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Introduction

Your knees are pivotal to your mobility, supporting you through various activities that demand movement and lifting. However, experiencing knee pain is not uncommon and can significantly affect your daily life. According to Versus Arthritis, the knee is the largest joint in the body, comprising bones, ligaments, cartilage, and tendons. Three bones converge at the knee joint: the thigh bone, the shin bone, and the kneecap. The cartilage covers these bones, and ligaments connect them, providing stability and support during movements like walking, running, and bending.

Common Causes of Knee Pain

Overuse:

One of the primary causes of knee pain is overuse. Repetitive activities, especially high- impact ones like running or jumping, can strain the muscles, tendons, and ligaments

surrounding the knee joint, leading to inflammation and discomfort. This can result in conditions such as patellar tendinitis or runner’s knee.

Injuries such as sprains, strains, and tears:

Traumatic injuries, such as sprains, strains, and tears, can occur during sports activities, accidents, or falls. These injuries often result in immediate pain and swelling and may require medical attention for proper diagnosis and treatment. Fractures or ligament tears, such as ACL tears, are common injuries that can cause significant knee pain and instability.

Tendonitis:

Tendonitis, characterized by inflammation and pain in the tendons, can also contribute to knee discomfort. This condition typically occurs following overuse or repetitive movements and may manifest as soreness or tenderness around the knee joint. Common types of knee tendonitis include patellar tendonitis (jumper’s knee) and quadriceps tendonitis.

Chronic Pain Disorders:

Chronic pain disorders, including various types of arthritis, can affect the knees and cause persistent discomfort. Osteoarthritis, the most common form of arthritis, involves the breakdown of cartilage in the knee joint, leading to pain, stiffness, and swelling. Rheumatoid arthritis, an autoimmune condition, can also affect the knees, causing inflammation and joint damage. Additionally, conditions like Osgood-Schlatter’s disease, which primarily affects young people, and patellofemoral pain syndrome, characterized by chronic pain around the kneecap region, are examples of chronic pain disorders that may impact knee health.

When to Seek Medical Advice

It’s essential to know when to seek medical advice for knee pain to prevent further complications. Some warning signs that indicate the need for immediate medical attention include:

Your knee joint is bent or deformed.

You heard a “popping” sound at the time of injury.  Your knee cannot bear weight.

You experience intense pain.  Your knee swells suddenly.

Prompt evaluation by a healthcare professional can help diagnose the underlying cause of your knee pain and determine the appropriate treatment plan to alleviate discomfort and promote healing.

Conclusion

Knee pain is a common complaint that can significantly impair mobility and quality of life. Understanding the underlying causes, such as overuse, injuries, tendonitis, and chronic pain disorders, is crucial for effective management and treatment. If you experience severe or persistent knee pain or any of the warning signs mentioned above, seeking medical advice promptly is essential to prevent further complications and promote recovery.

Sources

Johns Hopkins Medicine: Knee Pain and Problems

Versus Arthritis: Knee Pain

Mayo Clinic: When to See a Doctor for Knee Pain