Knee Pain: Common Causes and Treatments

What is knee pain?

Knee pain is a common complaint among adults because, as we age, our knee joints weaken and wear out. This aging process makes the joint more prone to injury, causing pain and affecting daily lives.

To help manage any symptoms or discomfort that may come from this condition, it's important to understand the causes of knee pain, available treatments, and effective prevention steps.

Common knee pain causes

Knee pain can come from various factors, but generally speaking, age and regular physical activity are often the primary contributors to this condition.

Here are several common causes of this health issue:

Injuries

An injury to the knee can result in pain due to damage to the ligaments, tendons, or bursae that support it. Common knee injuries include:

• Ligament injuries:

  • During sports or high-impact activities, ligaments that support the knee can be overstretched or torn, leading to cruciate ligament injuries.

• Meniscus tear:

  • The meniscus is a cartilage that acts as a shock absorber between the thigh bone (femur) and shinbone (tibia). This knee cartilage can be torn due to a sudden hard twist or rotational movement.

• Patellar tendonitis (jumper’s knee): 

  • This injury causes inflammation of the tendon connecting the kneecap to the shinbone, typically due to overuse such as repetitive jumping.

• Patellofemoral pain (runner’s knee): 

  • This injury is characterised by a sensation of discomfort or tenderness beneath the kneecap (patella) at the front of the knee.

• Bursitis:

  • This condition occurs when the small, fluid-filled sacs (bursae) that serve as a cushion in the knee joint become inflamed, causing pain.

Arthritis

Arthritis is a condition characterised by inflammation, swelling, or tenderness in the joints. It can lead to significant knee pain that becomes worse as you age.

Here are some common arthritis that can cause knee pain, such as:

• Osteoarthritis: 

  • Osteoarthritis is a degenerative joint disease that commonly happens as the body age. This condition occurs when the cartilage that lines your joints is worn down over time, causing your bones to rub against each other.

• Rheumatoid arthritis: 

  • This condition is an autoimmune disease that causes painful swelling in the lining of the knee joints. Over time, rheumatoid arthritis could lead to bone erosion and joint deformity.

• Gout: 

  • Gout is a form of arthritis characterised by sudden and severe pain due to the accumulation of uric acid crystals in the knee joint.

• Pseudogout: 

  • Pseudogout shares similar symptoms with gout, hence the name "pseudo," meaning false. The difference is that this condition is a condition where there’s a buildup of calcium pyrophosphate crystal in the knee joint.

• Septic arthritis: 

  • Septic arthritis occurs when an infection spreads to the knee joint from other areas of the body, leading to pain and inflammation. This condition affects the connective tissue lining the joints as well as the synovial fluid that provides lubrication.

Mechanical issues

Mechanical issues are one of the causes of this condition due to structural abnormalities on the knee that disrupt the normal functioning of the joint.

Common mechanical problems include:

• Loose body:

  • Injury to the knee joint can sometimes cause a piece of bone or cartilage to break off and float in the joint space. These pieces of cartilage can float around within the joint and cause pain or swelling.

• Iliotibial band syndrome:

  • This syndrome occurs when the tendon that extends along the outer side of the leg becomes tight and rubs against the bones, leading to irritation or inflammation.

  • It can also result in pain due to friction during activities involving bending and straightening the knee, such as running or cycling.

• Patella dislocation: 

  • A patella dislocation happens when the kneecap is forced out of its place in the thigh bone, such as during a collision or fall. This painful injury misaligns the kneecap, making walking impossible.

Risk factors

Knee pain can arise from various factors that contribute to the stress and deterioration of the joint, including:

• Overweight:

  • Being overweight increases stress on the knee joints, even during everyday activities like walking, which increases the risk of injury.

• Overuse: 

  • Engaging in repetitive physical activities that require heavy lifting or significant power exertion can result in painful overuse injuries.

• Lack of muscle strength:

  • Weak muscles around the knee can increase the risk of injuries because the muscles are incapable of stabilising and protecting the knee joint, increasing your risk of injury.

• Age: 

  • As individuals age, the risk of developing knee pain increases due to degenerative changes in the joint.

• Previous Injuries:

  • People who have experienced knee injuries in the past may be more prone to knee pain in the future. Because past injuries may weaken the knee joint or alter its mechanics.

Symptoms of knee pain

Depending on the cause of the injury, knee pain can vary in location and intensity. Here are some common symptoms associated with knee pain:

• Swelling or bruise

• Stiffness

• The injured area felt warm to the touch

• Weakness and instability

• Popping sensation when the injury happened

• Limited range of movement

If you're experiencing any of the mentioned symptoms, don’t hesitate to request an appointment at Thomson Medical. Our healthcare professionals are ready to provide you with an accurate diagnosis and a personalised treatment plan.

Diagnosis of knee pain

To diagnose this condition, your doctor will begin by discussing your symptoms and how they happened. The doctor may also ask about any physical activity you do and if you recently increased the intensity of these activities.

They will then perform a physical exam of the affected area to evaluate its range of motion, looking for any signs of instability, pain, or visible bruising.

In addition to that, to get a better diagnosis, healthcare professionals can perform imaging tests like X-rays, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and CT (computed tomography) scans to help healthcare providers understand, diagnose, and treat your specific injury.

Treatments for knee pain

Treatment for knee pain depends on the severity of the injury and what’s causing it. Mild pain may be treated at home, but if symptoms persist, non-surgical treatments might be necessary.

However, if the injury causes severe pain, surgical procedures might be considered. Here are the available treatment options for knee pain:

Self treatment

• Rice method

  • Rest: Avoid using the affected knee to prevent the injury from worsening. 

  • Ice: Apply ice to the injured area to reduce swelling and pain. Do this for 15-20 minutes at a time, several times a day.

  • Compression: To minimise swelling, compress the injured area with an elastic bandage or knee sleeves.

  • Elevation: Elevating the knee above the level of the heart can help reduce swelling.

• Over-the-counter pain relievers: 

  • Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like ibuprofen or naproxen can help reduce pain and inflammation.

• Topical treatments: 

  • Creams and gels containing NSAIDs or analgesics can provide localised pain relief.

Nonsurgical treatments

• Corticosteroid injections: 

  • To help reduce severe inflammation or pain, corticosteroids can be injected into the knee joint.

• Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) therapy

  • PRP therapy involves injecting a concentration of the patient's own platelets into the damaged tendon to promote healing and reduce inflammation.

• Knee braces:

  • To help in the healing process, knee braces might be used. This brace is used to support the injured knee, hold it in place, and align it.

• Physical therapy

  • Knee pain can be treated through specific exercises that help strengthen the muscles around it, improve flexibility, reduce pain, and restore movement.

However, if your condition worsens with severe pain, swelling, inability to walk, and  knee pain persists despite rest and home treatment, you should consult a doctor.

Choosing the right treatment for knee pain can be challenging. However, you can request an appointment with us for personalised care, accurate diagnosis, and a treatment plan tailored to your unique needs. 

Surgical procedures

In cases where conservative treatments fail to provide relief or a severe injury, surgical procedures may be considered. Option for surgical procedures includes:

• Arthroscopy: 

  • A minimally invasive procedure used to diagnose and treat issues within the knee joint.

• Ligament reconstruction: 

  • In cases of severe ligament injuries, reconstructive surgery may be necessary.

• Joint replacement: 

  • For advanced arthritis, partial or total knee replacement surgery can provide significant relief and restore mobility function.

How to prevent knee pain 

While it may not be possible to entirely eliminate the risk of knee pain as you age and remain active, there are several preventative measures you can take, such as:

• Maintain ideal body weight:

  • To reduce the strain on the knees, it’s important to maintain an ideal body weight. Because every extra pound puts additional stress on the joint, increasing the risk of injuries and osteoarthritis.

• Use appropriate equipment: 

  • Make sure to use protective gear that properly fits and protects your knee from injuries before doing risky physical activity.

• Proper technique:

  • Using proper techniques in any sport can reduce the risk of injury, such as in sports that involve jumping, running, or cycling. 

• Strength training:

  • To prepare the muscles for the physical demands of sport, engaging in muscle-strengthening exercises can be beneficial.

  • You'll also benefit from strengthening your quadriceps and hamstrings, as this muscle helps support your knees. Other than that, balance and stability training can help increase the effectiveness of these muscles.

• Warm up:

  • Engage in warm-up routines prior to any physical activity to adequately prepare the ligaments and muscles surrounding the knee. These warm-ups help prevent tight muscles and enhance flexibility during exercise.

• Cooling down:

  • After doing physical activity, don’t forget to do static stretching for cool-down to improve flexibility and prevent stiffness.

• Low-impact activities:

  • Participating in low-impact cardiovascular exercises such as swimming or cycling can help maintain fitness without putting excessive strain on the knees.

  • Especially if you already have a knee condition, such as osteoarthritis, chronic knee pain, or recurring knee injuries.

• Rest and recovery: 

  • Allow for adequate rest between exercises or any intense physical activity because muscles and joints need time to recover and regain strength.

FAQ

What are 4 common causes of knee pain?

The most common causes of knee pain include injuries (such as ligament tears), arthritis, mechanical issues (like bursitis), and overuse injuries.

How do I stop my knees from aching?

If you feel an ache in your knee, it might be a sign of injury. You need to do early treatment, such as the RICE method:

• Rest: Avoid using the affected knee to prevent the injury from worsening. 

• Ice: Apply ice to the injured area to reduce swelling and pain. Do this for 15-20 minutes at a time, several times a day.

• Compression: To minimise swelling, compress the injured area with an elastic bandage or knee sleeves.

• Elevation: Elevating the knee above the level of the heart can help reduce swelling.

How do I know my knee pain is serious?

Your knee pain is serious if the pain worsens despite rest and home treatment, swelling, inability to walk, there’s visible deformity, and limited range of movement.

How to relieve knee pain?

If you have mild knee pain, self-treatment using the RICE method can help ease pain and minimise swelling.

• Rest: Avoid using the affected knee to prevent the injury from worsening. 

• Ice: Apply ice to the injured area to reduce swelling and pain. Do this for 15-20 minutes at a time, several times a day.

• Compression: To minimise swelling, compress the injured area with an elastic bandage or knee sleeves.

• Elevation: Elevating the knee above the level of the heart can help reduce swelling.

What can cause knee pain without injury?

Knee pain can occur without injury, for example, due to medical conditions like osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, and gout. Furthermore, mechanical problems or structural abnormalities to the knee can also cause pain and disrupt its function.

What not to do during knee pain?

During knee pain, you should avoid:

• Overexerting or high-impact activities (e.g., running, jumping).

• Ignoring the pain or continuing activities that worsen it.

• Applying heat to a swollen knee (use ice instead).

• Sitting or standing for extended periods without movement.

• Self-medicating or delaying medical consultation if the pain persists.

Remember, always rest, apply ice, and consult a doctor for severe or ongoing pain.

What is the best exercise for knee pain?

The best exercises for knee pain focus on strengthening and improving flexibility without causing strain. Some effective options include:

• Straight leg raises: Strengthens the quadriceps without stressing the knee.

• Mini squats: Builds strength in the thighs and hips while keeping the knees supported.

• Step-ups: Improves balance and strengthens the leg muscles.

• Hamstring curls: Strengthens the back of your thighs to support the knee.

• Calf raises: Strengthens the calves and improves stability.

• Clamshells: Targets the hip muscles to reduce knee strain.

• Swimming or water aerobics: Low-impact options that build strength and flexibility.

Always perform exercises gently and avoid overexertion. Consult a physiotherapist for personalised advice.

The information provided is intended for general guidance only and should not be considered medical advice. For personalised recommendations and tailored advice, please consult a specialist at Thomson Medical. Request an appointment with Thomson Medical today.