Why Does My Knee Hurt? Understanding and Treating Knee Pain

• Severe Swelling: If your knee swells significantly within 24 hours of an injury, this could indicate a serious injury requiring immediate medical attention.
• Inability to Bear Weight: When you can’t put weight on your affected leg, it might signal a fracture or severe ligament injury.
• Visible Deformity: Any obvious deformity or misalignment of your knee requires immediate medical evaluation.
• Popping Sound: A loud pop accompanied by pain could indicate a ligament tear, especially if it occurs during physical activity.
• Persistent Pain: Knee pain lasting more than a few days without improvement suggests a condition requiring professional evaluation.

• Sharp, Sudden Pain: Often indicates an acute injury like a ligament tear or meniscus injury. This type of pain typically occurs during specific movements or activities.
• Dull, Aching Pain: Usually associated with chronic conditions like osteoarthritis or overuse injuries. The pain typically worsens throughout the day.
• Burning Pain: May indicate nerve involvement or inflammation of the surrounding tissues. This sensation often occurs around the kneecap.
• Stiffness: Common in arthritis cases, particularly noticeable after periods of inactivity or first thing in the morning.

Sports injuries, accidents, and sudden movements can cause immediate knee pain through traumatic knee injury. The most common acute injuries include torn ligaments (especially the ACL), meniscus tears, and fractures. These injuries often occur during activities that involve sudden stops, jumps, or direction changes, and typically result in immediate pain, swelling, and limited mobility.

Osteoarthritis is the most common form of arthritis affecting the knee joint. It occurs when the protective cartilage that cushions the ends of your bones wears down over time, leading to pain, stiffness, and reduced range of motion. While age is a significant factor, previous injuries, genetics, and excess weight can accelerate the development of osteoarthritis.

Runner’s knee occurs when the kneecap (patella) doesn’t track properly along the groove in your thighbone, causing knee pain around or behind the kneecap. This condition commonly affects runners and other athletes but can also develop in anyone who spends long periods sitting, climbing stairs, or doing activities that stress the knee joint. The knee pain typically worsens with activity and may be accompanied by a grinding sensation.

Knee tendinitis develops when tendons around your knee become inflamed, often due to overuse or repetitive stress. The patellar tendon, which connects your kneecap to your shinbone, is particularly susceptible to this condition. Athletes who participate in jumping sports and activities requiring frequent knee bending are most at risk for developing tendinitis.

Bursitis occurs when the small fluid-filled sacs (bursae) that cushion your knee joint become inflamed. This condition often results from prolonged kneeling, direct trauma to the knee, or repetitive stress on the joint. The main symptoms include pain, swelling, and stiffness, particularly when kneeling or during activities that put pressure on the affected area.

The meniscus is cartilage that acts as a shock absorber between your shinbone and thighbone. Tears can occur during activities that involve forcefully twisting or rotating your knee, particularly when putting your full weight on it. Aging can also make the meniscus more prone to tearing. Meniscus tears typically cause pain, swelling, and difficulty fully extending your knee.

Your knee has four major ligaments that can be injured through sports, accidents, or sudden movements. The anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) and medial collateral ligament (MCL) are most commonly affected. These injuries often occur during activities involving sudden stops, jumps, or direction changes, and can range from mild sprains to complete tears requiring surgical repair.

Iliotibial (IT) band syndrome occurs when the ligament that runs down the outside of your thigh becomes tight or inflamed. This condition is particularly common in runners and cyclists, causing pain on the outside of the knee that typically worsens with activity. The pain often starts mildly but can become severe enough to limit physical activity if left untreated.

Gout is one of the types of arthritis that occurs when uric acid crystals build up in joints, including the knee. While gout most commonly affects the big toe, it can also cause severe knee pain, redness, and swelling. These attacks often come on suddenly and can be extremely painful, making it difficult to walk or bear weight on the affected leg.

Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune condition that causes inflammation in your joints, including the knees. Unlike osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis typically affects both knees simultaneously and can cause morning stiffness lasting more than an hour. The condition can lead to joint deformity if not properly treated with medication and lifestyle modifications.

• X-rays: Provide detailed images of bone structures and can reveal arthritis, fractures, or bone spurs. These are typically the first imaging tests ordered.
• MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging): Shows detailed images of soft tissues including ligaments, tendons, and cartilage. Essential for diagnosing torn ligaments or meniscus problems.
• CT Scan: Offers detailed cross-sectional images of the knee joint, particularly useful when examining complex fractures or bone abnormalities.
• Ultrasound: Helps visualize soft tissue injuries and can guide certain treatment procedures like injections.

• Physical Assessment: Your healthcare provider will examine your knee’s stability, range of motion, and strength while watching you walk and perform basic movements.
• Specific Movement Tests: Special maneuvers help identify particular conditions, such as the McMurray test for meniscus tears or the Lachman test for ACL injuries.
• Joint Fluid Analysis: If there’s significant swelling, your provider may remove some fluid to test for infection or inflammatory conditions.
• Arthroscopy: A minimally invasive procedure where a tiny camera is inserted into the knee joint for direct visualization of internal structures.

Conservative treatment approaches focus on managing pain and promoting healing without surgery. These methods include rest, ice therapy, and gentle exercises to maintain joint mobility. Most knee conditions respond well to conservative care when started early and followed consistently.

Physical therapy plays a crucial role in knee pain recovery by strengthening muscles, improving flexibility, and enhancing joint stability. A trained physical therapist will develop a personalized exercise program targeting your specific condition and goals.

Modern regenerative treatments like PRP (Platelet-Rich Plasma) therapy help stimulate natural healing processes within the knee joint. These treatments can be particularly effective for chronic conditions and sports injuries.

Targeted exercises help strengthen the muscles supporting your knee joint while improving flexibility and range of motion. Your healthcare provider will recommend specific exercises based on your condition and fitness level.

Advanced laser treatments can reduce inflammation and promote tissue healing at the cellular level. This non-invasive therapy often provides significant pain relief while accelerating the natural healing process.

• Weight Management: Maintaining a healthy weight reduces stress on your knee joints. Every pound lost decreases pressure on your knees by about four pounds.
• Exercise Selection: Choose low-impact activities like swimming or cycling when experiencing knee discomfort. These activities maintain fitness while minimizing joint stress.
• Proper Footwear: Wear supportive shoes appropriate for your activities. Replace athletic shoes regularly to maintain proper cushioning.
• Activity Modification: Adjust your activities to avoid movements that consistently cause severe pain or discomfort.

Understanding and maintaining correct posture and movement patterns helps protect your knees from unnecessary stress and strain. This includes proper techniques for lifting, squatting, and performing athletic movements.

• Lifting Technique: Keep your back straight and bend at your knees and hips when lifting objects. Never twist while lifting.
• Standing Posture: Maintain good alignment with your knees facing forward and weight evenly distributed on both feet.
• Exercise Form: Use proper form during activities like squats and lunges to prevent excess stress on your knee joints.

Professional evaluation ensures you receive an accurate diagnosis, which is crucial for effective treatment. Healthcare providers use their expertise and advanced diagnostic tools to identify the specific cause of your knee pain.

Professional treatment focuses not just on symptom relief but on addressing the underlying cause of your knee pain. This comprehensive approach helps prevent future problems and promotes lasting recovery.

Working with healthcare professionals allows for personalized treatment plans that address your specific condition, lifestyle, and goals. This targeted approach often leads to better outcomes than self-treatment.