Sore Knee

There are a multitude of conditions that might contribute to knee soreness. This is because the knee is such a complex joint and one that holds a lot of weight and pressure. The cause of a sore knee could stem from something as simple as overuse, but it could also be something much more serious, such as a torn ligament. 

Many athletes will experience knee soreness due to overuse of the area. This could be an indication of what is referred to as iliotibial band syndrome or it could be caused from the development of tendonitis. Arthritis is another possible reason for sore knees. Athletes and nonathletes alike may develop arthritis, such as rheumatoid arthritis or osteoarthritis, which may then lead to soreness of the knees. 

Sore knees may also be attributed to direct trauma to the area. Torn cartilage or meniscus and torn ligaments are prevalent injuries among people with active lifestyles. Also prevalent are knee sprains and strains, which are often caused by unnatural movement of the knee. 

Another potential cause for knee soreness is the condition known as knee bursitis. Knee bursitis occurs when a small fluid-filled sac near the knee joint (called a bursa) becomes inflamed. Bursae are meant to cushion pressure points around the bones as well as reduce friction. The inflammation of these sacs can certainly cause soreness of the knees.

The best thing you can do on your own to help soothe sore knees is to follow the RICE method. That means to Rest, Ice, Compress, and Elevate your knee. Your doctor will most likely recommend you try this method before trying anything else in order to determine the severity of your injury and whether or not other means of treatment must then be addressed. 

Rest is an important part of helping sore knees, especially when the injury stems from overuse. Try to avoid any physical activity that may exacerbate the issue until it is resolved. This does not necessarily mean you have to be completely immobilized for weeks on end until it is healed, though. Light exercise that doesn’t place too much strain on the knee may still occur, such as swimming, for example. 

Applying ice to the affected area is also beneficial in the treatment of sore knees, as it helps numb the pain and reduce any swelling. Compression refers to the use of a bandage or knee sleeve to reduce pain and swelling and improve stability. 

Finally, elevating the leg on a chair or pillow while lying down or in a seated position can help reduce the flow of blood to the damaged tissues and thus reduces pain and swelling.

If the RICE method mentioned above fails to alleviate pain from sore knees, other treatment options are available. Instead of using ice for cold therapy to the knee, heat may also be beneficial for sore knees. Your doctor may also recommend certain over-the-counter anti-inflammatory medication to treat the issue. 

If the knee soreness is found to be due to arthritis, light exercise and physical therapy may be needed to strengthen the knee area. However, if the soreness of the knees is due to a more serious underlying injury, surgical treatment may also be necessary. 

The best way to determine a proper course of treatment for a sore knee is to speak with a qualified physician directly.

Other treatments are contingent on whether or not your ankle has become unstable. In syndesmosis ligament injuries where the ankle has become unstable, surgery is usually necessary.

Surgery for High Ankle Sprains

With surgical treatment, we pass metal screws through the fibula and into the tibia. This holds your bones and the syndesmosis ligament in their correct positions, while the ligament heals. We usually removed the screws about 3-4 months later. Physical therapy will be necessary afterward, as well as a gradual return to vigorous physical activity.