The Cause of Knee Pain: Step-By-Step

By Carol Eustice, About.com Guide

Updated September 19, 2012

About.com Health's Disease and Condition content is reviewed by the Medical Review Board

The normal knee joint is surrounded by a membrane (the synovium) which produces a small amount of thick fluid (synovial fluid). The synovial fluid helps to nourish the cartilage and keep it slippery. The synovium also has a tough outer layer (the joint capsule) which protects and supports the joint.

Previous

• Step 1 of 5 - Normal Joint (Knee)
• Step 2 of 5 - Synovial Fluid (Normal Knee Joint)
• Step 3 of 5 - Inflamed Synovium (Rheumatoid Arthritis)
• Step 4 of 5 - Joint Damage (Osteoarthritis of Knee)
• Step 5 of 5 - Where Exactly Does It Hurt?

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