Knowing what’s causing your knee pain can help you treat the pain and avoid pain in the future. Known as septic arthritis, the infection can begin due to a bacterial or fungal infection and cause inflammation of the knee. Besides pain, you may have restricted movement of the joint as well as redness or warmth of the affected area and fever. Some types of knee injuries are more common among athletes. ACL tears happen when you change direction quickly or land a jump incorrectly.
A bursa is a sac that holds a small amount of fluid that’s under the skin above your joint. Overuse, falls, or repeated bending and kneeling can irritate the bursa on top of your kneecap. This means you have inflammation in the tendon that connects the kneecap to the shinbone.
Bursitis is a type of inflammation of a bursa, which is a small sac that cushions your bones, tendons, and muscles. It can cause pain, swelling, and redness along the infected joint. The knee is the largest and strongest joint in your body.
Knee joint pain is a common issue that affects people of all ages. There are several potential causes for knee pain, ranging from overuse injuries to degenerative conditions. Understanding the root cause of your knee pain is crucial in order to properly address and manage the discomfort.
Overuse Injuries
Since many causes of knee pain can lead to the same symptoms, anyone who has knee pain that does not go away or who has severe pain should see a doctor. Activities that strengthen the knees can help reduce the symptoms of knee pain if OA develops. It is an auto-inflammatory disease, in which the body’s immune system attacks its own tissues. In the case of knee pain, RA attacks the tissues of the knee.
If you injure your meniscus, you may hear a popping sound followed by an immediate sharp pain as well as swelling. This condition tends to affect only one knee at a time. Repeatedly bending your knees or bleeding in your bursae can cause a sudden onset of bursitis symptoms. Bursitis of the knee isn’t one of the most common places for this condition to occur, but it isn’t rare.
One of the most common causes for knee joint pain is overuse injuries. This can occur from activities such as running, jumping, or repetitive movements that put strain on the knees. Over time, this can lead to inflammation and pain in the knee joint.
But injuries can happen, and they often involve the knees. If necessary, your provider may also order X-rays or blood tests. X-rays can show if there’s joint deterioration, fluid in your joint, bone spurs or other issues that may be contributing to your pain. Blood tests will help confirm a diagnosis or rule out other diseases that may be causing your pain. Although there may not be a cure for joint pain, there are ways to manage it.
Arthritis
Arthritis is another common cause of knee joint pain, particularly among older adults. Osteoarthritis, the most common form of arthritis, occurs when the protective cartilage in the knee wears down over time, leading to pain, stiffness, and swelling.
Injuries
Acute injuries, such as ligament tears or meniscus injuries, can also cause knee joint pain. These injuries often occur during sports or physical activities that involve sudden twists or impacts to the knee.
Obesity
Carrying excess weight puts added stress on the knees, which can lead to chronic knee pain. Maintaining a healthy weight through diet and exercise can help alleviate pressure on the knee joint and reduce pain.
Conclusion
There are many potential causes for knee joint pain, ranging from overuse injuries to degenerative conditions like arthritis. If you are experiencing persistent knee pain, it is important to consult with a healthcare professional to determine the underlying cause and develop an appropriate treatment plan.
