Knee Pain

Common Causes of Knee Pain

Osteoarthritis (OA)

Osteoarthritis is one of the most common causes of knee pain, especially in older adults. This degenerative joint disease occurs when the cartilage in the knee joint breaks down over time, leading to bone-on-bone contact, pain, and stiffness. Symptoms include chronic knee pain, especially after activity, and difficulty bending or straightening the knee. OA often leads to swelling and may make everyday activities, such as climbing stairs or walking, challenging.
Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA)

Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune condition that causes inflammation in the joints, including the knees. This inflammation can lead to pain, swelling, and stiffness, particularly in the morning or after periods of rest. RA can also cause deformities in the knee joint over time, leading to increased difficulty with movement and a higher risk of knee dislocation or misalignment.

Bursitis

Bursitis occurs when the small, fluid-filled sacs (bursae) around the knee become inflamed. This condition often results from repetitive motion or overuse of the knee joint, leading to pain and swelling around the kneecap or the side of the knee. Bursitis may cause pain when bending the knee or when performing activities such as kneeling or walking.

Knee Dislocation

A knee dislocation is a rare but serious injury where the bones of the knee joint are forced out of their normal position. This typically occurs after a traumatic injury, such as a car accident or sports-related accident. A knee dislocation often results in severe pain, swelling, and the inability to move the knee properly. Immediate medical attention is required to prevent long-term damage.

Chondromalacia Patella (Runner’s Knee)

Chondromalacia patella, often referred to as “runner’s knee,” occurs when the cartilage under the kneecap becomes damaged, leading to pain, swelling, and a grinding or popping sensation in the knee. This condition is common in athletes or those who engage in repetitive motions, such as running, jumping, or cycling. Symptoms typically include knee pain when bending or squatting, as well as discomfort after sitting for long periods.

Knee Tendinitis

Knee tendinitis is the inflammation of the tendons around the knee, often caused by overuse or repetitive strain. The most common type of knee tendinitis is patellar tendinitis, which affects the tendon connecting the kneecap to the shinbone. Symptoms include pain and tenderness in the front of the knee, particularly during activities such as running, jumping, or kneeling.

Symptoms of Knee Pain

Knee pain can manifest in a variety of ways, depending on the underlying cause. Common symptoms include:

• Knee joint pain that worsens with activity or after long periods of rest
• Swollen knee or visible puffiness around the knee joint
• Pain when bending the knee, walking, or performing other movements
• Stiffness or a feeling of tightness in the knee
• Limited range of motion or difficulty straightening the leg
• Grinding, popping, or cracking sensations when moving the knee

Treatment and Knee Pain Relief

The treatment for knee pain depends on the specific condition causing the symptoms. Some of the most effective knee pain solutions include:

Physical Therapy
Physical therapy can help strengthen the muscles around the knee, improve flexibility, and reduce pain. Specific exercises are tailored to each condition, whether it’s improving range of motion for arthritis knee pain or strengthening the quadriceps to support the knee joint in cases of tendinitis or chondromalacia patella.

Medications
Over-the-counter medications, such as NSAIDs (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs), can help reduce inflammation and provide temporary relief for knee joint pain. For chronic knee pain or more severe conditions like rheumatoid arthritis, a doctor may prescribe stronger pain relievers or disease-modifying medications to manage the condition.

Knee Pain Management

For ongoing pain relief, treatments like corticosteroid injections or hyaluronic acid injections may be considered to reduce inflammation or lubricate the knee joint. Knee pain management plans are customized for each patient, depending on the underlying cause and severity of the pain.

Surgical Options

In cases where knee pain is caused by significant joint damage or a condition that does not improve with other treatments, surgery may be necessary. Procedures can range from minimally invasive arthroscopy to more extensive surgeries like knee replacement.

When to See a Knee Pain Doctor

If your knee pain persists or worsens over time, or if you experience any of the following symptoms, it’s important to seek medical attention:

• Severe or sudden knee pain, especially after an injury
• Inability to bear weight on the affected knee
• Persistent swelling that does not improve with rest or ice
• Knee pain that limits your ability to perform daily activities

A knee pain doctor can evaluate your condition, diagnose the underlying cause, and develop a personalized treatment plan to help you manage your knee pain and improve your quality of life.