Who Are Prone To Inner Knee Pain
Everyone may feel pain in their knees throughout their lifetime and at various ages. In some people, it is temporary and disappears after a while in others, it becomes a lifelong problem. Athletes, adults over the age of 60 are in the high-risk group, while young people and children are in the low-risk group in terms of sensitivity to injuries. In general, the following people are more likely to experience inner knee pain:
- Footballers, skiers, rugby players. According to estimates, knee pain in former footballers was 52.2%, compared to 26.9% in the general population. 1
- People who suddenly increase their physical activity
- Cyclists or breaststroke swimmer. because these people use their knees too much
- Older people due to osteoporosis or falls
But dont forget that anyone, from young to old, may suffer this condition, so you should take care of your health.
What You Need To Know
- The most common causes of knee pain are related to aging, injury or repeated stress on the knee.
- Common knee problems include sprained or strained ligaments, cartilage tears, tendonitis and arthritis.
- Diagnosing a knee injury or problem includes a medical examination and usually the use of a diagnostic procedure such as an x-ray, MRI, CT scan or arthroscopy.
- Both non-operative and surgical treatment options are available to treat knee pain and problems depending on the type and severity of the condition.
Also Check: Roller Knee Walker
How Is Knee Pain On The Outside Of The Knee Diagnosed
When you see a doctor about lateral knee pain, theyll first ask you to describe the location and type of pain, for example is the pain sharp or aching? Theyll also ask you when the pain started and what activity you were doing when your symptoms began.
Theyll then perform a physical examination that will typically involve extending and flexing your knee, as well as moving it gently from side to side. This may reveal whether theres any swelling, areas of tenderness, or looseness in any of the ligaments.
Imaging tests may also be appropriate, including one or more of the following:
- X-ray to see bones
- Magnetic resonance imaging to get detailed images of ligaments, tendons, muscles, and cartilage
- Computed tomography scan provides a more detailed image of the bone than is possible with a standard X-ray
Based on your symptoms, the physical exam and imaging, a doctor should be able to diagnose the cause and severity of your knee injury and propose a treatment plan.
For minor lateral knee injuries, rest and conservative measures are all that are needed to allow them to heal. However, ligament tears, meniscus tears, and advanced arthritis may require surgery.
Also Check: How To Prevent Knee Pain When Running
Osteoarthritis Of The Hip
Wear and tear of the hip joint, called osteoarthritis of the hip joint, commonly causes deep, aching pain in the hip and groin area. The pain may spread to the front of the thigh and knee, sometimes including the areas below the knee. The pain is usually worse in the morning, after prolonged sitting or rest, and/or physical activity. There may be a locking, sticking, or grinding sound with hip movements.
What Medical Conditions Cause Knee Pain
Medical conditions
Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune condition that can affect any joint in the body. It can cause severe pain and disability, as well as swelling.
Gout is a form of arthritis that is most commonly found in the big toe, though it can also affect the knee. Gout tends to flare up and is extremely painful during the acute episodes. When there is no flare-up, the knee can be pain free.
With , the knee joint can become infected this leads to pain, swelling, and fever. This condition requires antibiotics and drainage treatments as soon as possible.
Chronic use/overuse conditions
Patellar tendinitis is an inflammation of the tendons connecting the kneecap to the shinbone . Patellar tendinitis is a chronic condition often found in individuals repeating the same motion during exercise .
Patellofemoral pain syndrome is caused by degeneration or stress under the kneecap where it meets the thighbone . Patellofemoral pain syndrome occurs in runners and cyclists.
Osteoarthritis: a wearing down of cartilage of the joint due to use and age
Prepatellar bursitis: Inflammation to the bursa in front of the kneecap may cause anterior knee pain.
Other causes
Read Also: Whiten Knees Fast
Don’t Miss: Where To Buy Knee Sleeves
Other Forms Of Tendonitis
Other inflamed tendons around the knee may also lead to pain in the front of the knee. The quadriceps and hamstring tendons, if involved, may also result in knee pain.
The quadriceps tendon connects the muscles on the front of the thigh to the top of the kneecap, whereas the hamstring tendons connect the muscles of the back of the thigh to the top of the tibia.
Damage to and inflammation of any of these tendons can also cause pain in the front of the knee.
Lateral Cartilage Meniscus Injury
A lateral meniscus tear is an injury to the cartilage meniscus. These are semi-circular discs found in the joint. A torn meniscus can be sudden onset, acute knee injury, or it can develop gradually from wear and tear. Symptoms include:
- Pain on the outside of your knee, along the joint line.
- Pain may be worse when squatting, especially deep squats.
- More often than not your knee will be swollen and may also lock or give way.
- More on Lateral cartilage meniscus tear
Also Check: How Do I Stop Knee Pain
Knee Pain Treatment In Boynton Beach Fl
If you are experiencing knee pain, the orthopedic specialists at Personalized Orthopedics of the Palm Beaches can examine your knee and quickly diagnose the condition or injury responsible for it. Part of the customized treatment plans we offer our patients is top-notch physical therapy to restore knee strength, flexibility, range of motion, and function.
To diagnose and treat your knee pain, make an appointment with one of our orthopedic doctors today. Call 733-5888 or use our online request form. We look forward to serving you in our state-of-the-art facility.
Lump On The Side Of Knee: Is It A Meniscal Cyst
A lump on the side of knee either inside or outside- is most likely a meniscal cyst. A meniscal cyst is a collection of thick fluid arising from a tear of the meniscal cartilage, which is the cushioning of the knee. However, not all lumps in the knee are meniscal cysts. So, how do we diagnose a meniscal cyst, and what do we do about them?
Read Also: Lower Back Pain After Knee Surgery
How Can I Prevent Knee Pain
Although you canât prevent all injuries, you can take these steps to make them less likely.
- Stop exercising if you feel pain in your knee.
- If you want to make your workout more intense, always do it gradually.
- Stretch your legs before and after physical activity.
- Use kneepads to prevent bursitis, especially if you have to kneel a lot.
- Wear shoes that fit well and offer enough support.
- Keep your thigh muscles strong with regular stretching and strengthening.
- If youâre overweight, work to drop some pounds so thereâs less stress on all of your joints, including your knees.
What Other Symptoms Might Occur With Behind Knee Pain
Behind knee pain often occurs along with other symptoms that vary depending on the underlying disease, disorder or condition. These symptoms include swelling or , inflammation and redness, soreness, or . If you are experiencing other symptoms along with your behind knee pain, be sure to tell your health care provider. This additional information can help your doctor make a diagnosis.
Recommended Reading: Alternative To Squats For Bad Knees
Is Anything Strange Happening
Or really, Is anything strange happening beyond your knee pain?
For example, can you still flex your knee all the way? Most people get frightened when their knee locks and cant straighten anymore. Often the culprit is called Bakers cyst, a fluid-filled sac behind the knee caused by inflammation.
A also triggers concern for many people. Nobody wants to hear a click with every step. Sometimes, its harmless, but if that clicking comes with pain, you might have a mechanical problem such as a torn meniscus, Dr. Burg says.
These are just a few examples among many. The knee is a complicated andcritical part of your everyday life. So when you have pain that comes withserious symptoms or lasts for more than a week or two, seek the right diagnosisby getting a physical exam and any necessary imaging that comes with it.
Inner Knee Pain Symptoms
Pain on the inside of the knee can feel different for different people. You may feel it as a sharp pain, a burning pain or a mild ache. It can come and go, or you may get pain with particular movements such as squatting, going upstairs or straightening your leg. Other symptoms you may have depend on whats causing your pain. You may have swelling or, with some types of injury, your knee may click or get stuck in one position .
With a medial collateral ligament injury, youll have some pain and stiffness on the inside of your knee. These usually come on straight away. You may not always have swelling.
Pain from an anterior cruciate ligament injury may be sudden and you may hear a pop. Your knee is likely to swell up quite quickly and may feel as if its going to give way.
Symptoms of a meniscus tear generally come on over several hours following the initial injury. You may have pain and swelling and you may have difficulty fully straightening your leg. Your knee may also lock or feel unstable, as if its about to give way.
Osteoarthritis in your knee usually causes pain when youre putting weight on your affected leg, and gets better when you rest your leg. You may have stiffness and loss of movement first thing in the morning or after sitting for a while. You may also have some swelling around your knee.
Pes anserine bursitis can cause pain when youre going up and down stairs or when you stand up. You may also have pain at night or some slight swelling.
Also Check: Knee Crunching Sound And Pain
Diagnosis Of Inner Knee Pain
If you see your doctor with knee pain, theyll examine your knee and are likely to ask:
- when your pain started and if theres anything that makes it worse
- if theres any activity, accident or injury that could have caused it
- if you have any other symptoms such as your knee giving way or clicking, or pain in any other joints
They may suggest an X-ray or an MRI scan, but this is not always necessary. Your doctor may be able to make a diagnosis based on the examination and your symptoms.
If you have cartilage or ligament damage, your doctor may suggest a procedure to look inside your knee. This is called an arthroscopy . It involves making a small cut in your knee and inserting a thin tube and a camera. As well as helping with diagnosis, damaged tissue can be repaired or removed during the procedure.
What Is The Difference Between A Meniscal Cyst And A Bakers Cyst
A Bakers cyst is a swelling behind the knee caused by an outpouching of the capsule. Like a meniscal cyst, a Bakers cyst can form from a meniscal tear. However, they also form from any knee condition that increases knee joint fluid, such as arthritis or ligament damage. Generally, we can tell the difference between a meniscal cyst and a Bakers cyst based on the lumps location and size.
Also Check: How To Stop Your Knees From Aching
Causes Of Outer Knee Pain
Like the inside of your knee, the outside or lateral portion of the joint is a crossroads of many different anatomical structures. This can make getting to the bottom of pain in this area equally frustrating. If you have soreness near the lateral part of your knee, the most frequently seen causes are listed below.
Knee Pain When Bending Or Squatting
Wear and tear of your knee over time can cause pain when bending your knee due to damage to the bones, ligaments, muscles and/or tendons in and around your knee joint.
For roughly every 500g of body weight, about 3kg of pressure is applied to your knees when they are bearing weight eg when bending, running, squatting or walking.
Also Check: Does Heating Pad Help Knee Pain
What Causes Sharp Burning Pain In The Knee
Before you identify the cause of sharp burning pain, you need to identify the pain and the location. What does burning pain in the knee mean?
It means that your pain does not just generally ache. You have a sharp, burning sensation in the front, on the side, or on the back of your knee. You can have it while youre kneeling, while youre just standing still, and even when youre sleeping.
Dont Miss: Is Nano Knee Covered By Medicare
Medial Cartilage Meniscus Injury
A torn meniscus refers to a tear that may occur in the semi circular cartilage in the knee joint. It can create pain on the inside of the knee. Contact sports, direct impact or twisting are common causes of this injury, but older athletes may also suffer from this condition through gradual degeneration. Treatment will depend on the severity of the injury, and may sometimes require surgery.
Also Check: How To Stop Knee Pain When Squatting
Itb Syndrome Friction Syndrome
Iliotibial band syndrome or ITB syndrome usually occurs in runners. It is most common in long distance runners. ITB syndrome might also occur anyone who is training vigorously. On occasion we will see cyclists with ITB syndrome however, runners make up the majority of people we see who suffer from this. For the longest time referred to this as ITB friction syndrome. It was felt that the ilotibial band was rubbing against the bottom of the femur which led to a form of tendinitis. It is not actually of the tendon that is the issue in ITB syndrome. The pain in ITB syndrome is usually due to an inflamed bursa, or small fluid-filled sac, which sits just underneath or deep to the iliotibial band. This bursa becomes inflamed with repetitive activities. Many people also wrongly concluded ITB syndrome is common because the ITB is too tight. No research has actually found that the ITB is tight in patients who suffer from iliotibial band syndrome.
We are not quite certain why iliotibial band syndrome occurs. Many causes have been postulated. Some believe it may be due to improper shoe wear. It might be due to curvature of the road of the surface that you run on. One thing for sure, IT syndrome is more common in distance runners.
Outer Knee Pain Treatment
The best course of treatment for lateral knee pain will depend on the underlying cause of the outer knee pain. It will usually include a combination of exercises, physical therapy and rest from aggravating activities and may also include knee injections and surgery.
To find out more about these common causes of pain on outside of knee and how to treat them, use the links above.
If you would like some help working out what is causing your outer knee pain using other specific symptoms, how the pain started or thespecific location of the pain, visit the knee pain diagnosissection and learnwhat you can do about it. Remember, any new incidence of lateral knee pain should always be assessed by your doctor.
Page Last Updated: 11/02/21
You May Like: Knee Pain In Teenage Female
Clinical Findings Of A Lump On The Side Of Knee
Not all lumps or cysts on the side of the knee are apparent or painful. In cases where the lump is due to a meniscal cyst, the more common symptoms include pain with standing, swelling in the knee joint, and a lump or bump on the side of the knee that can change in size.
When examining the knee, we often find a lump close to the joint line. The lump or cyst in the knee is usually soft and may or may not be painful. Also, twisting or rotating the knee can cause pain.
Generally, we use an MRI to diagnose the meniscal cyst and the corresponding meniscal tear. However, an ultrasound can also confirm a meniscal cyst.
What Causes Knee Pain
The most common causes of knee pain include:
- Meniscus tears tears to the C-shaped pieces of cartilage in your knee, which are called menisci
- Runner’s knee dull pain at the front of your knee also known as patellofemoral pain syndrome
- Sprained ligaments
- Tendonitis inflammation of your tendons
Old knee injuries that werent treated correctly can also cause chronic knee pain or knee pain that flares up occasionally.
Also Check: Does Walmart Sell Volleyball Knee Pads
You Cant Straighten Your Knee Or Leg
If you have trouble straightening your leg or it hurts to do so, you probably have a serious knee injury.
To test this, start in a seated position and try to lift your lower leg using your own leg muscles. You may still be able to bear weight and walk slowly and carefully without assistance, but will probably require assistance to lift your lower leg and fully extend your injured knee, says Dr. Brown.
Patella fractures, quadriceps tendon tears, and patellar tendon tears all tend to be associated with an inability to straighten the leg.
Use a knee immobilizer to hold the knee in a straight position and help with pain relief. This also makes it easier to move about until your appointment with an orthopedic surgeon, he adds.
Another test is to lie down and try to straighten your leg. The goal is to get your knee to lie flat. This might be difficult or impossible to do due to the pain, but what you should watch out for is a total inability to straighten your knee.
Some of the problems that could cause a locked knee include meniscus tears or a torn ACL. The key is to determine whether you cant straighten your knee due to sheer pain or physical blockage. If you feel blocked, then we recommend getting in touch with a doctor sooner rather than later.
On the flip side, you might have trouble bending your knee. If your knee feels stuck in any way, and the feeling doesnt go away within a few hours, you could be experiencing something more severe.