Knee pain can make even the simplest activities, like walking, feel unbearable. This often leads to avoiding walking, which weakens the muscles around the knee, creating a vicious cycle that worsens the pain. Even if the pain seems mild, it’s important to seek medical advice as knee pain can take weeks or months to heal, depending on the cause.
So, what are the main reasons behind knee pain? While aging can lead to degenerative changes in the knee joint, younger individuals might experience pain due to overexertion. Here are seven common causes of knee pain and how to treat them.
1. Overexertion in Physical Activity: Avoiding Strain on the Knees
Suddenly engaging in high-impact activities like jogging, jump rope, soccer, basketball, or hiking can lead to knee pain, especially for those who don’t regularly exercise. Even if an X-ray shows no significant damage, the pain is likely from strained tendons or muscles due to the sudden exertion.
In such cases, applying a cold compress and resting for a few days can help. However, if the pain is severe, it may indicate ligament strain or muscle tears, so it’s essential to consult an orthopedic specialist for an accurate diagnosis.
2. Obesity or Overweight: Protecting the Knee Joints
Excess weight puts additional pressure on the knee joints. Obesity is a significant risk factor for knee osteoarthritis (OA), as it accelerates wear and tear on the joints. Maintaining a healthy weight and engaging in strength training can help reduce stress on the knees.
Research shows that maintaining a healthy weight reduces the risk of knee osteoarthritis by minimizing the strain on the knee joints. For those with excess fat, particularly in the thighs, the added weight increases the risk of knee pain during physical activities.
3. Arthritis: A Leading Cause of Knee Joint Pain
Arthritis is one of the most common causes of knee pain. The two main types are osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. Osteoarthritis, which is more common with age, causes knee stiffness, pain, and reduced range of motion. According to the CDC, nearly 1 in 2 adults will develop knee osteoarthritis by the age of 85.
Rheumatoid arthritis, an autoimmune disease, not only affects the joints but can also cause fever, chronic fatigue, weakness, and loss of appetite. About 1.3 million Americans are affected by rheumatoid arthritis. If this is the cause of knee pain, prompt treatment is essential to prevent the disease from progressing to other organs.
4. Patellar Tendonitis: Treating Jumpers Knee
Patellar tendonitis occurs when the tendon below the kneecap becomes inflamed, often due to repetitive stress from activities like jumping. This condition is particularly common among athletes in sports such as basketball or volleyball.
Rest and applying a cold compress can help reduce pain. It’s also important to perform proper stretching before exercise to prevent recurrence.
5. Osteoporosis: Weakening the Bone Structure
Osteoporosis is a condition where bones become weak and fragile, making them more prone to fractures. While osteoporosis may not directly cause knee pain, it can make the bones around the knee susceptible to injury from minor impacts. If knee pain occurs, it may indicate damage to the bones in the knee, which requires immediate medical attention.
Osteoporosis affects millions of Americans, and if you’re experiencing knee pain, it’s crucial to get checked for any bone fractures or damage.
6. Iliotibial Band Syndrome (ITBS): Managing Outer Knee Pain
Iliotibial band syndrome, or ITBS, is a common cause of pain on the outer side of the knee, particularly among runners. The pain typically occurs during activities that involve bending the knee, like running or walking, but subsides when the knee is at rest.
Physical therapy, rest, and anti-inflammatory medication can help treat ITBS. However, full recovery can take anywhere from 4 to 8 weeks.
7. Chondromalacia Patellae (Runner’s Knee): Treating Knee Cartilage Damage
Chondromalacia patellae, often called “runner’s knee,” occurs when the cartilage behind the kneecap softens and breaks down. This can cause pain in the front of the knee, along with a grinding sensation or feeling like the knee is catching when you move it.
Non-surgical treatment, such as rest and physical therapy, is typically effective. However, if the condition is left untreated for too long, surgery may be necessary to repair the cartilage.
Knee pain can have many causes, and it’s important to seek treatment early, even for mild symptoms, as recovery can take weeks or months. Prevention is key, and maintaining a healthy weight, as well as strengthening the muscles around the knee, can help protect your joints from damage.
If knee pain persists without any movement or activity, it could be a sign of a more serious condition, such as a fracture, rheumatoid arthritis, or even a tumor. In these cases, prompt medical intervention is essential.