Knees Hurt When You Bend Down? 3 Problems You May Have And Treatment Options
If your knee hurts when you bend down, this can be frustrating. If you think about it, you use your knees a lot since your knees have to bear your weight. There are many things that can cause pain when you bend down, two of which are listed below. You will also find information about treatment options you have available by your orthopedic doctor.
Osteoarthritis
If you are older, generally over 65, the problem you may be having is osteoarthritis. Over time, the cartilage around your knee joints wears down a little at a time. Once the cartilage is completely worn down, there is no cushion for your joints. Instead, your joints and bones rub together each time you move your knee, resulting in pain.
If the doctor finds that you have no cartilage at all, the doctor may suggest joint replacement surgery. This will replace all the joints in your knees along with new cartilage. When the surgery is completed, you will have to go through therapy to help rebuild the muscles in your knee. You may have to wear a brace to give your knee support while it is healing.
If this surgery does not work, the doctor may suggest a complete knee replacement. This is replacing the kneecap, knee joints, and other bones with prosthetic.
Torn Meniscus
Another problem that can cause knee pain when you bend down is a torn meniscus. This can happen if you suddenly pivot or twist your knee, which can cause a tear of the meniscus. The meniscus is a rubbery type cartilage that cushions the bones and joints in your knee. Even though anyone can get a torn meniscus, it is more common for older people, as the meniscus is much weaker the older you are.
The main treatment for a torn meniscus is helping you with pain, physical therapy, and time. The doctor may have you use hot and cold packs on your knee while you are wafting for it to heal. How long it will take to heal will depend on how bad the tear is.
If this treatment does not work, the doctor may suggest joint replacement surgery. This includes creating a new, stronger meniscus and cartilage.
Talk with your orthopedic surgeon and they can give you much more information about knee pain and the causes. The surgeon can also go over the above information with you in more detail.