Possible Reasons Your Knee Hurts When You Straighten Your Knee
It’s an athlete’s greatest fear: You’re training consistently each week, moving closer and closer to your personal goals. The pain in your knee begins as a little itch but becomes more difficult to ignore with each workout you finish. Before long, you’re in the doctor’s office because your knee hurts every time you straighten your leg.
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Unfortunately, knee pain is a common issue among all kinds of athletes and gym-goers and can happen through either overuse or direct trauma. Whether your knee pain is dull or sharp, or it hurts when you bend and straighten it, consult a doctor before continuing your training schedule.
What Are The Treatment Options
Identifying the underlying cause of why you can not straighten your knee will provide the best clinical results. Conservative therapy when appropriate is always the first line of treatment.
Meniscus tear
Not all meniscus tears are painful. In fact, in one study 60% of patients without pain had meniscus tears on MRI. PRP is effective in the treatment of meniscus tears. Steroids should be avoided as they are toxic. Meniscus surgery has been demonstrated to be no better than PT . In addition, it increases the risk of knee instability and arthritis. To learn more about the treatment of meniscus tears please click on the video below.
Osteoarthritis
Osteoarthritis is the most common form of arthritis. It is a joint disease where the cartilage that lines and protects the joint gradually wears down resulting in pain, swelling, and restriction in movement. Approximately 13% of women and 10% of men aged 60 years and older have symptomatic knee osteoarthritis . Risk factors for knee osteoarthritis include obesity, female gender, repetitive knee trauma, muscle weakness, squatting, and meniscus injuries . Loss of cartilage and bone spur formation can both result in you not being able to straighten your knee.
ACL Injuries
Patellar and Quadriceps Tendon Injuries
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Change Of Swelling In The Knee
One of the most common causes of pain and stiffness with knee extension that we see is due to swelling after an acute injury.
The pain usually gets worse as you try and straighten your knee out, especially when theres a lot of swelling in the joint. This can be very frustrating as the knee will feel full with more pressure.
It does not mean that you need surgery for this issue in most cases and most small injuries that cause swelling improve on their own in 6 weeks.
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Knee Hurts When I Bend It And Straighten It
Do you have daily knee pain despite having no major trauma or precipitating event? Has physical therapy, rest and NSAIDs failed to provide relief? It is very frustrating and can keep you on the sidelines. To learn more please read below to answer the following questions: What are the different types of knee pain that are associated with bending and straightening? What are the eight most common causes of knee pain? What common conditions cause your knee to hurt when you bend it or straighten it? What treatment options are available? Lets dig in.
How Are Knee Problems Diagnosed
In addition to a complete medical history and physical exam, other tests for knee problems may include:
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X-ray. This test uses invisible electromagnetic energy beams to make images of internal tissues, bones, and organs onto film.
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Magnetic resonance imaging . This test uses large magnets, radiofrequencies, and a computer to make detailed images of organs and structures within the body can often determine damage or disease in a surrounding ligament or muscle.
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Computed tomography scan . This test uses X-rays and computer technology to make horizontal, or axial, images of the body. A CT scan shows detailed images of any part of the body, including the bones, muscles, fat, and organs. CT scans are more detailed than general X-rays.
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Arthroscopy. A minimally-invasive diagnostic and treatment procedure used for conditions of a joint. This procedure uses a small, lighted, optic tube , which is inserted into the joint through a small incision in the joint. Images of the inside of the joint are projected onto a screen used to evaluate any degenerative or arthritic changes in the joint to detect bone diseases and tumors to determine the cause of bone pain and inflammation.
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Radionuclide bone scan. A nuclear imaging technique that uses a very small amount of radioactive material, which is injected into the patient’s bloodstream to be detected by a scanner. This test shows blood flow to the bone and cell activity within the bone.
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Symptoms Of Popliteal Syndrome
- Knee pain at the back of the leg
- Swelling at the outside or at the back of the knee
- Pain when straightening the knee
- Sensation of weakness or giving way of the knee, when weight-bearing on the affected leg, whilst walking.
Popliteus tendonitis is treated with rest, strengthening and soft tissue release, such as Active Release Technique .
Medial Knee Ligament Sprain
An MCL sprain is a tear to the ligament on the inside of the knee joint. MCL stands for the medial collateral ligament. It is caused either by a direct impact to the outside of the knee or from twisting. Symptoms include:
- Sudden onset pain is located on the inside of the knee.
- Rapid swelling.
- A positive result for a valgus stress test.
- Often they occur in conjunction with an anterior cruciate ligament tear. Or with a meniscus tear.
Our step-by-step rehabilitation programs take you from initial injury to full fitness.
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What Causes Pes Anserine Bursitis
The most common causes of pes anserine bursitis are:
Possible Causes Of A Burning Or Stabbing Knee Pain
Some knee pain is due to overstretching or excessive strain put on the ligaments and tendons of the knee, possibly by sporting exercise such as athletics or cycling. The ligaments and tendons can become overstressed, irritated and inflamed causing pain. A very common cause of this type of pain is a tear in the meniscal cartilage or surface cartilage of the knee.
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Three Reasons Your Knee Hurts When Straight But Not When Bent
Your knees are complex joints that bear a lot of your body weight and power your legs for a wide range of activities like walking, running and jumping. Its important to take care of your knees so you can live out your normal daily life and enjoy physical activities. However, despite your best efforts, injuries and conditions can affect your knees, which can limit their use.
Some conditions cause pain that only affects your knees when trying to straighten them but not bending them. Common conditions that cause this kind of pain include:
1. Torn meniscus
The meniscus is a small, flat piece of cartilage that rests between the thighbones and shinbones on each side of your knees. There are two menisci in each knee. They exist to absorb shock in the knees and keep the bones from grinding against one another.
A traumatic injury that causes the knee to violently twist can cause a meniscus to tear. A torn meniscus might fold on itself, which can keep you from fully straightening your leg and cause knee pain when you try to do so.
2. Runners knee
Runners knee is the common term for pain around the kneecap. This is a condition in which the tendon that connects your kneecap to your shinbone becomes inflamed from repetitive motions. This can make it painful around the kneecap when you try and fully straighten your leg.
3. Strained muscles
Common Treatments For Knee Pain When Bending And Straightening
Specific treatment will depend upon the specific type of knee injury and its severity. Not all knee injuries are treated the same. Establishing a proper diagnosis is essential so that treatment and rehabilitation are tailored for your specific condition. When appropriate conservative care should be the first line of treatment. Common treatment options include:
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What Are The Signs & Symptoms Of A Knee Injury
The signs and symptoms of a knee injury depend on the cause. Most knee injuries cause pain. A knee injury may also lead to the knee feeling weak, “giving way,” or “locking.” Someone with a knee injury might not be able to fully bend or straighten the knee. The injured knee may be swollen or bruised.
Causes Of Inner Knee Pain
There are several things that can cause inner knee pain. These include:
- injury such as a blow to the outside of your knee, which pushes your knee inwards
- activities that involve sudden twisting or pivoting of your knees for example, skiing or playing rugby
- activities where you have to use your knee a lot for example, cycling, gymnastics or swimming breaststroke
- getting older and your knee joint becoming worn down
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The Inside Of My Knee Hurts When I Straighten It
In this case, your injury is likely to be either
- Medial collateral ligament sprain or strain
- Medial hamstring tendinopathy
- Medial Meniscus injury
Make sure you find the underlying cause, whether it be repetitive motions, or excess sportstraining common in young adults.
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First Aid For Knee Injuries In The First 48 To 72 Hours
- Stop your activity immediately. Dont work through the pain.
- Rest the joint at first.
- Reduce pain, swelling and internal bleeding with icepacks, applied for 15 minutes every couple of hours.
- Bandage the knee firmly and extend the wrapping down the lower leg.
- Elevate the injured leg.
- Dont apply heat to the joint.
- Avoid alcohol, as this encourages bleeding and swelling.
- Dont massage the joint, as this encourages bleeding and swelling.
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When Should I Be Concerned About Not Being Able To Straighten Knee
A single episode where you cant straighten the knee that is not associated with other symptoms typically does not warrant concern or further evaluation. Multiple episodes of not being able to straighten your knee warrant further evaluation. Who should evaluate the clicking in your knee? Bypass your surgeon and schedule a consultation with a physician trained in Interventional Orthopedics. Surgeons provide surgical solutions that are not always in your best interest. What is Interventional Orthopedics? It is a board-certified physician in PM& R or anesthesia with advanced orthopedic training with nonsurgical treatment options. They use orthobiologics to heal injured orthopedic tissue. Orthobioligcs are biological substances naturally found in the body that are used to promote quicker healing of muscle, tendon, and bone injuries. To learn more please click on the video below.
Symptoms Of Plica Syndrome
The symptoms of plica syndrome may develop suddenly with an injury, or gradually from overuse, in one or both knees. Typical symptoms of knee plica syndrome include:
- Knee Pain: Pain from plica syndrome tends to be dull and achy rather than sharp or stabbing. The location of the pain will depend on which plica is inflamed. Pain from plica synovitis is often worse at night time due to the build-up of inflammation
- Worse With Activity: activities where the knee bends and straightens such as going up and down stairs, squatting and getting in and out of chairs causes pain with plica syndrome
- when you bend and straighten your knee
- Knee Locking: It may feel like the knee catches or gets stuck at times, typically when you get up after sitting for a while
- Instability: People with plica synovialis often complain that their knee feels like it is going to give way, particularly when walking on slopes or up and down stairs
- Swelling: There may be localised swelling in the knee plica and/or the surrounding area
- Reduced Knee Movement: As the synovial plica thickens, it loses its elasticity which can restrict knee movements
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Why Does Your Knee Hurt After Sitting
Blood clots, muscle or tendon injuries, arthritis, or cysts are just a few of the reasons why a knee may hurt after sitting. Physical therapy, rest, and pain medications are frequently used to treat a wide range of these conditions, but surgery is sometimes required in some cases. A inflamed knee joint, such as the one that forms at the knee, is the most common cause of knee pain after sitting however, a specific movement, such as twisting the knee, can also cause pain. If you have knee pain while sitting, you should consult with your doctor to rule out other causes.
You Cant Put Weight On It
If its immensely painful to stand or put any weight on your injured knee, theres definitely something serious going on.
Inability to bear weight after a knee injury could be caused by a fracture, bone contusion, cartilage injury or ligament tear, explains Dr. Brown. Initial treatment includes using crutches or a steerable scooter to take pressure off the injured limb and minimize additional damage to the knee.
If this sounds like you, listen to what your body is trying to tell you. Dr. Brown warns that the old adage of no pain, no gain doesnt apply in this situation.
He advises seeking orthopedic evaluation as soon as possibleeven that same day if you can.
After a minor injury like a twist or fall, you might not be able to put weight on your leg immediately. Thats not necessarily a cause for alarm, but if you dont feel like youve recovered within a few minutes, this could indicate something more serious.
Its similar to when you injure a wrist or ankle. If you fall on your wrist or twist your ankle, you may experience searing pain for a moment or two. When the injury isnt severe, youre able to shake it off and resume your life after a few minutes at the most. However, if youve experienced a sprain, the pain doesnt subside. Instead, it gets worse.
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Pain Sensation Behind The Kneecap
We tend to think of the sides and front of knee pain. However, pain from the back of the knee is just as expected.
There are many causes of back-of-the-knee pain. Sometimes such pain arises suddenly, and the occurrence is gradual for others. Some people may experience swelling or inflammation, while others might not notice any. It is difficult to extend ones leg fully due to this.
You Can Eliminate Aches And Pains Quickly And Easily
Treat Yourself to Pain-Free Living is an easy-to-read and easy-to-follow guide to other Julstro Method self-treatments for joint pains.
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Treatment Options And Pain Relief
Usually, your treatment will vary depending on the severity of your injury. The inner meniscus do not have a huge blood supply and sometimes, surgery may be required. However, it isnt always necessary. Rest and ice can go a long way in helping you recover from a meniscus injury. When the pain has begun to subside, proper stretching and strengthening exercises targeting muscles around the knee can help the area heal further, as well as prevent future injury.
Why Does The Inside Of My Knee Hurt When I Sleep
Runners knees, osteoarthritis, bursitis, and injuries are three of the most common causes of nighttime knee pain. It is possible that some of these conditions, such as runners knee, will go away after you rest your knee. Arthritis, on the other hand, is characterized by chronic symptoms.
Wearing A Knee Brace: When Its Helpful And When Its Not
As a general rule, when going out in the evening, people should wear knee braces to alleviate pain and stiffness. It is critical to remember that the brace should be worn when you leave the bedroom, unless otherwise specified. As you begin to sleep in it, the pain may ease up, including during the first few nights. Furthermore, melatonin and prolactin, which are hormones produced in the body at night, can cause inflammation. As a result, pain and inflammation from arthritis may worsen. As a result, if you are already in pain before going to bed, wearing a knee brace may not be the best option for you.
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