Loose bodies in the joint could be a possible cause of knee pain. Find out what you can do about them.
Knee pain affects about a quarter of adults, severely limiting mobility and quality of life as every step can be excruciatingly painful. Although knee pain can be traced to a number of causes, one reason could be a loose body (or bodies) in the knee joint.
While “loose body” may sound a bit scary, this common condition is treatable. So, how do you know if you have a loose body in your knee, and what can you do about it? Read on to learn more.
What is a loose body in the knee?
Due to a traumatic injury or a degenerative condition such as arthritis, bits of bone or cartilage can sometimes break loose and lodge in the synovium, the thin membrane lining the knee joint. These loose bodies can range in size from a couple of millimeters to several centimeters.
Loose bodies in the knee may present no symptoms at first, especially if the bodies float in the knee joint fluid. However, if the bodies slip into the actual knee joint, they can irritate it, causing pain when walking and restricting your mobility. Typically, you’ll experience difficulty bending and flexing the knee. The joint may also lock up occasionally, or your knee may buckle.
To see if your knee pain is due to loose bodies, your orthopedist will order imaging tests, such as an X-ray or MRI, to confirm the condition. Then, it’s on to treatment, which most likely will be surgery. If left untreated, the loose bodies can further deteriorate the knee joint and hinder your ability to move freely.
Do loose bodies in the knee go away?
Unfortunately, loose bodies in the knee will not go away on their own. The fragments will not be expelled from the joint or absorbed into the body. While non-surgical treatments for loose bodies in the knee, such as physical therapy or anti-inflammatory medication, may treat the painful symptoms and slightly increase range of motion, surgery is the only sure way to remove them and improve your knee function.
To remove the loose bodies, you’ll need arthroscopic surgery. During this minimally invasive procedure, the surgeon makes two incisions. Through one, he or she inserts a camera to look into the knee joint. Guided by the images, the surgeon removes the loose bodies through a second incision.
Arthroscopic surgery allows for a quicker recovery. For a few days afterward, you’ll need to rest and ice your knee to reduce swelling and pain. Compression and elevation are also recommended. As you recover, you can walk normally with no restrictions. With some physical therapy, you can expect a full recovery in two to three months.
Don’t let knee pain get you down
As a leading center for sports medicine, our doctors at New York Bone & Joint Specialists have dealt with all types of knee pain. We use our diagnostic skills to determine what’s causing your knee pain and develop a customized treatment plan, whether that be surgery or physical therapy. Contact us for a consultation.
