The knee is a complex joint within the body. It is the largest joint space in the body that is vital for movement and can often be vulnerable to various injuries.
If you are experiencing pain in your knee that interferes with mobility, schedule a consultation with the team at OrthoNeuro.
Our orthopedic surgeons provide state-of-the-art diagnosis and personalized treatment. Call or book an appointment now.
Anatomy of the Knee
The different parts that make up the knee joint are:
Bones: The knee is made of bones such as the tibia (shin bone), femur (thigh bone), and the patella (knee cap). The knee joint keeps all of these bones in place.
Cartilage: The knee also contains two types of cartilage called the meniscus and articular cartilage. These types of cartilage act as shock absorbers or cushions for bones and help them interact smoothly with one another.
Tendons: Knee tendons connect bone to muscle and stabilize the knee joint. The largest tendon in the knee is the patellar tendon which is attached to the quadriceps tendon.
Joint capsule: This membrane sac is filled with liquid (synovial fluid), nourishing and lubricating the knee joint.
Bursa: Small fluid sacs in the knee joint that reduce friction between the knee tissues.
Muscles: The hamstring and quadriceps muscles help to strengthen and flex the leg and knee.
Ligaments: The knee contains ligaments which are tough and fibrous tissues that stabilize and connect bones to each other.
The ligaments found in the knee are:
- ACL (anterior cruciate ligament)
- PCL (posterior cruciate ligament)
- LCL (lateral collateral ligament)
- MCL (medial collateral ligament)
What Are Some Common Causes of Knee Pain?
There are many different causes of knee pain. However, in most cases, knee pain comes from over-exertion of the ligaments and tendons in the knee and will subside within a few days.
Knee pain can also occur due to the overstretching of the muscles and tendons to the point where they become strained or torn.
