What Are Some Common Knee Pain Problems?

Knee pain problems are among the most frequent complaints that lead people to visit their doctors. The knee is a complex joint that bears a heavy load and is susceptible to various injuries and conditions. Understanding common knee problems is crucial for proper diagnosis, treatment, and prevention. In this comprehensive guide, we will explore the most prevalent knee issues, their symptoms, causes, and treatment options.

Anatomy of the Knee

The knee joint is one of the largest and most complex joints in the body. It connects the thigh bone (femur) to the shin bone (tibia). The knee also includes the smaller bone that runs alongside the tibia (fibula) and the kneecap (patella). Several structures within the knee work together to ensure smooth movement and stability. These include:

Cartilage: The knee contains two types of cartilage: the meniscus, which acts as a shock absorber between the bones, and the articular cartilage, which covers the ends of the bones and allows them to glide smoothly.
Ligaments: Four main ligaments stabilize the knee joint: the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL), posterior cruciate ligament (PCL), medial collateral ligament (MCL), and lateral collateral ligament (LCL).
Tendons: Tendons connect muscles to bones, with the quadriceps tendon connecting the quadriceps muscles to the patella and the patellar tendon connecting the patella to the tibia.

Common Knee Problems

1. Osteoarthritis

Osteoarthritis is the most common form of arthritis and a leading cause of knee pain. It occurs when the protective cartilage that cushions the ends of the bones wears down over time. This condition typically affects older adults but can also occur in younger individuals due to joint injuries or repetitive stress.

Symptoms:

Gradual onset of knee pain
Stiffness, especially in the morning or after periods of inactivity
Swelling and tenderness
Decreased range of motion
A grating sensation during movement

Causes:

Aging
Previous knee injuries
Repetitive stress on the knee
Obesity
Genetic predisposition

Treatment:

Pain relievers and anti-inflammatory medications
Physical therapy to strengthen muscles around the knee
Weight management to reduce stress on the knee
Corticosteroid injections
In severe cases, surgical options such as knee replacement

2. Rheumatoid Arthritis

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is an autoimmune disease that can affect the knee. Unlike osteoarthritis, RA causes the body’s immune system to attack its own tissues, leading to inflammation of the joint lining.

Symptoms:

Warm, swollen, and tender knees
Persistent pain and stiffness, particularly in the morning or after inactivity
Fatigue and general feeling of being unwell
Symmetrical symptoms, affecting both knees

Causes:

Immune system malfunction
Genetic factors
Environmental triggers

Treatment:

Disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs)
Biologic response modifiers
Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)
Physical therapy
Surgical intervention in advanced cases

3. Meniscus Tears

The meniscus is a C-shaped piece of cartilage that acts as a cushion between the femur and tibia. Meniscus tears are common knee injuries, especially among athletes. These tears can result from a sudden twist or turn, often during sports activities.

Symptoms:

Pain, particularly when twisting or rotating the knee
Swelling and stiffness
Difficulty straightening the knee fully
A popping sensation during the injury

Causes:

Sudden twisting or pivoting movements
Direct impact on the knee
Age-related degeneration

Treatment:

Rest, ice, compression, and elevation (RICE)
Physical therapy to improve strength and stability
Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)
Arthroscopic surgery to repair or remove the damaged meniscus

4. Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL) Injuries

The anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) is one of the key ligaments that help stabilize the knee joint. ACL injuries are common in sports that involve sudden stops, jumps, and changes in direction, such as soccer and basketball.

Symptoms:

A loud “pop” sound during the injury
Severe pain and inability to continue activity
Rapid swelling
Instability and “giving way” of the knee

Causes:

Sudden deceleration and pivoting
Direct blow to the knee
Landing awkwardly from a jump

Treatment:

Rest and ice to reduce swelling
Physical therapy to restore strength and function
Knee brace to stabilize the joint
Surgical reconstruction for severe cases

5. Patellar Tendinitis

Patellar tendinitis, also known as jumper’s knee, is an overuse injury affecting the tendon that connects the kneecap (patella) to the shinbone. It is common in athletes who frequently jump or engage in activities that place a lot of stress on the knees.

Symptoms:

Pain at the base of the kneecap
Swelling and tenderness
Pain during physical activity, especially jumping or running
Stiffness after activity or prolonged periods of sitting

Causes:

Overuse from repetitive jumping or running
Sudden increase in physical activity
Tight leg muscles
Misalignment of the lower limb

Treatment:

Rest and avoidance of activities that exacerbate the pain
Ice and anti-inflammatory medications
Physical therapy focusing on stretching and strengthening exercises
Eccentric training (controlled lowering of the knee)
In severe cases, surgical intervention

6. Bursitis

Bursitis of the knee occurs when the small fluid-filled sacs (bursae) that cushion the knee joint become inflamed. This condition can be caused by repetitive kneeling, overuse, or a direct blow to the knee.

Symptoms:

Pain and swelling on the front of the knee
Tenderness and warmth
Limited movement due to pain
Swelling that worsens with activity

Causes:

Prolonged kneeling
Direct trauma to the knee
Overuse from repetitive activities
Infection

Treatment:

Rest and avoidance of activities that trigger symptoms
Ice to reduce swelling
Anti-inflammatory medications
Physical therapy to strengthen surrounding muscles
Aspiration to remove excess fluid
Antibiotics if an infection is present

7. Iliotibial Band Syndrome

Iliotibial band syndrome (ITBS) is an overuse injury that commonly affects runners and cyclists. The iliotibial band is a thick band of tissue that runs from the hip to the shin, and ITBS occurs when this band becomes tight or inflamed.

Symptoms:

Pain on the outside of the knee
Tightness in the hip or thigh
Pain that worsens with activity, especially running downhill or cycling

Causes:

Overuse from repetitive knee bending
Running on uneven surfaces
Inadequate stretching or warm-up
Weak hip muscles

Treatment:

Rest and reduction of activity
Ice and anti-inflammatory medications
Physical therapy focusing on stretching and strengthening exercises
Foam rolling to release tension in the iliotibial band
Proper warm-up and stretching routines before activity

Preventing Knee Problems

Preventing knee problems involves maintaining healthy habits and being mindful of activities that can cause knee injuries. Here are some tips to help protect your knees:

Maintain a healthy weight: Excess weight puts additional stress on your knees, increasing the risk of osteoarthritis and other knee problems.
Stay active: Regular exercise helps keep the muscles around your knees strong and flexible. Focus on low-impact activities like swimming, cycling, and walking.
Warm up before exercise: Proper warm-up and stretching can help prevent injuries by preparing your muscles and joints for activity.
Wear appropriate footwear: Shoes that provide good support and cushioning can help reduce the impact on your knees.
Strengthen your leg muscles: Exercises that target the quadriceps, hamstrings, and calves can help stabilize and support your knees.
Avoid overuse: Listen to your body and avoid pushing through pain. Allow adequate rest and recovery time between intense activities.

By understanding common knee problems and taking steps to prevent them, you can maintain healthy and pain-free knees for years to come.

Ready to explore your options for chiropractic and physiotherapy? Contact SwastyaPhysio today to schedule a consultation and discover the best path to your wellness journey. We’re here to support your health every step of the way.