Doing the same repetitive motion (like jumping a lot, or working on your hands and knees) can cause knee pain. For example, you might feel pain when you’re moving or bending your knee which gets better when you rest. You could feel more pain first thing in the morning when you wake up. It’s also common to feel knee pain at night, especially if you were physically active earlier that day. Gout is an extremely painful condition caused by a buildup of uric acid crystals in the joints.
Acute bilateral knee pain refers to sudden pain in both knees that may be caused by various factors. This type of pain can significantly impact a person’s mobility and quality of life, making it important to properly diagnose and treat the underlying cause.
Taking a closer look at your symptoms can help you identify and treat the pain. An acute knee injury is a sudden onset sprain, strain, dislocation or fracture, usually caused either by direct trauma or twisting. Here we explain the most common and not-so-common injuries causing acute knee pain. Knee pain is a common complaint that affects people of all ages. Knee pain may be the result of an injury, such as a ruptured ligament or torn cartilage.
Causes of Acute Bilateral Knee Pain
This inflammatory condition occurs when high levels of a substance called uric acid cause crystals to develop in the body’s joints and tissues. This buildup of crystals causes intense pain, warmth, redness, and swelling to develop. While gout typically affects the big toe joint, it can also infrequently impact your knees. Osgood-Schlatter disease is a common issue that can lead to pain in both knee joints.
Dietary changes often are part of the treatment plan for gout. Synovial fluid provides cushion and lubrication for joints. It will be extracted from the affected joints and examined for markers of infection and inflammation.
Referral is also indicated for possible joint infection signs such as fever, swelling, and erythema with limited range of motion. A standardized, comprehensive history and physical examination are crucial for differentiating the diagnosis. Nonsurgical problems do not require immediate definitive diagnosis.
These tests can show the extent of the damage to the joint and help the doctor determine the best course of treatment. In uncommon instances, one of the three knee bones can dislocate or move out of place. Pes anserine bursitis is also usually seen in bikers or runners and causes tenderness about two to three inches below the inside of your knee joints.
There are several potential causes of acute bilateral knee pain, including injuries such as sprains, strains, or fractures. Additionally, conditions like arthritis, bursitis, or tendonitis can also lead to pain in both knees simultaneously. In some cases, systemic issues like infections or autoimmune disorders may manifest as acute bilateral knee pain.
Symptoms and Diagnosis
The symptoms of acute bilateral knee pain can vary depending on the underlying cause but may include swelling, stiffness, and difficulty bearing weight on the knees. To diagnose the issue, a healthcare provider may perform a physical examination, order imaging tests like X-rays or MRIs, and consider the patient’s medical history and any recent activities or traumas that could have triggered the pain.
Treatment Options
The treatment for acute bilateral knee pain will depend on the specific cause identified. This could involve rest, ice, compression, and elevation (RICE) therapy, physical therapy, medications for pain and inflammation, or in more severe cases, surgery. It is crucial to follow the healthcare provider’s recommendations and attend any necessary follow-up appointments to ensure proper healing and prevent future issues.
