Knee pain is one of the most common complaints people have. Whether it’s a dull ache or a sharp pain, it can make simple tasks like walking, bending, or standing tough. You might be wondering, “Why does my knee hurt?” The truth is, many things can cause knee pain, from injuries to wear and tear over time.
In this article, we’ll go over five common causes of knee pain, how to recognize them, and what you can do to feel better. Let’s get started!
Understanding Your Knee
The knee is like a hinge that helps your leg bend and straighten. It’s made of bones, cartilage, ligaments, and tendons. Because it moves so much and carries your body weight, it’s easy to see why it can get hurt or wear out over time.
5 Common Causes of Knee Pain
Here are five common reasons why your knee might hurt.
1. Osteoarthritis (Wear-and-Tear Damage)
Osteoarthritis happens when the cartilage in your knee wears down over time. Cartilage is like a cushion that helps your bones move smoothly. Without it, your bones can rub together, causing pain and stiffness.
Symptoms:
- Pain that gets worse after activity.
- Stiffness, especially in the morning or after sitting for a long time.
- Swelling around the knee.
What You Can Do:
- Stay active with low-impact exercises like swimming or biking.
- Use heat or ice to relieve pain and swelling.
- Talk to your doctor about treatments like physical therapy or medications.
2. Injuries (Like ACL Tears or Meniscus Tears)
Knee injuries are common, especially if you play sports or do activities with sudden stops and turns. Two common injuries are:
- ACL Tears: A tear in the ligament that helps keep your knee stable.
- Meniscus Tears: A tear in the cartilage that absorbs shock in your knee.
Symptoms:
- Sudden pain after an injury.
- Swelling and difficulty moving your knee.
- Feeling like your knee is unstable or “giving out.”
What You Can Do:
- Rest and ice your knee to reduce swelling.
- Use a brace to keep your knee stable.
- Severe tears may need surgery, so see a doctor if your symptoms don’t improve.
3. Tendonitis (Jumper’s Knee)
Tendonitis happens when the tendons in your knee (the bands that connect muscles to bones) get inflamed. It’s common in athletes who jump a lot, like basketball or volleyball players.
Symptoms:
- Pain in the front of your knee, just below the kneecap.
- Pain that gets worse with activity or climbing stairs.
What You Can Do:
- Rest your knee and avoid high-impact activities.
- Stretch and strengthen your leg muscles to take pressure off your knee.
- Apply ice to reduce inflammation.
4. Bursitis (Swelling in the Bursa)
Your knee has small fluid-filled sacs called bursae that help reduce friction. If these sacs get inflamed, you might develop bursitis.
Symptoms:
- Swelling, warmth, and redness around the knee.
- Pain that gets worse when kneeling or bending your knee.
What You Can Do:
- Avoid activities that put pressure on your knees, like kneeling.
- Use ice and compression to reduce swelling.
- In severe cases, your doctor might drain the fluid or prescribe medication.
5. Plantar Fasciitis (Foot Issues Affecting Your Knee)
Plantar fasciitis is a condition where the thick band of tissue on the bottom of your foot becomes inflamed. While it mainly causes heel pain, plantar fasciitis may also lead to knee pain Why? When your feet don’t absorb shock properly, it can put extra stress on your knees. Poor walking patterns caused by foot pain can also throw off your knee alignment.
Symptoms:
- Sharp pain in the bottom of your heel, especially in the morning.
- Pain that worsens after standing or walking for long periods.
- Knee pain, often in the front of the knee, due to altered gait or posture.
What You Can Do:
- Wear supportive shoes or use custom orthotics to improve foot alignment.
- Stretch your calves and the bottom of your foot to reduce tension.
- Apply ice to your heel and rest your feet to reduce inflammation.
When Should You See a Doctor?
Sometimes, knee pain can mean something serious. See a doctor if:
- Your knee is very swollen.
- You can’t put weight on it.
- You feel like your knee might give out.
- The pain doesn’t go away after a few weeks.
Tips for Managing Knee Pain
While some knee pain might need medical care, there are things you can do at home to help:
- Rest and Ice: Give your knee time to heal, and use ice to reduce swelling.
- Stretch and Strengthen: Gentle exercises can help make your knee stronger.
- Use Support: Wear knee braces or use shoe inserts to take pressure off your knee.
- Stay Active: Low-impact exercises like swimming or walking are great for your knees.
Conclusion
Knee pain can be frustrating, but understanding what’s causing it is the first step toward relief. From arthritis to injuries, there are many reasons your knee might hurt. The good news is there are ways to manage the pain and keep your knees healthy.
If your knee pain doesn’t improve or gets worse, don’t wait to see a doctor. Taking care of your knees now can help you stay active and pain-free in the future.
