Understanding Your Knee
Learn how your knee functions and what helps it move smoothly every day.
Explore the role of the knee cushion, meniscus and ligaments within the joint.
Understand how they work together during everyday movements.
Find out how changes within the knee can lead to pain, stiffness and difficulty moving.
Understanding Knee Anatomy
The knee is a weight-bearing joint that experiences significant stress during everyday activities such as walking, lifting and kneeling, as well as high-impact activities
The knee is formed by the following parts:
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Tibia. Shin bone or larger bone of the lower leg
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Fibula. Smaller of the 2 lower leg bones
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Femur. Thighbone or upper leg bone
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Patella. Kneecap
The ends of the knee bones are covered with cushion, which helps absorb shock and protect the joint during movement. The knee is supported by muscles, tendons and ligaments, which work together to provide movement, support and stability.
The quadriceps and hamstrings help bend and straighten the knee. Tendons connect muscles to bones, while ligaments connect bones and help stabilize the joint. Together, these structures allow the knee to move smoothly and support the body during everyday activities.
The meniscus is a C-shaped piece of cartilage located between the thigh bone (femur) and shin bone (tibia).
Each knee has two menisci that help absorb shock, distribute pressure and provide stability during movement.
When the meniscus is damaged due to twisting, injury, repeated stress or age-related changes, it can affect the knee’s ability to manage these forces, potentially causing pain, swelling and stiffness, especially during bending, twisting or weight-bearing activities.
Common Symptoms of a Meniscus Problem
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Knee pain, especially while bending or twisting
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Swelling and stiffness
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Difficulty fully bending or straightening the knee
The meniscus plays an important role in absorbing stress and supporting smooth, stable knee movement.
When it is damaged, it can contribute to pain and difficulty with everyday movements.
Understanding the cause of knee pain is an important step toward appropriate care.
A ligament is a strong band of connective tissue that connects one bone to another. Ligaments help hold joints together, provide stability, and allow controlled movement.
The knee has four major ligaments:
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Anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) – helps control forward movement and rotation of the knee.
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Posterior cruciate ligament (PCL) – helps prevent excessive backward movement of the shinbone.
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Medial collateral ligament (MCL) – provides stability to the inner side of the knee.
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Lateral collateral ligament (LCL) – provides stability to the outer side of the knee.
What Causes Knee Ligament Pain?
Knee ligament pain can occur when the ligaments become strained, irritated, or inflamed. Common causes include:
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Repetitive stress on the knee
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Excessive physical activity
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Poor movement mechanics
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Muscle weakness or imbalance
Knee ligaments contribute to the overall strength, support, and flexibility of the knee joint. Everyday activities and physical exertion can place stress on these structures and may lead to discomfort. Supporting the knee
The knee cushion, medically known as articular cartilage, is a smooth layer of tissue that covers the ends of the bones inside the knee. It helps reduce friction, absorb pressure, and allows the knee to move smoothly during everyday activities.
When the knee cushion becomes thin or damaged, it can affect the smooth movement of the joint.
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More friction between joint surfaces
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Greater stress on the knee during movement
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Pain and discomfort while walking or bending
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Stiffness after sitting or resting
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Reduced flexibility and movement
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Difficulty with daily activities such as climbing stairs
The knee cushion plays an important role in smooth movement, cushioning and protecting the knee joint. Changes in its condition can affect knee movement and may contribute to pain and stiffness.
Understanding the knee cushion is an important part of understanding overall knee health.
HOW INFLAMMATION AFFECTS KNEE PAIN
Knee inflammation can develop when the tissues inside and around the knee become irritated or stressed. In conditions associated with knee degeneration, inflammation can contribute to pain, swelling, stiffness, and difficulty moving the joint.
Knee Cushion Degeneration — As the cushioning cartilage becomes damaged or wears down, stress within the joint can increase and contribute to irritation.
Oxidative Stress — Oxidative stress may contribute to changes in joint tissues and cartilage degeneration.
Metabolic Factors — Metabolic health can influence overall joint health and the maintenance of knee tissues.
Joint Stress & Movement — Repetitive loading, movement patterns, and stress on the joint can influence knee function and irritation.
Inflammatory Response
The body responds to irritation, injury or stress within the knee.
Impact on the Knee
Inflammation can affect the tissues around the knee cushion