Knee pain upon straightening can stem from several causes. While arthritis is a possibility, conditions like runner's knee (patellofemoral pain syndrome) and jumper's knee are more common culprits. These often result from overuse, particularly in activities involving repetitive knee bending and straightening, like running, jumping, or cycling.
Common Causes of Knee Pain When Straightening:
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Runner's Knee/Jumper's Knee (Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome): This is inflammation often caused by overuse from running or jumping. Bending the knee might be painless, but straightening it causes discomfort due to irritation around the kneecap. [Source: adventpt.com, kidshealth.org, peakperformanceclinics.com]
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Meniscus Tear: A tear in the meniscus, the cartilage cushioning your knee joint, can cause pain, especially when straightening the leg. The tear can lead to localized pain and discomfort. [Source: phoenixrehabgroup.com, centenoschultz.com]
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Arthritis: Various types of arthritis can inflame the knee joint, causing pain and stiffness, making bending and straightening difficult. [Source: medlineplus.gov, hssh.health, medicalnewstoday.com]
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Ligament Injury: Damage to the ligaments supporting your knee can cause pain with both bending and straightening. [Source: centenoschultz.com]
Understanding the Pain:
The exact location and nature of the pain can offer further clues. Pain on the inside of the knee when straightening could indicate a meniscus tear. Pain in the front of the knee is often associated with patellofemoral pain syndrome. Pain at the back of the knee might be related to other issues. [Source: arthritiskneepain.com, medicalnewstoday.com]
Important Note: This information is for general knowledge and does not constitute medical advice. If you experience persistent knee pain, consult a healthcare professional for proper diagnosis and treatment.
