Experiencing pain on both knee joints can be a frustrating and challenging issue to deal with. Whether it is due to an injury, overuse, or a chronic condition, finding relief and managing the discomfort is essential for maintaining mobility and quality of life.
The meniscus is cartilage that provides a cushion between bones in a joint. They serve as cushions between your thigh and shin bones. Knee pain is common and can be a symptom of many knee conditions or injuries. The inside of your knee, also called the medial knee or the medial compartment, is the area of the knee that’s closest to your opposite knee.
Causes of Pain on Both Knee Joints
Some knee pain, especially pain caused by osteoarthritis, will likely be permanent. Without surgery or another type of extensive treatment, you’ll continue to feel pain, inflammation, and swelling in your knee. Each possible cause of chronic knee pain requires different diagnostic tests.
There are several factors that can contribute to pain in both knee joints, including:
Chronic knee pain rarely goes away without treatment, and it isn’t always attributable to one incident. It’s most often the result of several causes or conditions. Pain and stiffness caused by arthritis of the knee can make walking difficult.
Several factors increase the risk of knee joint pain, including age, overuse, and trauma. Read on to learn more about the causes, symptoms, and treatments for knee joint pain. Also known as septic arthritis or infectious arthritis, a joint infection may develop if a bacterial, viral, or fungal infection spreads to your joints. It most commonly develops in the knee joints, though the ankles, hips, and wrists are also sometimes affected. Your surgeon will replace your knee joint with an artificial implant (a prosthesis).
- Overuse or repetitive strain
- Injury or trauma
- Arthritis or other degenerative conditions
- Obesity or excess weight putting pressure on the knees
You can also take steps to manage your knee pain so you can increase mobility and stay comfortable, and this may help slow the progression. Imaging tests are performed on both knees if bilateral knee OA is suspected. Your doctor will also note any differences in how OA has affected one knee versus the other. These details could help influence treatment measures and possible surgery recommendations. Bilateral knee OA is diagnosed through a combination of physical exams and tests.
Knee osteoarthritis is the most common form of osteoarthritis. At the end of your body’s bones is a smooth coating called cartilage which helps bones easily move on one another when they meet at a joint. In people with osteoarthritis, this cartilage tissue gets thinner and rougher which impacts the knee’s ability to move properly.
Treatment Options
When dealing with pain on both knee joints, it is important to seek medical advice to determine the underlying cause and develop a treatment plan. Some common treatment options include:
- Physical therapy to strengthen muscles and improve joint stability
- Medications to reduce inflammation and manage pain
- Weight management to reduce stress on the knees
- Surgical interventions for severe cases
- Q: Can I still exercise with knee pain?
- A: It is important to consult with a healthcare provider before starting or changing any exercise routine when experiencing knee pain.
- Q: How can I prevent knee pain?
- A: Maintaining a healthy weight, wearing supportive footwear, and practicing proper form during physical activities can help prevent knee pain.
FAQs
Here are some frequently asked questions about pain on both knee joints:
