Knee and ankle joint pain--especially severe pain from immediate injuries or from chronic conditions--disrupt a person's ability to move normally. Acute pain is relieved with pain medication, immobilization, rest, ice, heat and therapeutic exercises. If pain is caused by chronic conditions, surgery may be necessary in order for a person to regain near-normal levels of daily function and physical activity.
Arthritis
Arthritis in the knees or ankles is a condition in which the cartilage covering the ends of the leg bones is damaged and eventually wears away, causing pain, swelling and stiffness in the joints. A person with a tear or fracture in the knee is at risk for developing arthritis over time. People over 50 years old are likely to develop osteoarthritis where the cartilage becomes soft and wears away. A person suffering from chronic inflammation of the synovial membrane in the knees and ankles has rheumatoid arthritis in which the synovial membrane thickens and produces too much synovial fluid, causing leg joint pain, according to MedlinePlus.
Cartilage Fractures
An injury to the femur and tibia at the knee joint can cause the cartilage covering the end of the bones to fracture, generating pain. If the fracture extends into the bone itself, it is called an osteochondral fracture, and will cause bleeding, swelling, tenderness and pain. There may be clicking or crackling noises called crepitus. An osteochondral fracture in the ankle usually occurs on the inner and outer sides of the joint, according to the Houston Sports Medicine Foundation.
Synovial Membrane Folds
The synovial membrane covering the ends of the femur can fold unto itself. This can happen anywhere on the knee joint, though it typically occurs under the top, inner side of the kneecap, or patella. If inflammation occurs in the membrane, the affected knee will be painful and tender, and will swell, according to the book "Examination of Musculoskeletal Injuries."
Meniscus Tears
The menisci in the knee lie on the flat surface of the shin bone where they articulate, or join, with the femur. The lateral and medial menisci are round pads of cartilage which provide support and cushion for the knees. If a person cuts or pivots quickly, turning to the side while his feet are planted on the ground, he is at high risk of tearing his menisci. A meniscus tear induces swelling and inflammation which in turn causes pain in the knee, according to "Examination of Musculoskeletal Injuries."
References
- "Examination of Musculoskeletal Injuries"; Sandra Shultz, Ph.D., Peggy Houglum, Ph.D., and David Perrin, Ph.D.; 2005
- Ortho Info: American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons: Total Knee Replacement
- Hughston Sports Medicine Foundation: Osteochondral Fractures of the Knee and Ankle
