Dylan is an expert in managing all kinds of knee injuries. He has had personal experience in this after having torn ligaments when he was much younger thus putting him in a great position to understand the cause and how to treat knee pain.
Symptoms and Causes of Knee Pain
Symptoms
Causes
Symptoms
Knee pain is a common complaint that can have various symptoms and causes. Here are some of the common symptoms and causes of knee pain:
Common Symptoms of Knee Pain:
- Pain: Persistent or intermittent pain in and around the knee joint.
- Swelling: Swelling or inflammation in the knee area.
- Stiffness: Difficulty in moving the knee or a sensation of stiffness.
- Instability: Feeling that the knee is giving way or feels unstable.
- Redness and warmth: The knee may appear red and feel warm to the touch.
- Clicking or popping: Audible clicking or popping sounds during movement.
- Difficulty walking: Pain or discomfort that hinders walking or weight-bearing activities.
Causes
Common Causes of Knee Pain:
- Osteoarthritis: A degenerative condition where the cartilage in the knee gradually wears down, leading to pain and stiffness.
- Ligament Injuries: Injuries to the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL), medial collateral ligament (MCL), or other knee ligaments can cause pain, instability, and swelling.
- Meniscus Tears: Tears in the C-shaped cartilage (menisci) that cushions the knee joint, often resulting from twisting or sudden movements.
- Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome: Also known as “runner’s knee,” this condition involves pain around or behind the kneecap, commonly caused by overuse or muscle imbalances.
- Tendinitis: Inflammation of the tendons around the knee, such as patellar tendinitis (jumper’s knee) or quadriceps tendinitis.
- Bursitis: Inflammation of the bursae, fluid-filled sacs that cushion the knee joint.
- Patellar Dislocation: The patella (kneecap) can dislocate or move out of its normal position, causing severe pain and instability.
- Rheumatoid Arthritis: An autoimmune condition where the body’s immune system mistakenly attacks the joints, leading to inflammation and pain.
- Gout: A form of arthritis caused by the buildup of uric acid crystals in the joints, including the knee, resulting in sudden and intense pain.
- Overuse or Injury: Repetitive strain or traumatic injuries, such as fractures, can cause knee pain.
