Knee pain affects patients of all ages. Generally, knee pain is associated with osteoarthritis, a common disease that often affects the knee. However, knee pain is caused by many factors, and this includes injuries, mechanical problems and other diseases. Because knee pain is experienced by many patients, knowing the cause of it can greatly help in determining the best treatment plan. In this article, we list the top 10 causes of knee pain to help you choose the best treatment option for your condition.
Leading Causes of Knee Pain
1. Preacher’s Knee
Preacher’s knee or bursitis is caused by prolonged pressure to the knees, strenuous activity or a direct injury. This is most common for people whose jobs require them to kneel for a longer period of time. Kneeling for an extended period of time can make the bursa or the small cap on the knee to rupture or burst, causing immense pain to the patient.
2. Knee Ligament Injuries
Knee ligament injuries can be perhaps one of the most common causes of knee pain. There are various types of knee ligament injuries, including:
ACL injury: This injury happens when the anterior cruciate ligament or ACL, one of the four ligaments in your knees, tears because of strenuous activities. ACL injuries are very common for people who play sports like basketball, football and volleyball.
Torn meniscus: The meniscus is made of tough and rubbery cartilage, and it acts as the shock absorber of the knees. A meniscus tear can happen during a sudden twist of the knee.
3. Dislocated Kneecap
There are some activities that can cause a kneecap to move out of its normal position and be dislocated. While this can be easily fixed by doctors, dislocated kneecaps can cause tremendous pain.
4. Rheumatoid Arthritis of the Knee
Rheumatoid arthritis is a chronic disease that can affect the knee joints. This disease can cause swelling and pain.
5. Iliotibial Band Syndrome
Iliotibial Band Syndrome is an injury caused by the overuse of connecting tissues on the outer thigh and knee.
6. Gout and Pseudogout
These are painful conditions that involve knee joints. Gout and pseudogout are usually caused by high levels of uric acid.
7. Osgood Schlatter Disease
Osgood Schlatter Disease manifests through a painful bump below the knee. The pain caused by this condition worsens during rigorous activities. This condition usually occurs in children or adolescents and resolves on its own once the child stops growing.
8. Patellofemoral Syndrome
It is the pain in the front of the knee and kneecap, a part which is known as the patella. This is caused by the overuse of the knee or from knee trauma. Patellofemoral syndrome is sometimes called “runner’s knee” or “jumper’s knee” since it is common in people who participate in sports.
9. Serious Knee Injury
Serious knee injuries are injuries that can immobilize the knees. These include fractures, knee instability and injuries sustained from accidents. These are very painful and require immediate medical attention.
10. Osteoarthritis
This is the most common cause of knee pain, and it happens when the natural cushion in the knees wears away.
