What Are The Symptoms Of Knee Pain

Why Do I Have Pain Behind My Knee

Pain behind the knee may be caused by several things, from age or the presence ofosteoarthritis or rheumatoid arthritis, to a knee injury or an infection in the joint.

If youre under 50 and your pain is in the crease at the back of your leg behind theknee, it may be the result of an injury, such as a hamstring or other knee-relatedissue.

If youre over 50 and you have a creaking, squeaking pain behind the kneecap, or acyst on the crease at the back of your leg behind the knee, it may be arthritis. Again,your doctor can help identify arthritis by excluding other issues.

How Can I Prevent Knee Pain

In some cases, you can prevent knee pain. To help prevent a flare-up of knee pain, do the following:

• Regularly so all the exercises your healthcare provider or physical therapist advises
• Support your knee as advised by your provider or physical therapist
• Ease up on your training when needed and increase your training slowly
• Have an expert check your running stance or your stance for your sporting activity
• Learn how to correctly stretch before and after exercise
• Replace your running shoes regularly

When Should I Get My Teens Knee Pain Evaluated By A Healthcare Provider

Make an appointment to see your healthcare provider if:

• Your teens pain has lasted longer than two weeks or anytime theres an increase in pain level.
• Your teens knee is red, swollen or warm to the touch.
• Your teen cant put weight on their leg they limp.
• Your teens knee locks and cant move.
• Your teens kneecap feels like it slides out of place or the knee looks twisted.
• Your teen has knee pain during or after activity.
• Theres painful popping or clicking sound in your teens knee.
• Your teens knee doesnt have strength or full range of motion.
• Your teens pain wakes them up at night.

Last reviewed by a Cleveland Clinic medical professional on 04/30/2021.

References

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How Common Is Gout In The Knee

As a general rule of thumb, if left untreated, gout tends to work its way up the body, Dr. Keenan explains.

For example, he cites research that shows 50 percent of patients experience their first gout attack in the big toe. If gout worsens, 35 percent of secondary flares occur in the knee, 40 percent in the midfoot and ankle, 30 percent in elbows and wrists, and 15 percent in fingers.

Its not uncommon for a person to experience their first gout flare in their knee and, after an X-ray or ultrasound, show signs of gout in the foot, he adds.

Gout can afflict both knees, but typically is felt more strongly in one knee where arthritis from general wear is worse.

How To Beat Knee Pain

If the problem persists, its a good idea to consult with your GP, who may ask you tofill in a questionnaire to help decide the best course of treatment.

There are many treatments available, but it may not come to that knee pain canoften be treated with rest and an ice pack. So stay positive, because many knee injuries will get better on their own.

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When To Contact A Medical Professional

• You cannot bear weight on your knee.
• You have severe pain, even when not bearing weight.
• Your knee buckles, clicks, or locks.
• Your knee is deformed or misshapen.
• You cannot flex your knee or have trouble straightening it all the way out.
• You have a fever, redness or warmth around the knee, or a lot of swelling.
• You have pain, swelling, numbness, tingling, or bluish discoloration in the calf below the sore knee.
• You still have pain after 3 days of home treatment.

What Causes Knee Pain

Your knees may look or even act like a basic hinge, but the structure of the joint is amazingly complex. The knee joint forms where your upper leg bone and lower leg bones meet. Your kneecap is the fourth bone that makes up the knee joint. All these bones are connected by fibrous bands called ligaments. Youve probably heard of at least one of these ligaments the anterior cruciate ligament, or ACL since it tends to feature prominently in a lot of well-publicized sports injuries. The other three primary ligaments in the knee are the posterior cruciate ligament , the medial collateral ligament and the lateral collateral ligament .

In addition to these major joint components, your knee joint depends on tendons, muscles, and a couple of cushions called menisci to help you move freely and without pain. A covering of thick, slick cartilage protects the ends of the bones from wear and tear while also reducing friction inside the joint, helping your knee bend and flex without sticking. Damage to any of these structures can wind up causing pain and problems with the way your knee works.

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Understanding Knee Pain In Young Adults

Sore, aching knees might seem like a problem only older people experience, but guess what? Plenty of younger people have knee pain, too. But while the symptoms may feel similar, younger people tend to have knee pain for different reasons. And that means theyll need to have different types of care to feel better. Heres what you need to know about knee pain in kids and young adults.

Can Knee Pain In Teens Be Prevented

Most knee pain that is caused by injury or overuse can be prevented with some attention and work by your teen, including:

• Make sure your teen wears proper shoes for the activity/sport and wears knee pads and leg guards . Replace worn out footwear and gear.
• Engage in muscle strength training exercises. Check with a trainer to make sure proper form and body alignment are being followed. Always do warm up and cool down exercises before and after workouts.
• Keep your muscles flexible by proper stretching exercises or yoga.
• Dont engage in activities that cause or worsen knee pain.

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How Are Knee Problems Diagnosed

In addition to a complete medical history and physical exam, other tests for knee problems may include:

• X-ray. This test uses invisible electromagnetic energy beams to make images of internal tissues, bones, and organs onto film.

• 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.

• 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.

• 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.

• 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.

Prevention Tips For Knee Injuries

• Warm up joints and muscles by gently going through the motions of your sport or activity and stretching muscles.
• Wear appropriate footwear.
• Avoid sudden jarring motions.
• Try to turn on the balls of your feet when youre changing direction, rather than twisting through your knees.
• Cool down after exercise by performing light, easy and sustained stretches
• Build up an exercise program slowly over time.

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When Should I See A Doctor About Knee Pain

If youre under 50, you should see a doctor about knee pain if:

• you have severe knee pain because of injury
• You can’t put weight on your knee
• Your knee looks abnormal

If youre over 50, you should see a doctor about knee pain if:

• its causing you pain at night
• it affects your day-to-day activities and quality of life
• you already know you have arthritis and you experience a flare-up of pain

What To Expect At Your Office Visit

Your provider will perform a physical exam, and look at your knees, hips, legs, and other joints.

Your provider may do the following tests:

• MRI of the knee if a ligament or meniscus tear could be the cause
• CT scan of the knee
• Joint fluid culture

Your provider may inject a steroid into your knee to reduce pain and inflammation.

You may need to learn stretching and strengthening exercises. You also may need to see a podiatrist to be fitted for orthotics.

In some cases, you may need surgery.

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How To Relieve Knee Pain

Your best knee pain treatment will depend on the underlying cause of the pain. Often, a combination of rest, ice, compression, and elevation of the affected knee can help to alleviate some symptoms. Over-the-counter pain medications can also help to provide some knee pain relief.

Unless you have a more serious, chronic condition, there are some simple tips that can help you get the knee pain relief you need:

• Use insoles or inserts that provide a combination of shock absorption, cushioning and support for your feet, which in turn can help relieve knee pain and move more comfortably. Dr. Scholls Orthotics for Knee Pain are clinically proven to relieve and help prevent general knee pain as well as Runners Knee and Knee Osteoarthritis.
• For those with flat feet, orthotics prescribed by healthcare professionals may provide relief for sore knees, by reducing the physical stress on the knee and improving foot and leg alignment. Braces may also be used to support and protect the knee.
• It is best to contact your doctor if you are:
• Having difficulty putting weight on your knee.
• Unable to flex or extend your knee to its full extent.
• Experiencing significant swelling.
• Experiencing a fever alongside knee swelling, redness, and pain.
• Finding your knee gives-way or cant support your weight.

Is Knee Pain Due To Gout Or Something Else

Most people with gout in the knee experience intense pain during a gout attack. Swelling may also be noticeable during an active flare, as well as redness and warmth.

The pain may develop in the night and hurt continuously for up to two weeks before the flare subsides, with the most intense pain in the first 24 hours. But if gout is not treated, typically with medication to lower uric acid levels, gout flares will recur and over time and affect more joints, including the knee.

Doctors cant say for sure why gout flares occur more often at night but, according to a 2015 study, it might be because your body temperature goes down at night, which could make uric acid more likely to crystallize.

Although the pain of a gout attack is distinct, there may be other reasons for your knee pain you should be aware of.

Pseudogout

Your knee pain could be caused by buildup of different kinds of crystals called calcium pyrophosphate . Doctors can examine fluid in your inflamed knee to determine if the crystals are uric acid or calcium pyrophosphate.

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Treatments Available For Medial Knee Pain

The treatments vary depending upon the intensity of the damage. In most cases, surgical procedures are not involved while in critical conditions, surgery is preferred.

Arthroscopy: This major surgery is performed when the patient is suffering from osteoarthritis. It is a bit risky when compared to the other surgeries but it helps in fast recovery of the knees. It easily fixes the damaged cartilages and ligaments.

Corticosteroids: corticosteroids are artificially synthesized cortisols that are used to treat inflammations. They are injected into the knee region to reduce swelling of the inner knees.

Physiotherapy: Many types of exercises are prescribed by physiotherapists for treating medial knee pain. Physiotherapy may not have immediate results but when practiced regularly it will surely have good results.

Home Remedies: In excusable cases, home remedies can be applied for better results. Home remedies include ice pack therapy, hot bag therapy, etc. they give instant relief from pain and reduce swelling.

Why Does My Knee Hurt

If you are experiencing knee pain when walking, knee pain when bending, knee pain when resting, or are hearing popping/clicking in your knee, etc., it may be a minor concern or indicator of a serious issue.

Knee pain is usually caused by traumatic injuries, repetitive motion injuries, long-term wear & tear, or tissue disorders. Below are injuries that are common causes for knee pain, but it is best to enter your symptoms into our Knee Pain Diagnosis Symptom Checker to gain a better understanding of your injury.

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Symptoms Of Bursitis Of The Knee

Common symptoms of knee bursitis include:

• Localised Knee Pain: bursitis knee pain typically develops gradually, fluctuates and tends to be a general ache rather than sharp knee pain.
• Knee Swelling: People can often feel a squashy lump with a swollen knee bursa which may fluctuate in size.
• Knee Stiffness: It is often painful to bend or straighten a leg with knee bursitis which can limit knee movement.

Symptoms of bursitis knee often come and go and aren’t always consistent which can make it hard to accurately diagnose specific knee bursitis. Sometimes it is only once other conditions have been ruled out that bursitis of the knee is finally diagnosed.

What Causes Chronic Knee Pain

Temporary knee pain is different from chronic knee pain. Many people experience temporary knee pain as a result of an injury or accident. Chronic knee pain rarely goes away without treatment, and it isnt always attributable to one incident. Its most often the result of several causes or conditions.

Physical conditions or diseases can cause knee pain. These include:

• osteoarthritis: pain, inflammation, and joint destruction caused by degeneration and deterioration of the joint
• tendinitis: pain in the front of the knee that is made worse when climbing, taking stairs, or walking up an incline
• bursitis: inflammation caused by repeated overuse or injury of the knee
• gout: arthritis caused by the buildup of uric acid
• Bakers cyst: a buildup of synovial fluid behind the knee
• rheumatoid arthritis : a chronic autoimmune inflammatory disorder that causes painful swelling and can eventually cause joint deformity and bone erosion
• dislocation: dislocation of the kneecap most often the result of trauma
• meniscus tear: a rupture in one or more of the cartilage in the knee
• torn ligament: tear in one of the four ligaments in the knee the most commonly injured ligament is the anterior cruciate ligament
• bone tumors: osteosarcoma , most commonly occurs in the knee

Factors that may make chronic knee pain worse:

• injuries to the structure of the knee can cause bleeding and swelling and can create a chronic problem over time if not treated properly

• injections

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How Do You Know If You Need Knee Surgery

Even if youve done all you can do to relieve your knee pain, your doctor wont recommend knee surgery lightly. You need to have X-rays and an imaging test called an MRI to determine if your knee bones or soft tissues are damaged. You may have to have a blood test to rule out other causes for pain. There are two types of knee surgery:

• Arthroscopic knee procedures: This surgery repairs knee problems that arent as severe. A surgeon uses a small camera and small tools to do surgery through tiny incisions.
• Knee replacement surgery: You may have this surgery when you have osteoarthritis and your knee joint is severely worn out. A surgeon replaces some of the surfaces in your knee with artificial ones.

As with many conditions, catching your knee deterioration early can help prevent further damage. If you think you may need to see a specialist, visit Mercy.com to find a caring, compassionate physician who can help.

Top 7 Symptoms Other Than Knee Pain

Whether you suffer an injury or develop degenerative disease, youll experience pain. Your pain may be sharp and sudden, more like an aching or burning feeling, come-and-go, or bother you constantly.

Beyond pain, however, knee conditions cause other symptoms. Here are the seven most common symptoms other than pain:

• Swelling, redness, or warm to the touch
• Stiffness or restricted movement
• Popping or clicking sounds and sensations
• Locking of the knee joint
• Inability to straighten your knee
• Difficulty walking or an inability to bear weight on the knee
• Knee instability or feeling like its moving from side to side

Many knee problems worsen and lead to chronic instability when you wait too long to get treatment. Some knee conditions wont heal on their own. For these reasons, its important to call Pennsylvania Orthopedic Associates to schedule an exam when knee symptoms develop.

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Key Points About Knee Pain

• Knee pain is a common health condition. Irritation to the tissue around the kneecap causes the condition. Too much repetitive stress makes knee pain much more likely to occur.
• Your healthcare provider will likely be able to diagnose you with a simple health history and physical exam.
• Most people respond to treatment such as pain medicines, ice, stretching and strengthening exercises, and not doing certain activities for a while.
• In rare cases, some people need surgery to treat their condition.
• Taking simple steps, such as doing your physical therapy exercises, may help prevent your symptoms from coming back.