Please always consult your physician before taking any advice learned here or in any other educational medical material. Skip to main content. Anatomy of the Knee Before we can explain why knee injuries and pain are so common, we must first describe the anatomy of the knee. Activity vs. Beating pain-related insomnia What's the difference between mechanical and inflammatory back pain? Adults, Survey Finds. Leave this field blank. Take Control of Your Pain. Make an appointment to begin your path to better health and a better life.
Not ready to make an appointment? Bursae and knee arthritis: Arthritis can alter joint biomechanics, leading to irritation of a bursa. When a bursa is irritated and inflamed, it is called bursitis. The most common form of knee bursitis is prepatellar bursitis. See Knee Prepatellar Bursitis. A delicate, thin membrane, called the synovial membrane, encapsulates the knee joint.
The synovial membrane produces synovial fluid. This viscous fluid lubricates and circulates nutrients to the joint.
See What Is a Synovial Joint? The synovial membrane, synovial fluid, and knee arthritis: If the synovial membrane becomes inflamed, it is called synovitis. People who have rheumatoid arthritis and other inflammatory joint conditions may experience synovitis.
In addition, a knee affected by osteoarthritis may have too little synovial fluid, exacerbating joint friction. For a knee joint to maintain its normal range of motion, the surrounding muscles must be flexible. The muscles must also be strong to provide adequate support to the knee joint.
Muscles and knee arthritis: Weak muscles will not provide adequate support and stability; therefore, weak muscles can lead to or accelerate knee osteoarthritis. In addition, recent studies suggest that arthritis may trigger mechanisms that make the surrounding muscles of the knee weaker, creating a cycle where weakness promotes arthritis and arthritis promotes further weakness. See Knee Exercises for Arthritis. The knee is a large, complex joint with many parts.
The best way to avoid joint degeneration and knee osteoarthritis is to eat a healthy diet, maintain a normal weight, and participate in a routine exercise program. Possible Causes of Severe Knee Pain. You are here Types Joint Anatomy. Knee Anatomy share pin it Newsletters.
Stiff, painful joints are a hallmark of osteoarthritis. This stiffness develops when the protective cartilage that covers the bones in a joint breaks down, causing pain and swelling.
Although hinge joints are relatively stable, people can dislocate them. A dislocation occurs when a bone in the joint moves out of place. The most commonly dislocated hinge joints are those in the hands and feet. If a bone fracture also occurs, this is called a complex dislocation. Injuries that affect the muscles, ligaments, or other tissues in the joint can cause pain and inflammation in this area of the body.
Sporting injuries, especially those resulting from high impact activities, often affect hinge joints. Experts are predicting rising rates of arthritis in the United States due to an aging population.
It is important that people try to keep the joints healthy as they get older. Some people use natural supplements, such as glucosamine or chondroitin, for joint health. Glucosamine and chondroitin are both present in cartilage and synovial fluid. Some people believe that taking glucosamine and chondroitin supplements can help preserve cartilage in the joints that osteoarthritis has affected.
In a study , researchers analyzed the findings of different studies on the health benefits of glucosamine and chondroitin. They did not find convincing evidence that these supplements are an effective treatment for osteoarthritis. The National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health also report that the evidence to support the effectiveness of glucosamine and chondroitin is unclear.
Researchers need to conduct more studies to determine the effects of these supplements. There is no cure for osteoarthritis, but people can manage the condition using medication to slow down or prevent its progression. Medications can also relieve symptoms. Aerobic activity and strength training may help people with osteoarthritis who are dealing with pain and mobility issues. Hinge joints allow the movement of certain parts of the body in one plane.
There are hinge joints in the fingers, toes, knees, elbows, and ankles. Although hinge joints are stable, people can still dislocate a bone in them.
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