Chronic knee problems can be both painful and debilitating. According to the National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases or NIAMS---a division of the National Institutes of Health---knee problems are very common, and they occur in people of all ages. NIAMS notes that knee problems can be caused by disease or injury, and that knee pain can be caused by problems in any of the tissues surrounding or composing the knee, including muscles, tendons, ligaments, bones, cartilage and skin.
Runner's Knee
Runner's knee, also known as patellofemoral pain or anterior knee pain, is a common cause of chronic knee pain, especially in young people and runners. Other athletes that expose their knees to heavy stress may also be affected, including jumpers, skiers, cyclists and soccer players, according to the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons or AAOS. The AAOS states that runner's knee refers to numerous medical conditions that cause pain on the anterior aspect or front of the knee, including anterior knee pain syndrome, patellofemoral malalignment, and chondromalacia patella. Knee pain associated with these conditions typically is diffuse and located behind the kneecap, and symptoms often worsen when stair climbing, jumping, running or after a prolonged period of sitting. According to Dr. Michael Carnes, a chiropractic physician and author of the book "Quick Reference Conservative Care Conditions Manual," the treatment of acute runner's knee involves rest, ice, compression and elevation, or RICE, along with ultrasound, electrotherapy and manipulation and mobilization of the involved segments.
Iliotibial Band Syndrome
Iliotibial band or ITB syndrome can cause chronic knee pain on the lateral or outside aspect of the knee. According to the American Academy of Family Physicians or AAFP, the most common symptom of ITB syndrome is lateral knee pain caused by inflammation of the ITB where it moves over the lateral femoral condyle of the femur or thigh bone. The AAFP states that the ITB is a thick band of tissue that originates above the hip joint, travels down the outside aspect of the thigh and inserts on the patella or kneecap, tibia bone and the biceps femoris tendon. According to Carnes, common signs and symptoms associated with ITB syndrome include the following: diffuse lateral knee pain during activity, increased knee pain with downhill running, increased knee pain during the swing forward phase of gait and a repetitive snapping in the knee during walking or running. Conservative care of ITB syndrome include stretching exercises, massage therapy, instrument-assisted soft tissue mobilization, physical therapy modalities and wearing footwear that's flat, wide and flexible.
Plica Syndrome
Plica syndrome may cause chronic knee pain. According to the Cure Research website, plica syndrome involves knee joint inflammation that's triggered by overuse or injury. Plica syndrome occurs when plicae—bands of synovial tissue that are remnants of tissue pouches found in the fetal stage of development—become inflamed and painful following repetitive knee movements. A person with plica syndrome may feel pain and a snapping sensation along the medial or inside aspect of his knee during knee bends. The Cure Research website states that the goal of plica syndrome treatment is to decrease inflammation of the knee's synovium—a fibrous joint coating that helps reduce friction and wear—and thickening of the plicae. A conventional allopathic first-line approach to plica syndrome involves medication, activity modification, ice and appropriate strengthening exercises.
