injury

Knee pain is a common problem for people of all ages, but it is more prevalent in older people and athletes. The causes can vary, ranging from physical injury to medical conditions such as infections. You need to look for signs your knee injury is serious causes and determine extent of the condition. You should always see your health care provider whenever you experience significant knee pain to get an early diagnosis. Some of the top causes of knee pain are highlighted below.

Injuries

Knee pain can be as a result of injury to the knee joints, ligaments, or cartilage on the knee. Examples of knee injuries include fractures, torn meniscus, patella tendinitis, knee bursitis, and ACL injuries, among others. A majority of the injuries result from accidents where too much mechanical pressure is applied to the knee. With proper treatment, patients usually make a complete recovery from the injuries.

Bone Degeneration

Knee pain can sometimes be caused by degeneration of cartilage or bone. The degeneration may result in a piece of cartilage or bone breaking off and floating in the joint space, which is what causes pain. In a majority of cases, the broken piece does not interfere with the knee joint movement, which means that the mobility of the patient is not affected.

Iliotibial Band Syndrome

The iliotibial band refers to the tissue extending from the outer hip to the outer side of the knee. This syndrome occurs when the iliotibial band becomes too tight, such that it rubs against the femur. Cyclists and long-distant runners are the most susceptible to this condition.

Dislocated Patella

When the patella, also known as the kneecap, slips out of position, you will experience significant knee pain. There are medical procedures to put it back in place, which should help to deal with the pain. There are some cases where the kneecap can be left in the displaced position, especially when it does not cause any pain or affect mobility.

Arthritis

There are many types of arthritis, which can affect the knee. Examples include osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, pseudogout, gout, and septic arthritis, among others.

Obesity

Being overweight is also another common cause of knee pain. When the body is too heavy, a lot of pressure is exerted on the knee when standing or walking. Over time, the knee will begin to ache and limit your movement. For the extreme cases of obesity, walking may even become impossible.

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Exercise

Common Causes of Knee Pain