Knee pain got you down? You're not alone.
Millions experience knee pain at some point in their lives. Whether it's a dull ache or a sharp twinge, it can significantly impact your daily life.
It can be caused by various factors, from everyday wear and tear to injuries and underlying conditions. But the good news is, you don't have to suffer in silence.
Understanding the cause and available treatments is crucial for finding relief. This guide explores the common culprits behind knee pain, from injuries and overuse to arthritis.
Knee pain is a common complaint that can affect people of all ages. |
Symptoms of knee pain can include:
Pain in the knee joint, swelling, stiffness, difficulty bending or straightening the knee, clicking or popping sounds in the knee, weakness or instability in the knee.
The major causes of knee pain includes: |
⦁ Injuries: You can injure your knee by falling, twisting, or hitting it. Some of the common knee injuries are sprains, strains, tears, fractures, and dislocations. These can affect the bones, cartilage, ligaments, tendons, or bursae in your knee.
⦁ Bursitis: Inflammation of the bursa, a fluid-filled sac that cushions the knee joint. |
⦁ Meniscus tear: The meniscus is a C-shaped piece of cartilage that acts as a shock absorber in the knee. A tear in the meniscus can cause pain, swelling, and stiffness.
⦁ Arthritis: This is a condition that causes inflammation, degeneration and stiffness in the joints. There are many types of arthritis that can affect the knees, such as osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, and gout. |
⦁ Overuse: Doing too much physical activity or repetitive activities can stress the knee joint and cause pain. This can happen when you play sports, exercise, or do physical work.
⦁ Tendinitis: Inflammation of a tendon, the tissue that connects muscle to bone. Patellar tendinitis, also known as jumper's knee, is a common type of tendinitis that affects the knee. |
⦁ Other problems: There are some other medical conditions or factors that can cause knee pain, such as infections, tumors, nerve damage, obesity, or aging.
Best tips for preventing knee pain: |
⦁ Maintain a healthy weight
⦁ Strengthen the muscles around your knee
⦁ Wear supportive shoes
⦁ Warm up before exercise and cool down afterwards
⦁ Avoid activities that cause you pain
