Knee Pains: Types, Prevention, and Stem Cell Therapy

Do short walks, easy treks, or stairs tire you out easily with severe knee pain? If yes, you’re not the only one. Research suggests that as many as 15 crore Indians suffer from knee problems, out of which four crore need a total knee replacement. 

When compared to the statistics of western countries, the cases of knee arthritis among Indians is believed to be up to 15 times higher. This problem is compounded by the shortage of healthcare infrastructure and orthopedic specialists in India.  

But the biggest contributor to India’s knee problem is our sedentary lifestyle. The lack of exercise and growing number of desk jobs in urban areas have reduced physical activities people undertake on a daily basis. This lifestyle change and easy access to technology has reduced the need for people to step out, leading to obesity and Vitamin D deficiency. Together, all of this contributes to the growing numbers of knee problems in India. 

Here are the early symptoms you should look out for:

•     Swelling and stiffness around the knees
•     Redness around the area
•     Burning sensation when touched
•     Weakness or instability in the knee joint
•     Popping or crunching noises during movement
•     Inability to fully straighten the knee
•     Limping while walking
•     Difficulty walking up and down the stairs
•     Inability to shift weight to the opposite knee and foot

What are the most common causes of knee pain or injury?

• Anterior cruciate ligament (ACL)
  ACL injuries are common in athletes who participate in contact sports such as football or basketball. However, landing badly after a jump or a sudden change in the direction of movement could result in an ACL.

• Fracture and knee joint dislocations 

Fractures occur when the knee bones including the kneecap are broken during a high-impact motor vehicle collision or a fall. Additionally, people whose bones have been weakened by osteoporosis can also suffer a knee fracture simply by walking improperly.

• Arthritis
  Arthritis (joint inflammation) is most commonly seen among adults above the age of 65. However arthritis can also affect younger people and also children. 

• Vitamin-D deficiency

About 90% of women in India face a serious deficiency of vitamin D that controls their bone metabolism. The absence of vitamin D, directly or indirectly, affects their knees and causes immense knee pains.

• Traditional Indian lifestyles
  Some traditional activities that are predominantly followed in India could result in the overuse and straining of knee joints. Some of these practices include squatting, sitting cross-legged, using Indian toilets, and not using proper footwear while walking. 

 What happens if knee problems are left untreated?

• Ongoing and sometimes excruciating pain
• Occurence of re-fractures
• Incomplete healing
• Protuberances and misalignments
• Damaged function and mobility
• Friction and inflammation in the injured areas
• Infections in bones and marrows
• Damage to nerves around the area 
• Tears or ruptures in soft tissues surrounding the knee
• Life-threatening blood clots 
• Tissue or bone death

How to prevent knee-related problems?

Many healthcare specialists believe that minor knee pains can be treated through simple self-care measures. And, if you’re looking for ways to prevent knee pain or related injuries the following steps can help you:

• Avoid squatting or sitting cross-legged for longer hours
• Refrain from using Indian toilets or standing for long 
• Exercise regularly and try cycling and swimming — as they are easy workouts for early-stage patients of knee arthritis
• Eat food that’s rich in protein, calcium, and antioxidants derived from dairy products and seasonal fruits and vegetables
• Get adequate exposure to sunlight in order to avoid vitamin D deficiency
• Maintain a healthy weight
• Include flexibility workouts in your regime to avoid tightening of a muscle that leads to soreness

In case you experience persistent pain in your knees, you can try physical therapy, wear knee braces, or even opt for Stem Cell Therapy in India.

How can Stem Cell Therapy help treat knee pain?

For years now, Stem Cell Therapy in India has shown promising results in treating arthritis, especially osteoarthritis. Osteoarthritis is a condition where there is degeneration of joint cartilages and underlying bones. Stem cells contain the regenerative potential to stop the degeneration of the joint cartilages and aid the growth of bone and cartilage tissue. The regenerative benefits of Stem Cell Therapy work wonders in treating knee pains and restoring knee joint movement to its fullest.

At Plexus, we employ a host of therapies to treat knee problems. Our Stem Cell Therapy when combined with physiotherapy and lifestyle modifications have helped accelerate recovery among patients with knee pains.

Preventing knee problems might not always be possible, but you can always take precautions to be safe and healthy. The problems we have listed out here are just the tip of the iceberg. There are many more types of knee problems and treatment options available that you can research and read up about. Being equipped with this information will help you identify the symptoms better and seek the right treatment.

Remember, nobody can give you a better diagnosis than your doctor. Seek professional help immediately if you feel excessive knee pain over a period of time. Always stay safe and informed.