The knee is a hinge joint but it also has the ability to rotate slightly as it moves. The contraction of muscles at the front of the thigh (quadriceps)
straightens the leg
, while contraction of the muscles at the back of the thigh (hamstrings) allow the leg to bend at the knee.
How does a knee joint function?
As the knee is a synovial hinge joint, its function is
to permit the flexion and extension of the lower leg relative to the thigh
. The range of motion of the knee is limited by the anatomy of the bones and ligaments, but allows around 120 degrees of flexion.
How is the knee joint structure?
The knee joint is
formed by the thighbone, or femur, and the tibia
, the larger of the two lower leg bones. The fibula, the smaller of the lower leg bones, fits into a depression of the tibia. The knee joint permits both a hinge-like motion between the upper and lower leg and a slight side-to-side motion.
Is the knee considered a joint?
The knee is one of the
largest and most complex joints in the
body. The knee joins the thigh bone (femur) to the shin bone (tibia). The smaller bone that runs alongside the tibia (fibula) and the kneecap (patella) are the other bones that make the knee joint.
Will walking on a torn meniscus make it worse?
In serious cases, it can develop into long-term knee problems, like arthritis. In addition moving around with a torn meniscus could pull fragments of the cartilage into the joint causing larger knee issues which could requiring more significant surgery in the future.
What is the side of your knee called?
The
lateral side
of the knee is the side that is away from the other knee. Structures on the medial side usually have medial as part of their name, such as the medial meniscus
Is the knee joint a ball and socket?
Synovial joints
How do you check yourself for a torn meniscus?
- Stand on your affected leg.
- Bend it slightly.
- Twist your body away from your leg.
- Twist your body toward the leg.
- Pain on torsion away from the leg may indicate a medial meniscus injury – the inside meniscus.
What is the tendon behind the knee called?
Below the kneecap, there is a large tendon (
patellar tendon
Does walking help meniscus tear?
Unless the torn meniscus has locked the knee,
many people with a torn meniscus can walk, stand, sit
, and sleep without pain.
Where do you feel the pain from a torn meniscus?
In a typical moderate tear, you feel
pain at the side or in the center of the knee
, depending on where the tear is. Often, you are still able to walk. Swelling usually increases gradually over 2 to 3 days and may make the knee feel stiff and limit bending. There is often sharp pain when twisting or squatting.
Can you bend your knee with a torn meniscus?
You can fully bend and straighten your knee without pain
. You feel no pain in your knee when you walk, jog, sprint, or jump. Your knee is no longer swollen. Your injured knee is as strong as your uninjured knee.
What are the symptoms of cartilage damage in the knee?
- joint pain – this may continue even when resting and worsen when you put weight on the joint.
- swelling – this may not develop for a few hours or days.
- stiffness.
- a clicking or grinding sensation.
- the joint locking, catching, or giving way.
What are the symptoms of a torn tendon in the knee?
- A tearing or popping sensation.
- Swelling and inflammation.
- Tenderness and bruising.
- Upwards movement of the kneecap towards the thigh.
- The knee giving way when you walk.
What are 5 symptoms of a knee injury?
- Knee pain.
- Swelling.
- Heat.
- Redness.
- Tenderness.
- Difficulty bending the knee.
- Problems weight bearing.
- Clicking or popping sounds.
What are the 4 types of joint?
- Ball-and-socket joints. Ball-and-socket joints, such as the shoulder and hip joints, allow backward, forward, sideways, and rotating movements.
- Hinge joints. …
- Pivot joints. …
- Ellipsoidal joints.
