Tuesday, March 19, 2024
HomePainWhy Do I Have Really Bad Knee Pain

Why Do I Have Really Bad Knee Pain

Common Causes Of Pain Behind The Knee

Top 5 Causes Of Knee Pain – Why Does My Knee Hurt

Sometimes pain behind the knee is simply due to muscle strains. These injuries usually heal in a matter of days. However, this is only one possibility. There can also be pain behind the knee as a result of systemic diseases or some life-threatening conditions. Below we take a look at just what the different potential causes are.

Why Does Your Knee Hurt More Than It Should See If This Makes Sense The Sos Of A Sinking Knee

Lets pretend that you are on that ship above. Lets pretend that ship is your knee.

The ship has struck an iceberg. It is now damaged beyond its crews ability to repair it. The ship/knee needs help or it will sink.

Your knee is now sending panicked SOS messages to the brain in an attempt to get the brain to send help to prevent the ship from sinking. What type of help? Inflammation creates swelling to keep the knee stable .

  • Allodynia is an over-sensitization to pain. Your nervous system is overriding normal commands to get out pain messages.
  • You are taking a walk. Your knee does not hurt at first. As you continue to walk your knee starts hurting. As you keep walking your knee is now hurting much more than it should.
  • This can be your knee sending panicked, urgent messages to your brain to STOP WALKING because the knee is afraid that you are going to damage it if you keep going.
  • Hyperalgesiahyper pain, can be induced by Non-Steroid Anti-Inflammatory Medications please see our article When NSAIDs make the pain worse. Hyperalgesia can be induced by pain medications, please see our article How narcotic pain medications can increase chronic pain. You have a lot of pain and the pain medication is making it worse.
  • Does this scenario present a realistic explanation of one possible means to why you have more pain than you should?

    What Causes The Pain

    Knee pain can be caused by a variety of issues, from injury to tendonitis to bursitis . But the primary cause of knee pain, according to Dr. Stearns, is usually a form of arthritis.

    People with normal, healthy knees usually dont get pain at night, he says. Theres typically a reason, and its often because they have arthritis, commonly osteoarthritis.

    Osteoarthritis is mechanical in nature, caused by wear-and-tear on the joints as well as the cartilage and tendons associated with the joints. This sets the condition apart from rheumatoid arthritis which is inflammation of the joints, typically caused by an overactive immune system.

    While osteoarthritis is typically seen in older patients, it can occur in younger patients, too, particularly those who are prone to overuse of certain joints or suffered significant injuries like ligament tears.

    You May Like: What Knee Brace Is Best For Torn Meniscus

    What Causes Pain Behind The Kneecap

    Pain behind the kneecap is usually caused by a problem with the cartilage that lines the back of the kneecap. It may be Runners Knee, where a problem with how the kneecap glides causes friction and pain behind the kneecap.

    In teenagers, pain behind the kneecap is often caused by Chondromalacia Patella, a condition where there is thinning of the cartilage on the back of the kneecap.

    What To Do For Knee Pain Relief

    How to Exercise with Bad Knees and Knee Pain

    Whatever the cause of the pain in your knee joint, there are certain things you can do to help manage your discomfort.

    If you have mild to moderate knee pain and stiffness, you can try to ease your symptoms by limiting the amount of weight you place on your knees. For example, try not to stand for a long period of time.

    With that in mind, its also important to balance rest with adequate exercise. Activities, such as walking, swimming and yoga, can help to improve strengthen, increase flexibility and reduce knee stiffness.

    Another option is to use the RICE method:

    • Rest taking the appropriate amount of rest
    • Ice applying ice to reduce swelling
    • Compression – compressing or wrapping the knee with a bandage
    • Elevate keep your knee elevated on a pillow when lying down.

    Don’t Miss: Bioknee Cost

    Are Doctors Asking Patients The Right Questions To Get The Best Determination Of The Patients Depression Challenges

    Writing in the medical journal Disability and Rehabilitation, researchers in the United Kingdom are suggesting that people with chronic knee pain and hip osteoarthritis may benefit from Acceptance commitment therapy, a form of psychotherapy and behavioral modification. They hope this treatment would be especially hopeful in people who have significant pain. Such as those in the above study whose MRIs suggested that they should not have the severe pain they are suffering from.

    As a side note, the researchers also questioned whether accepted depression and physiological scoring systems, such as the Rasch-transformed and standard scales were accurate in assessing these patients. In other words, were doctors asking patients the right questions to get the best determination of the patients depressive challenges?

    In another study, the same group of researchers writing in the medical journal Disability and Rehabilitation examined the type of questionnaires that should be offered to patients with knee osteoarthritis to determine levels of hopelessness and depression.

    Here is what they wrote:

    • These findings indicate that questionnaires need to be checked for their ability to measure psychological constructs in the clinical groups to which they will be applied.
    • For people with osteoarthritis, the state-trait anxiety inventory is an acceptable measure of anxiety
    • The state-trait anxiety inventory measures acute worry .
  • 1. My motivation is lower when I am fatigued.
  • Chronic Degenerative Meniscal Tear

    If you’ve experienced swelling, joint pain, and a sensation that your knee is sticking or locking, the problem could be a chronic degenerative meniscal tear.

    A meniscus is a rubbery cartilage cushion in your knee that helps to pad the joint. Each of your knees has two of them. “Sometimes these structures are torn during an injury, but in degenerative cases, the cartilage just becomes frayed and worn over time, resulting in a breakdown or tearing of the tissue,” says Dr. Breslow. When a meniscus is frayed, ragged edges or loose pieces may get stuck in the joint when it’s moving, causing a sensation that your knee is locking up. If this is happening, be sure to see your doctor.

    How to treat it: Surgery is no longer the first-line treatment for this condition, says Dr. Breslow. “It used to be that most people got referred for an arthroscopic procedure to remove the torn meniscus or repair it,” she says. “But now research is showing that, in many cases, the condition can be treated non-operatively just as effectively.”

    Clinicians are now more likely to recommend treating the condition with physical therapy. As is the case with patellofemoral pain syndrome, building up the muscles around the joint and in other parts of the body can ease pain, without the risk of complications. However, you may need surgery if a piece of the meniscus is interfering with the motion of the joint.

    Don’t Miss: Is Nano Knee Covered By Medicare

    Schedule An Appointment Today

    Knee surgery has significantly advanced in recent years, eliminating reasons for anyone to suffer with chronic, severe knee pain. Take care of your knees now and bring an end to your pain.

    If you are suffering with bad knee pain and would like to schedule an appointment with Dr. Likover, a leading knee specialist in Houston, contact us now. Dr. Likover provides complete knee care for his patients. Whatever type of treatment your knee needs, he can provide it.

    Repetitive Strain Injury Of The Quadriceps

    How to Fix Knee Pain Fast REALLY WORKS! Dr.Berg

    Repetitive strain injury of the upper leg is caused by consistent repetitive use.

    Rarity: Uncommon

    Top Symptoms: upper leg numbness, thigh weakness, thigh pain from overuse

    Symptoms that always occur with repetitive strain injury of the quadriceps: thigh pain from overuse

    Symptoms that never occur with repetitive strain injury of the quadriceps: upper leg injury, severe upper leg pain

    Urgency: Self-treatment

    Don’t Miss: What Is The Best Knee Walker

    What Is Knee Pain

    The knee is a joint that permits the leg to bend and straighten. Knee pain is common due to injury, age-related degeneration, inflammation, and infection.

    What Are Symptoms of Knee Pain?

    Symptoms of knee pain include:

    • Sudden, intense pain at the knee
    • Swelling
    • Inability to bend or fully straighten the knee
    • Clicking, crunching, or catching sound in the knee joint when walking

    Signs knee pain may be serious include:

    • Extreme pain
    • Feeling or hearing a popping when injury occurs
    • Joint instability
    • Inability to bear weight on affected leg
    • Inability to straighten leg
    • Knee buckles under when you try to walk

    What Are Knee Pain Symptoms And Signs

    Below is a list of some of the more common causes of knee pain. This is not an all-inclusive list but rather highlights a few common causes of knee pain in each of the above categories.

    Acute knee injuries

    Fractures: A direct blow to the bony structure can cause one of the bones in the knee to break. This is usually a very obvious and painful knee injury. Most knee fractures are not only painful but will also interfere with the proper functioning of the knee or make it very painful to bear weight . All fractures need immediate medical attention. Many fractures require significant force, and a thorough examination is performed to detect other injuries.

    Ligament injuries: The most common injury is the ACL injury. An ACL injury is often a sports-related injury due to a sudden stop and change in directions. The remaining ligaments are injured less frequently.

    Meniscus injuries: The menisci are made of cartilage and act as shock absorbers between bones in the knee. Twisting the knee can injure the meniscus.

    Dislocation: The knee joint can be dislocated, which is a medical emergency that requires immediate attention. Knee dislocation can compromise blood flow to the leg and have other related problems. This injury often occurs during a motor-vehicle accident when the knee hits the dashboard.

    Don’t Miss: Inversion Table After Hip Replacement

    Repetitive Strain Injury Of The Hamstring

    Repetitive strain injury of the upper leg is caused by consistent repetitive use.

    Rarity: Uncommon

    Top Symptoms: upper leg numbness, thigh weakness, hamstring pain from overuse

    Symptoms that always occur with repetitive strain injury of the hamstring: hamstring pain from overuse

    Symptoms that never occur with repetitive strain injury of the hamstring: upper leg injury, severe upper leg pain

    Urgency: Self-treatment

    Diagnosis Of Pain Behind The Knee

    Knee Exercises to Strenghen Muscles around the Patella to ...

    Your doctor will examine your knee and take a history, asking about:

    • the type of pain you have, when it started and whether it comes and goes
    • how active you are
    • any activity, accident or injury that could have caused it

    If you have signs of a popliteal cyst, your doctor may suggest an ultrasound scan. If they suspect a posterior cruciate ligament injury, they may suggest an X-ray or a magnetic resonance imaging scan.

    Also Check: How To Get Rid Of Fat Around Knees

    Severe Knee Pain: Common Causes And Treatment Options

    If you suffer with bad knee pain, you are not alone. Severe knee pain is a common problem experienced by most people at some point in their lives.

    Whether the pain has been developing over time or youre experiencing sudden knee pain, it is not a condition you should ignore or try to endure without at least knowing the cause and your treatment options.

    Torn Acl Symptoms And Signs

    With an acute injury, the patient often describes that they heard a loud pop and then developed intense pain in the knee. The pain makes walking or weight-bearing very difficult. The knee joint will begin to swell within a few hours because of bleeding within the joint, making it difficult to straighten the knee.

    Also Check: What Is The Best Knee Walker

    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.

    Symptoms Of Hip And Knee Pain You Shouldnt Ignore

    Painful Total Knee Replacement – Why Does It Still Hurt?

    Being active is the norm for many of us who live at the beach. Sometimes, we can start to experience aches and pains in our hips and knees, the bodys largest joints. Most times the pain will dissipate, but other times the condition could be more serious.

    Hip pain and knee pain is often caused by an over-use injury from a repetitive motion. Such as swinging a golf club or tennis racquet. Surprisingly, even a less strenuous activity like gardening can cause a pain in the knee or hip pain. Other common causes include osteoarthritis, bursitis, or an injury or fall.

    So, if I have sharp pain in the hip or knee and I have the 5 symptoms that you shouldn’t ignore, how do I see a physician? The quick answer is to simply give us a call at 904-JOI-2000 or you can schedule online.

    Recommended Reading: Can You Rebuild Cartilage In Your Knee

    Can Knee Pain Come Back After Treatment

    Frequently, knee pain will occur for a short period of time and then resolve. Sometimes it can return a few weeks or months later. For chronic knee pain, it is important to get it evaluated to avoid further damage to cartilage, bones, or ligaments. Prognosis depends on the underlying causes of the pain.

    With modern surgical techniques, it’s possible to relieve many of the knee pain syndromes and return to an active lifestyle.

    When To Get Medical Advice

    If you’ve injured your joint, it’s a good idea to try self care measures first. Sprains and minor cartilage damage may get better on their own within a few days or weeks.

    More severe cartilage damage probably will not improve on its own. If left untreated, it can eventually wear down the joint.

    Visit your GP or a minor injuries unit if:

    • you cannot move the joint properly
    • you cannot control the pain with ordinary painkillers
    • you cannot put any weight on the injured limb or it gives way when you try to use it
    • the injured area looks crooked or has unusual lumps or bumps
    • you have numbness, discolouration, or coldness in any part of the injured area
    • your symptoms have not started to improve within a few days of self-treatment

    Your GP may need to refer you for tests such as an X-ray, MRI scan, or arthroscopy to find out if your cartilage is damaged.

    Also Check: Lighten Knees Overnight

    Treatment For Inside Knee Pain

    Once your doctor determines the cause of the pain inside knee, he or she will be able to suggest forms of treatment.

    Treatment varies depending on the severity of the injury. Immediate treatment after traumatic injuries include RICE and anti-inflammatory over-the-counter medications such as ibuprofen or aspirin.

    If a more serious injury such as an MCL tear is present, then arthroscopic surgery to repair the torn ligament may be necessary. In all cases, physical therapy may be beneficial, because strengthening the muscles around knee will help reduce pain inside the knee both before and after surgery . Speak with your doctor about all of your options in regards to your inside knee pain.

    Do All Meniscus Tears Hurt

    Why Do My Knees Hurt During Lunges?

    Yes, at some point in time most all meniscus tears will hurt. But that doesnt mean they will hurt for a long time. In many cases the pain from a meniscus tear will either improve significantly or go away without surgery. In cases where there was an injury which preceded the meniscus tear, you may have knee pain and swelling with virtually all activities. These acute meniscus tears usually occur in younger active individuals. The tear may cause mechanical pain such as popping, locking or even cause your knee to catch or feel unstable. Most people with acute, traumatic meniscus tears should consider surgery to repair the tear.

    Acute traumatic meniscus tears are far less common than degenerative tears. Most of you probably felt the tear occur by kneeling, or twisting to pick something up. That is because the tear occurred through a degenerative or worn out meniscus. With a degenerative tear, rushing in for an MRI and rushing to schedule surgery isnt usually necessary since your knee pain has a good chance of settling down within 4-6 weeks. Tears that continue to hurt with pivoting or twisting and cause the knee to feel unstable might require surgery for a meniscus repair.

    In general, there are many types of meniscus tears, and the type of tear you have will determine the type of pain you will have, and how long you will have it.

    Also Check: Dcf Compression Knee Sleeve

    When To See Your Doctor

    Any incidence of severe knee pain should be checked out by your doctor particularly if:

    1) Your knee looks deformed2) You cant put any weight through the leg3) Your knee movements are limited cant fully bend or straighten the knee4) You have severe knee pain, especially at night or when resting5) Your knee keeps giving way6) You feel unwell or have a fever7) There is redness or the knee feels hot8) There is major swelling around the knee9) Your symptoms persist or get worse10) You have pain, swelling, redness, tingling or numbness in the calf

    RELATED ARTICLES

    Popular Articles