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Writer's pictureEmrys Goldsworthy

Rethinking Knee Pain

Introduction: Knee pain is a common ailment affecting millions worldwide, often attributed to visible lesions like tendinopathy as seen in medical imaging. However, a recent systematic review has cast new light on this understanding, suggesting a more complex interplay at work.

The Research Breakthrough: The study in question systematically reviewed the association between knee pain and abnormal imaging or arthroscopic findings. Surprisingly, it found that lesions such as those in tendinopathy may not be the primary pain causatives; they could instead signify the body's repair mechanisms.






Understanding Pain: A Nociceptor's Role:

  • Nociceptors Explained: Nociceptors are sensory neurons that respond to potentially damaging stimuli by sending signals to the brain, perceived as pain.

  • The Activation Process: These neurons can become activated due to minor nerve entrapments, leading to reduced blood flow, oxygen deprivation, and lactic acid build-up. This environment triggers the nociceptors.

  • Biochemical Contributors: Nociceptors release neuropeptides such as Substance P, CGRP, and Neurokinin A, which can cause pain locally or in distant areas, explaining widespread pain syndromes.

Clinical Implications: This new understanding challenges the conventional diagnostic focus on imaging findings. Instead, it underscores the need for a holistic approach considering the complex neural pathways and biochemical processes involved in knee pain.


Treatment and Management: Effective pain management should include addressing local nerve entrapments - Genicular nerves, saphenous nerve, tibial nerve, obturator nerve and common fibular nerve.


Conclusion: The findings from this research are pivotal in changing how we perceive and treat knee pain. It's a reminder of the intricate workings of our body and the importance of a comprehensive approach in medicine.



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