Knee pain is one of the most common problems and can affect people of all ages. There are many factors responsible for knee joint pain. The severity of pain may change from mild to severe in different people. Sometimes, knee problems affect you so much that you cannot even perform your daily activities.
It is imperative to notice various knee pain symptoms to ensure you get the correct treatment before the problem escalates. Also, you must contact an experienced and expert professional to resolve the knee injuries so that you can move easily and do your daily chores without disturbance.
Types of Knee Pain
It’s important to know that knee pain can come in different forms. Each type of knee pain is indicative of different underlying causes and conditions, and understanding these types is important. Some of the common types of knee pain are explained below:
- Ligamentous knee pain results from ligament injuries. It can cause instability and discomfort, especially with movement.
- Meniscal knee pain occurs due to injuries or tears in the meniscus and the cartilage surrounding the knee joint. Some symptoms include pain, swelling, and limited mobility, especially during twisting or pivoting movements.
- Osteoarthritis is a type of degenerative joint disease that causes knee pain characterised by stiffness, swelling, and decreased range of motion. Osteoarthritis-related knee pain often worsens with activity and is more prevalent with age.
Most Common Causes of Knee Pain
Here are some of the most common reasons behind knee pain that you should know about:
Injury
One of the reasons for knee pain can be an injury. Some traumatic injuries, like fractures and ligament tears, can also lead to acute pain. Moreover, repetitive strains and injuries in the same area can lead to knee injuries. After an injury, persistent pain requires cautious management. It is essential to keep an eye on the level of pain and seek medical attention as soon as possible to stop further harm and enable the proper course of treatment. Chronic problems and consequences can result from ignoring ongoing knee discomfort, which highlights the significance of early intervention and appropriate care.
Over-Exercise or Wrong Exercise
Exercising helps you keep yourself fit and healthy. Do it with little care and lots of agility. You must pay attention to the form and muscle stress. Excessive jumping or running may contribute to knee problems. While exercising, pay attention to your posture, and if you are dealing with weight training, go step by step to avoid sudden strain.
Degenerative Conditions
In degenerative conditions like osteoarthritis, the protective layer of the cartilage is affected and joints start to wear down. This condition also leads to stiffness, pain and sometimes swelling. Several types of arthritis can cause inflammation and joint damage and some such as gout may cause a build-up of uric acid crystals.
You need to closely observe the knee pain symptoms and get them checked. If the problem persists, then get yourself tested for knee arthritis. Regular monitoring and early detection of degenerative conditions are vital to minimise the progression of knee-related difficulties and to apply effective treatment options.
Structural Abnormalities
Some people have knee joint misalignment, which may lead to frequent knee joint pain. It is often observed that people with flat knees and bowed legs often complain about pain. This is due to constant discomfort and undue stress on the knee. Chronic pain and excessive strain on the knee can cause knee injuries, inflammation, instability, and functional deficits.
Knee pain can be reduced and joint function can be enhanced by identifying and treating structural problems using orthotic support, physical therapy, or corrective therapies. Furthermore, preserving appropriate alignment and employing supporting techniques throughout everyday activities and workout regimens will lessen the possibility of aggravating structural problems and developing recurrent knee discomfort.
Overweight and Obesity
Excess body weight can lead to excessive strain on the knee joint, resulting in the increased risk of developing conditions like osteoarthritis. Moreover, excess weight and obesity may also lead to overstress on the knee leading to knee pain. Obesity also increases inflammation in the body. It not only affects the joint but also overall health and fitness. You must pay attention to your weight and fitness to avoid frequent pain in your knee or exacerbate existing knee pain.
Muscle Weakness or Imbalance
Pain can result from weakness or imbalance in the muscles around the knee joint, such as the hamstrings, quadriceps, and calf muscles. These muscles are responsible for appropriate knee mechanics. Apart from imbalance, if you have weak hip muscles, it can contribute to knee pain. Muscle imbalance can also lead to either right or left knee pain. The biomechanics will change over the period, placing additional stress on your knee leading to knee pain and swelling.
Bad Posture
One of the most common causes of knee pain is poor posture and bad alignment. Not sitting straight, or hunching while standing or sitting should be avoided to prevent stress on the spine and lower body. Moreover, incorrect posture while running, standing, walking or working can stress your knee joints and increase knee pain. It is also essential to pick the correct pair of shoes to maintain your balance while walking, running or standing.
Avoid wearing high heels or improper footwear. Furthermore, maintaining appropriate alignment and employing supporting techniques throughout everyday activities and workout regimens will lessen the possibility of aggravating structural problems and developing recurrent knee discomfort.
Medical Conditions
Another source of localised pain and inflammation in the knee joint and surrounding tissues could be infections or malignancies. Diabetes and neuropathy are two illnesses that might have an impact on nerve function and may cause knee diseases. Bacterial or fungal joint infections can produce sudden, intense pain with redness, warmth, and stiffness. To avoid knee pain and swelling and maintain joint function, infectious causes must be promptly identified and treated.
The Bottom Line
It’s critical to comprehend the causes of knee discomfort to take preventative action and, if necessary, seek the right medical attention. People can better manage knee arthritis and preserve optimal joint health by treating underlying reasons. A healthcare provider should always be consulted for a precise diagnosis and individualised treatment plan.
