Cracking and pain in the knee may mask a serious problem
The article explains that knee pain is not always linked to age-related wear and tear, and may be a symptom of inflammatory diseases, injuries to the meniscus or ligaments, a Baker's cyst or gout. It describes various types of pain, their location and accompanying symptoms, and offers recommendations on when to see a doctor.
An article on the Cursor Info website, written by Tali Malkina, examines various causes of knee pain and cracking that go beyond age-related wear of the joint. The author explains that the character of the pain, its location, the presence of swelling and stiffness, and the circumstances in which symptoms worsen may point to a specific problem. Among the possible causes it names osteoarthritis, patellofemoral pain syndrome, damage to the meniscus or ligaments (including the anterior cruciate), rheumatoid arthritis, gout and a Baker's cyst. The article warns that when a Baker's cyst ruptures, the symptoms may resemble thrombosis. Clear recommendations are given: urgent medical help is needed for severe swelling after an injury, an inability to put weight on the leg, and also for redness, burning and a rise in body temperature, which may indicate an infection of the joint. The material is informational and introductory in nature and does not replace professional diagnosis.