When it comes to knee pain, the location of the discomfort can provide valuable clues about the underlying cause. Whether the pain is concentrated in the front, back, inside, or outside of the knee, understanding these distinctions can help in diagnosing and treating the issue effectively.
Front Knee Pain
There are many different causes for knee pain when bending the leg. The location of pain and other symptoms can help differentiate possible causes, such as tendonitis, strains, or arthritis. An osteochondral defect is damage and loss of some articular cartilage which affects the underlying bone.
Front knee pain is a common complaint that can stem from a variety of causes, including:
The patella tendon connects the knee cap to the shin bone, so people often feel pain in the center of the knee when they move their leg. Often, overuse is the main cause of pain, which tends to be around the kneecap. Typically, the pain is mild at first and gradually worsens over time.
- Patellofemoral pain syndrome
- Plica syndrome
- Runner’s knee
Asymmetric gapping or laxity is suggestive of this injury6,11,20,34 (Figure 46 ). Unless you’ve had a specific and direct trauma to the knee, bursitis will usually come on gradually. Seeing as there are multiple bursae around the knee joint, sometimes the pain location can vary. You will notice knee tenderness, swelling, and possibly some warmth. This is commonly caused from overuse and repetitive stress to this area. Runners and those with knee osteoarthritis are among the most susceptible to pes anserine bursitis.
There are a number of different things that cause pain below the knee, but many of them are linked to overuse in sporting activities that involve lots of running, kicking or jumping. There may be pain right above the knee/kneecap or lower thigh pain. The outer side of the knee is the least common place to have problems as less force goes through that side of the joint.
If the muscle is injured you may feel tenderness when rotating your leg inwards. Plica syndrome can develop gradually as a result of repetitive stress and motions, such as running, bicycling, climbing stairs, and walking. A sudden increase in your activity level with the activities listed above can also contribute to inflammation in the plicae. It’s thought that a prior history of one or more knee injuries, could make you more susceptible to develop knee osteoarthritis. IT band syndrome will typically cause outer knee pain and tenderness. You may notice a clicking or rubbing sensation on the outside of the knee.
“An ACL or MCL injury will give you more instability than pain in the long run,” says Dr. Tjong. Both of these injuries can happen as a result from years of playing sports, which causes the ligaments to stretch and eventually tear. Knee Pain Maps were obtained in a sample of 860 OAI participants at the University of Pittsburgh Clinical Center as part of their regularly scheduled baseline or 12-month followup visit between June 2005 and July 2006. Participants were included in the study if they had pain, aching, or stiffness in the last 12 months in ≥1 knee. Participants were excluded if they had previously had a knee replacement.
Individuals experiencing front knee pain may feel discomfort when walking, running, or climbing stairs. Treatment options for front knee pain often include physical therapy, strengthening exercises, and rest.
Back Knee Pain
Back knee pain is less common than front knee pain but can still be problematic. Possible reasons for back knee pain include:
- Baker’s cyst
- Arthritis
- Meniscus tears
Back knee pain may be accompanied by swelling and stiffness. Treatment for this type of knee pain typically involves addressing the underlying condition, such as arthritis or a meniscus tear.
Inside and Outside Knee Pain
Inside knee pain and outside knee pain are often associated with specific injuries or conditions:
- Medial collateral ligament (MCL) injury can cause inside knee pain
- Lateral collateral ligament (LCL) injury can cause outside knee pain
Depending on the severity of the injury, treatment for inside and outside knee pain may involve rest, bracing, physical therapy, or in some cases, surgery.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: When should I see a doctor for knee pain?
A: If knee pain persists despite rest and home remedies, it’s advisable to consult a healthcare professional for further evaluation and treatment.
Q: Can knee pain be prevented?
A: Maintaining a healthy weight, staying active, and practicing proper form during physical activities can help reduce the risk of knee pain.
By understanding the location of your knee pain and its potential causes, you can take proactive steps to address the issue and prevent further discomfort in the future.
