Knee pain is a common problem stemming from various factors. The most frequent causes are related to aging, injury, or repeated stress on the knee. This can manifest in several ways, including:
Common Causes of Knee Pain
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Injury: A sudden trauma like a fall or impact can cause sprains, strains, ligament tears, or cartilage damage. Sports injuries are a frequent culprit. [Source: Mayo Clinic, Scripps, Penn Medicine, Cleveland Clinic, Johns Hopkins Medicine, NHS]
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Overuse: Repetitive activities, especially those involving running, jumping, or kneeling, can lead to tendonitis (inflammation of tendons), bursitis (inflammation of bursae), or other overuse injuries. [Source: Penn Medicine, NHS]
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Arthritis: Osteoarthritis, the most common type of arthritis, is caused by the wearing down of cartilage in the knee joint. This “wear and tear” arthritis is often associated with aging. Other forms of arthritis can also affect the knees. [Source: Mayo Clinic, Scripps, Cleveland Clinic, Harvard Health, Wayne UNC]
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Other Medical Conditions: Gout, a type of inflammatory arthritis, and other underlying medical conditions can contribute to knee pain. [Source: Mayo Clinic]
Understanding the Pain
The location and nature of your pain can offer clues:
- Pain behind the kneecap: Often caused by patellofemoral pain syndrome, potentially due to overuse or muscle imbalances.
- Pain between the kneecap and shin: Frequently associated with tendonitis from repetitive activities like running or jumping. [Source: NHS]
- Instability or “giving way” of the knee: Suggests a potential ligament injury or other structural problem. [Source: NHS]
Seeking Help
If your knee pain is severe, persistent, or accompanied by other symptoms like swelling, deformity, or inability to bear weight, it's crucial to consult a doctor or physical therapist for proper diagnosis and treatment. They can determine the underlying cause and recommend appropriate management strategies, including rest, physical therapy, medication, or surgery, as needed. [Source: Mount Sinai]
