Everyday Health: What Are the Causes of Stiffness After Total Knee Replacement? A total knee replacement, also known as knee arthroplasty, can feel like a second chance at life after years of dealing with a sore, arthritic knee. While most people achieve improved range of motion ...

Understanding the Context

The knee’s anatomy consists of many structures from the bones, tendons, and ligaments to the cartilage and muscles to help the knee function. If you want to learn more about knee anatomy, please watch this knee anatomy video or this article Knee JOINT Anatomy. The knee is a modified hinge joint, which permits flexion and extension as well as slight internal and external rotation. The knee is vulnerable to injury and to the development of osteoarthritis.

Key Insights

Knee pain may be the result of an injury, such as a ruptured ligament or torn cartilage. Medical conditions — including arthritis, gout and infections — also can cause knee pain. The knee is the biggest joint in your body. It’s also one of the most commonly injured joints. Knees contain bones, cartilage, muscles, ligaments and nerves.

Final Thoughts

Learn what your knee pain location says about potential causes, from injury to arthritis, with this informative chart for identifying issues. The knee joint is one of the largest and most complex joints in the body. It is constructed by 4 bones and an extensive network of ligaments and muscles.[1]It is a bi-condylar type of synovial joint, which mainly allows for flexion and extension (and a small degree of medial and lateral...