Why Does My Knee Hurt?

Are you experiencing knee pain that seems to come out of nowhere? It can be frustrating and worrisome to have discomfort in your knees. Here’s the good news: most causes of knee pain can be identified and effectively treated.

In this article, we will explore these causes and treatment options for knee pain, with a focus on relieving pain caused by arthritis.

Common Causes of Knee Pain

Unfortunately, knee pain isn’t always easy to solve, as various factors can contribute to it. Understanding these causes can help you better manage and treat your discomfort. Let’s look closer at two main causes of knee pain: medical conditions and injuries/overuse.

Medical Conditions

Underlying medical conditions can be the root cause of knee pain. One prevalent condition is arthritis, which affects millions of individuals worldwide. Arthritis is the inflammation of one or more joints, commonly causing pain and stiffness. In the case of arthritis in the knee, it can significantly impact your quality of life.

Osteoarthritis is the most prevalent type of arthritis that affects the knee joint. It occurs when the cartilage that cushions the bones deteriorates over time, leading to pain and limited mobility. Another type is rheumatoid arthritis, which is an autoimmune disease that causes chronic inflammation in the joints. Both types of arthritis can result in knee pain and discomfort.

Related: What arthritis looks like in your knee

Aside from arthritis, other medical conditions, such as bursitis and tendinitis, can also lead to knee pain. Bursitis occurs when the bursae, small fluid-filled sacs that cushion the joints become inflamed. This inflammation can be caused by repetitive movements or direct trauma to the knee.

Tendinitis, on the other hand, refers to inflammation of the tendons, which are the tough bands of tissue that connect the muscles to the bones. These conditions can cause localized pain and swelling in the knee area.

Note that certain medical conditions, such as gout or infections, can cause knee pain. Gout is a form of arthritis that occurs when uric acid crystals accumulate in the joints, leading to inflammation and severe pain. Infections, such as septic arthritis, can cause knee pain accompanied by redness, warmth, and fever. These conditions require immediate medical attention and treatment.

Injuries and Overuse

Injuries and overuse are another common cause of knee pain. Whether you’re an athlete or simply engaging in everyday activities, the knee joint can be prone to injuries. Sports-related injuries, such as ligament tears or meniscus injuries, can cause significant knee pain. These injuries often happen due to sudden twisting or direct impact on the knee.

Overuse injuries, on the other hand, develop over time from repetitive strain on the knee joint. These injuries are commonly seen in individuals who engage in activities that require repetitive knee movements, such as running or jumping. Tenderness, swelling, and pain are typical symptoms of overuse injuries.

It’s worth mentioning that certain lifestyle factors can contribute to knee pain. Obesity, for example, puts extra stress on the knee joints, increasing the risk of developing knee pain and conditions like osteoarthritis. Also, poor biomechanics, such as improper knee joint alignment during movement, can lead to knee pain over time.

When it comes to managing knee pain, it’s essential to consult with a healthcare professional for an accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment plan. They can help identify the underlying cause of your knee pain and provide guidance on pain management techniques, physical therapy exercises, or even surgical interventions if necessary. We are also happy to help you at one of many locations in the United States.

Arthritis and Knee Pain Causes

Now that we’ve explored the various causes of knee pain, let’s focus on arthritis as a significant contributor to knee discomfort. As mentioned earlier, osteoarthritis is the most prevalent form of arthritis affecting the knee joint.

When the protective cartilage in the knee thins out or deteriorates, the bones can rub together, causing pain, swelling, and stiffness. Factors such as age, obesity, genetics, and previous knee injuries can increase the risk of developing osteoarthritis. Additionally, rheumatoid arthritis can also affect the knee by causing chronic inflammation and pain.

Treatment Options for Knee Pain

If you’ve been experiencing knee pain, you may be wondering about treatment options. The good news is that various non-surgical methods are available to alleviate knee pain caused by arthritis and other conditions.

One of the primary goals of treatment is to reduce pain and inflammation in the knee joint. Over-the-counter nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such as ibuprofen, can be effective in relieving pain and reducing swelling. These medications can provide temporary relief and make engaging in physical therapy exercises easier.

Physical therapy plays a crucial role in knee pain management. A skilled physical therapist can design a personalized exercise program to strengthen the muscles around the knee, improve flexibility, and promote overall joint stability. These exercises can help relieve pain and prevent further damage to the knee joint.

Other non-surgical treatment options include the use of assistive devices like knee braces or orthotics. These devices provide support and stability to the knee joint, reducing pain and improving mobility. In some cases, corticosteroid injections may be recommended to relieve pain and inflammation, especially for individuals with severe arthritis symptoms.

Arthritis Knee Pain Centers

For individuals dealing with arthritis-related knee pain, seeking specialized care is essential. Arthritis Knee Pain Centers are medical facilities dedicated to providing comprehensive treatment and support for individuals suffering from knee arthritis.

At our centers, licensed medical professionals with expertise in arthritis can evaluate your condition and recommend appropriate treatment plans.

Our medical practices often provide a multidisciplinary approach to knee pain management. By addressing pain and inflammation through various modalities, Arthritis Knee Pain Centers aims to improve your overall quality of life and restore your ability to engage in daily activities comfortably.

Let’s sum it all up

Knee pain can have various causes, with arthritis being a common culprit. By understanding the underlying causes and exploring non-surgical treatment options, individuals can find relief from knee pain and improve their overall mobility.

If knee pain persists or worsens, it is crucial to consult a healthcare professional for a thorough evaluation and personalized treatment plan. Remember, by taking proactive steps, you can regain control over your knee health and embrace an active lifestyle once again. So, why delay getting relief?

If you’re tired of living with knee pain and are looking for a solution that doesn’t involve surgery or opioids, look no further. Join the 60,000+ patients who have found relief at Arthritis Knee Pain Centers, where our advanced knee pain relief treatment focuses on increasing mobility, reducing pain, delaying surgery, and decreasing the need for pain medications.

Our specially trained physicians use FDA-approved viscosupplementation gel injections, guided by advanced digital imaging, to effectively treat osteoarthritis knee pain. Don’t let knee pain hold you back any longer. Schedule Your Free Screening today and take the first step towards a more active and comfortable life.