury in humans. The bulk of ones body weight is supported by the knee and physical stresses of everyday life can lead to many debilitating issues.

Arthritis - The most common type of arthritis in the knee is called "Osteoarthritis." This form of arthritis is caused by wear and tear on the bones due to a breakdown of knee cartilage. Although most arthritic issues occur as a person ages, Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) also affects the knee and can be debilitating for very young people as well.

Ligaments - There are four ligaments in the knee. Two collateral ligaments, which attach from each side of the femur; one to the side of the tibia (lateral collateral ligament), the other to the side of the fibula (medial collateral ligament) are most susceptible to contact injuries like blunt trauma to the inner or outer leg around the knee. The two cruciate ligaments cross over one another and are found inside the knee; one cruciate ligament which crosses over behind is the posterior cruciate ligament or PCL. The other, which crosses over in front is the anterior cruciate ligament or ACL. ACL injuries can be caused by contact, but also through hyperextension and motions like pivoting or changing directions to quickly. Typically, one will hear a popping sound when the ACL is torn. Although it is not as common to tear the PCL, the injury will display much like an ACL tear. However, with a PCL tear swelling is typically localized toward the back of the knee and the injury is likely caused when there is direct contact trauma to the knee in the bent position.

Tendons - The patellar and quadriceps tendons connect the kneecap (patella) to the tibia and femur. A common condition in both knee tendons is tendonitis; an inflammation of the tissue. Tendonitis is caused by overuse of the knee and is often associated with running and cycling; activities with persistent bending and flexing of the knee tendons.

Meniscus - The meniscus is cartilage, which sits between the femur and tibia bones. Without this cartilage, the femur and tibia would rub together and would cause significant discomfort to the knee. A meniscus tear usually occurs in conjunction with other knee injuries, like an ACL tear. However, a meniscus tear will happen most commonly in people who turn the knee or decelerate too quickly. Persistent pivoting and deceleration can lead to degenerative meniscus tears.

Other Injuries & Ailments - Other common issues include but are not limited to; Bursitis, an inflammation of small fluid sacs which surround the knee. Dislocated kneecap, when the patella slips outside of its normal alignment. Hyperextension, when the knee bends back beyond the hinged lock position. Iliotibial Band Syndrome, when the ligament attached from the outside of the pelvic bone to the outside of the tibia becomes tight. Loose body, when a piece of cartilage or bone is floating around the knee. Osgood-Schlatter disease, a condition of swelling and inflammation around the tibial tuberosity most common in teenagers.