Knee Pain – Symptoms and Causes

Overview

Knee pain is a widespread issue that can impact individuals of any age. It might stem from injuries like torn cartilage or damaged ligaments. Other causes include health conditions such as arthritis, gout, or infections.

Many people find relief from minor knee pain through home care methods. Physical therapy sessions, along with supportive knee braces, can significantly alleviate discomfort. Some cases, however, may require surgery to fix the underlying problem.

Common Causes of Knee Pain:

• Injuries (torn ligaments, damaged cartilage)
• Arthritis
• Gout
• Infections

Signs of Knee Problems

Knee pain can show up in different ways based on what’s causing it. Some common signs that might come with knee pain include:

• Swelling and stiffness
• Redness and warmth when touched
• Feeling weak or unsteady when standing
• Strange sounds, like popping or crunching
• Cannot straighten the knee completely

When Medical Help Is Needed

You should contact your doctor if you:

• Cannot put weight on your knee, or it feels like it might give out
• Notice significant swelling around the knee
• Are unable to bend or straighten your knee fully
• See any obviously abnormal shape in your leg or knee
• Have a fever, along with redness, pain, and swelling
• Experienced severe knee pain after an injury

Getting timely medical care for these symptoms can help prevent more serious problems and start proper treatment sooner.

What Causes Knee Pain

Knee Injuries

Knee injuries can affect various parts of your knee joint. These include damage to ligaments, tendons, or fluid-filled sacs (bursae) around the joint. The bones, cartilage, and connecting tissues can all be injury sites.

Common knee injuries include:

• ACL tears: People often get these tears during sports that require quick direction changes, like basketball and soccer.
• Bone fractures: Knee bones can break during falls or car accidents. People with weakened bones from osteoporosis might fracture their knee by simply stepping incorrectly.
• Meniscus tears: The shock-absorbing cartilage between your leg bones can tear if you twist your knee while putting weight on it.
• Bursitis: This involves inflammation of the small fluid sacs that cushion the outside of the knee joint.
• Patellar tendinitis: This condition involves irritation of the tendon connecting the kneecap to the shinbone. It’s common in people who run, ski, cycle, or participate in jumping activities.

Movement Problems

Several mechanical issues can lead to knee pain:

• Floating fragments: Injury or joint breakdown can cause pieces of bone or cartilage to break off and float in the joint space. These pieces may block normal joint movement.
• IT band syndrome: This happens when the tissue band extending from hip to knee becomes too tight and rubs against the thighbone. Distance runners and cyclists often experience this problem.
• Kneecap displacement: Sometimes the kneecap slips out of place, usually toward the outside of the knee. In some cases, you can visibly see the displaced kneecap.
• Pain transfer: Issues with your hip or foot might change how you walk. This altered walking pattern can put extra stress on your knee joint.

Arthritis Conditions

Many types of arthritis can affect the knee. The most common include:

Type	Description
Osteoarthritis	The most common form, caused by cartilage wearing down over time with use and age
Rheumatoid arthritis	An autoimmune condition that can affect multiple joints, including knees; severity may vary over time
Gout	Caused by uric acid crystal buildup in the joints
Pseudogout	Results from calcium-containing crystals developing in joint fluid; often affects the knees
Septic arthritis	Joint infection causing swelling, pain, and redness; usually includes fever; requires immediate medical attention

Other Knee Problems

Patellofemoral pain syndrome refers to pain between the kneecap and thighbone. This condition affects three main groups:

1. Athletes
2. Young adults with improper kneecap tracking
3. Older adults who develop this condition due to kneecap arthritis

This common problem can develop gradually and may worsen with activities that put pressure on the kneecap, such as:

• Climbing stairs
• Squatting
• Sitting with bent knees for long periods

People with flat feet or those who overpronate when walking might face a higher risk of developing this condition. Proper footwear and stretching exercises can sometimes help manage symptoms.

Obesity can also contribute to knee problems by placing extra stress on the joints during everyday activities. Each additional pound of body weight adds about four pounds of pressure on the knees when walking.

Risk Factors

Several factors can raise your chance of knee problems:

Extra Weight

Carrying too much weight puts more stress on knee joints during normal activities like walking or climbing stairs. Extra weight can also speed up the wear and tear on joint cartilage, increasing osteoarthritis risk.

Weak or Tight Muscles

Without enough strength or flexibility in your muscles, you face a higher risk of knee injury. Strong muscles help protect and stabilize joints, while flexible muscles allow full range of motion.

Certain activities put extra pressure on knees:

• Alpine skiing (rigid boots, fall risks)
• Basketball (jumping, pivoting)
• Running/jogging (repeated impact)

Job-Related Risks

Occupations requiring repetitive knee stress, like construction or farming, can increase the likelihood.

Past Injuries

If you’ve hurt your knee before, you have a higher chance of injuring it again.

Complications

Untreated knee pain can lead to serious problems over time. While some knee discomfort may resolve on its own, certain injuries and conditions like osteoarthritis can worsen if ignored. This can result in:

• Increased pain levels
• Progressive joint damage
• Reduced mobility and disability

Even minor knee injuries raise your risk for future knee problems. Your body becomes more vulnerable to similar injuries after the first incident, creating a cycle of recurring issues.

Prevention

Keeping your knees healthy requires proactive steps to reduce injury risk and slow joint wear. These strategies can help protect your knees from pain and damage.

Maintaining a healthy weight is crucial for knee health. Each extra pound adds strain to your knee joints. Weight management remains one of the most effective knee protection strategies.

Physical conditioning before sports participation helps prepare your muscles for activity’s demands. Consider taking lessons from a professional to ensure your proper movement patterns during activities.

Strength training should focus on the quadriceps and hamstrings—the muscles supporting your knees. Strong leg muscles provide better joint support and stability. Balance training helps these muscles work together effectively.

Key Strength and Flexibility Tips:

• Build quadriceps (front thigh) strength
• Strengthen hamstrings (back thigh)
• Include balance exercises
• Add flexibility training to prevent tight muscles

Regular stretching prevents muscle tightness that can contribute to knee problems. Include flexibility exercises in your workout routine.

If you have chronic knee issues or osteoarthritis, consider modifying your exercise routine. Low-impact activities offer good alternatives:

• Swimming
• Water aerobics
• Stationary cycling
• Elliptical training

Sometimes, simply reducing high-impact activities for a few days each week provides significant relief. Listen to your body and adjust activities when you notice knee discomfort.