Knee Joint Pain Explained: Causes, Symptoms, And Treatment Options
We can all attest to the vital importance of joint movement and flexibility, especially in the...
Knee pain is one of the most common types of pain experienced in the U.S. In fact, knee pain is the second most frequent cause of chronic pain. Considering that the knees are among the most regularly used joints in our body, it’s not surprising that problems can easily occur.
A wide range of issues can cause knee pain. Some of these issues are acute, meaning they last a short time and may go away on their own or with treatment. However, chronic knee issues last for an extended period. If you suffer from chronic knee pain, it’s essential to understand the causes, associated symptoms, and available treatments to manage it effectively.
What Is Chronic Knee Pain?
Chronic knee pain is defined as pain that persists for more than three months. It can vary in intensity but typically causes consistent discomfort and pain. Chronic knee pain can also be accompanied by swelling and stiffness in the affected joint.
It’s important to note that chronic knee problems are not always caused by an injury or medical condition. Chronic knee issues often result from overuse or wear and tear from everyday activities such as walking, running, or climbing stairs.
The Difference Between Chronic and Acute Pain
Acute knee pain generally occurs suddenly and lasts for a short period. It is often the result of an injury or medical condition such as a fracture, torn ligament, or infection. Acute knee pain can usually be treated with rest, ice, and physical therapy.
Acute knee pain is temporary and caused by issues that either heal with time or can be cured or repaired. On the other hand, chronic pain tends to be long-term and can be caused by problems that linger or are permanent. As such, chronic knee pain can be more challenging to treat than acute knee pain.
Symptoms of Chronic Knee Pain
There are various symptoms that may indicate you are suffering from chronic knee pain. The following are some common symptoms associated with chronic knee problems:
Swelling and Stiffness
Certain chronic knee issues can cause the knee joint to become inflamed, leading to swelling and stiffness. This can make the knee tender to the touch and difficult to move or bend.
Reduced Knee Mobility
Chronic knee pain can reduce the mobility of the joint. This means it may be challenging to move, bend, or extend the affected knee due to swelling, stiffness, or pain.
Warmth and Redness
If your knee is inflamed or infected, it might be warm to the touch and appear red. This can indicate an underlying medical condition contributing to your chronic knee pain.
Clicking Noises When Bending the Knee
Hearing a clicking or grinding sound when you bend your knee could indicate a problem with the cartilage. Conditions such as arthritis can lead to chronic knee pain and these sounds.
Joint Instability
Knee instability can be a symptom of chronic knee pain. If you feel like your knee is giving out or buckling when you put weight on it, this could be due to weakened knee ligaments or damage to the cartilage.
Persistent Ache or Discomfort
A persistent ache or discomfort in your knee lasting more than three months is an indication of chronic knee pain. The intensity and type of pain can vary depending on the underlying cause of your chronic knee issues.
Reduced Knee Mobility
In our everyday lives, we perform movements such as walking, jogging, climbing stairs, or bending down to tie our shoes almost automatically. If we can perform these movements, it is thanks to the knees’ complex structure of bones, ligaments, tendons,...
The Enduring Impact of Chronic Knee Pain on Quality of Life
Living with chronic knee pain can significantly impact your life, both physically and emotionally. Over time, the pain and discomfort can result in a decreased quality of life, along with other long-term effects such as:
- Physical Limitations: Chronic knee pain can make walking, climbing stairs, and performing everyday activities difficult. This can lead to a loss of independence and the inability to participate in activities that were once enjoyed.
- Muscle Weakness: Knee pain can cause muscles in the affected area to weaken due to lack of use. This can lead to further loss of mobility and an increased risk of falls or other accidents.
- Emotional Stress: Chronic knee pain can lead to depression, anxiety, and other mental health issues as a result of the physical limitations it causes. This can further limit your ability to enjoy life and participate in activities.
- Worsening Symptoms: Without treatment, chronic knee pain can worsen over time. This can lead to a decreased range of motion and an increased risk for serious conditions such as arthritis or other degenerative diseases.
Causes of Chronic Knee Pain
Because the knees are some of the most used joints in the body, there are countless issues that can lead to chronic knee pain. Here are some common causes of chronic knee pain:
Tendinitis
Tendinitis is an inflammation of the tendons connected to the knee joint. It can be caused by overuse or aggravated by activities such as running or jumping. Tendinitis can lead to chronic knee pain, swelling, and stiffness, which can limit mobility.
Bursitis
Bursitis occurs when the bursa becomes inflamed. The bursa is a small sac located between the knee joint’s bones and tendons, protecting the knee joint from friction and wear and tear. If it becomes inflamed, it can cause chronic pain in the knee joint. Infection or trauma to the joint can cause bursitis, often resulting in chronic knee pain, swelling, and tenderness when applying pressure to the area.
Ligament Tears
Ligament tears can be caused by direct trauma to the knee or overuse, leading to chronic knee pain. These tears are common sports-related injuries due to the high forces applied to the knee joint when running or jumping. If a ligament is torn, it can cause instability in the joint and chronic pain.
Arthritis
Arthritis is a degenerative joint disease that can cause chronic knee pain. This condition is often caused by age-related wear and tear on the joint, but it can also be due to an underlying medical issue. Arthritis in the knee joint can lead to pain, stiffness, and decreased mobility. There are many types of arthritis, including osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis.
The most common type of arthritis is osteoarthritis, which affects millions of people worldwide. It occurs in the knee joint when the cartilage cushioning the bones wears down over time, causing bone to rub against bone and resulting in chronic pain. It’s estimated that 10 percent of men and 13 percent of women over the age of 60 suffer from osteoarthritis knee pain.
Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome
Patellofemoral pain syndrome occurs when the kneecap does not move properly within the knee joint. This can be caused by tight muscles and tendons, weak quadriceps muscles, or alignment issues in the knee. Patellofemoral pain syndrome can lead to chronic pain, knee discomfort, and a clicking sensation when bending the joint. This condition is more common in women and athletes, especially those involved in running sports.
Injury or Trauma
While many issues that cause chronic knee pain develop over time due to wear and tear, various injuries and trauma can also lead to chronic knee pain. The following are examples of conditions caused by injury or trauma that can result in chronic knee pain:
- Osteoarthritis: Although osteoarthritis can develop due to wear and tear, it can also be caused by direct trauma or injury to the joint. Significant force, such as from a fall or direct impact, can damage the cartilage and lead to osteoarthritis.
- Chondromalacia Patella: Chondromalacia Patella is a condition caused by misalignment or excessive wear of the kneecap, which can result from direct trauma or injury, such as a fall.
- Gout: Gout occurs when uric acid builds up in the joint, typically due to dietary issues. However, direct trauma or injury to the joint, such as a sprain or fracture, can lead to inflammation in the knee, causing the buildup of uric acid and resulting in gout.
- Baker’s Cyst: A Baker’s cyst is a fluid-filled swelling that develops behind the knee joint. It can be caused by an injury or trauma to the joint, such as a ligament tear, leading to inflammation and fluid buildup. Baker’s cysts are filled with synovial fluid rather than uric acid.
- Rheumatoid Arthritis: Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disorder that can cause chronic pain and inflammation. Unlike osteoarthritis, it is caused by the immune system attacking the joint. This condition can be triggered or exacerbated by direct trauma or injury to the joint.
- Dislocation: Significant force, such as from a fall or direct impact, can cause the bones in the knee joint to become misaligned, leading to knee dislocation. This can cause chronic pain and instability. Although the knee can be repositioned with manual manipulation or surgery, dislocation can result in long-term issues such as arthritis and instability.
- Meniscus Tear: The meniscus is a piece of cartilage that cushions the ends of bones in the knee joint. A tear in the meniscus can be caused by direct trauma or injury, such as a twist or turn, leading to chronic pain and instability in the knee joint.
- Torn Ligament: The knee joint is supported by four different ligaments that connect the bones. Direct trauma or injury, such as a fall or twist, can cause one of these ligaments to tear, resulting in chronic pain, instability, and decreased range of motion.
- Bone Tumors: Bone tumors are abnormal growths of cells in the bones. Although rare, direct trauma or injury to the knee joint can cause these tumors to develop by triggering cell multiplication. This can lead to chronic pain in the knee joint.
Risk Factors
Conventional Chronic Knee Pain Treatment
Because there are many underlying conditions that can cause chronic knee pain, traditional doctors often recommend various treatment options. The following is an overview of the available treatment options for chronic knee pain:
Conventional Measures
Most traditional doctors will adhere to conventional measures to treat chronic knee pain, including:
- Anti-Inflammatory Medication: Because chronic knee pain is often the result of inflammation, especially in conditions like arthritis, anti-inflammatory medications, such as ibuprofen and naproxen, are commonly prescribed to reduce inflammation in the joints.
- Rest: Sometimes, an injury may cause chronic knee pain. In such cases, resting the knee by avoiding physical activities that strain the joint can help give the knee time to heal. For example, if you experience a minor tear in one of your knee ligaments, certain physical activities can exacerbate the injury. Resting the knee can allow it to heal on its own.
- Physical Therapy: Physical therapy can be used to increase strength and flexibility in the knee joint, which can help reduce pain and improve mobility. Building strength in the surrounding muscles can help protect the knee joint and reduce stress on it. Physical therapy is often prescribed for patients who have experienced knee injuries or trauma.
Surgical Procedures
In cases where chronic knee pain is caused by a serious issue, such as a severely damaged or torn ligament, surgery might be recommended to repair the knee joint. Surgery is usually considered a last option and should only be considered after all other treatments have been exhausted.
Surgery is an acceptable treatment option healthcare professionals recommend based on the individual’s needs. While it is invasive, it can become necessary to optimize recovery.
The following are the two primary types of surgeries performed to address severe chronic knee pain problems:
- Partial/Total Knee Replacements: Partial or total knee replacements involve replacing the damaged knee joint with a prosthetic implant. This is usually done in cases where the pain and mobility issues are severe and cannot be successfully treated with conservative measures.
- Cartilage Transplant: In cases where the pain is due to wear and tear on the cartilage, a procedure called a cartilage transplant can be performed. This involves replacing the damaged cartilage with healthy tissue taken from another area of the body.
Does Knee Pain Ever Go Away?
Whether your knee pain will go away depends on the underlying cause. Certain injuries can heal over time, while conditions like arthritis are permanent and cannot be cured. However, there are treatments available that can help reduce the severity of knee pain and improve mobility.
How NextPain Care Treats Chronic Knee Pain
At NextPain Care, we utilize multidisciplinary techniques to address chronic knee pain. Our holistic approach aims to address the root cause of your knee pain and deliver long-term relief.
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Ways to Avoid Chronic Knee Pain
As part of our holistic approach to pain management, we also provide our patients with lifestyle counseling. This involves everything from diet and nutrition recommendations to specific exercises and ways to manage stress. Keeping that in mind, the following are some steps you can take to avoid chronic knee pain:
- Warm-up Before Exercise: Before any physical activity, it’s important to warm up your muscles and joints properly. This helps ensure that you don’t strain or overwork your body and can help prevent certain injuries, such as torn ligaments or tendons.
- Low-Impact Exercises: Certain low-impact exercises, such as swimming or cycling, are excellent options for people with chronic knee pain. These activities help strengthen the muscles around the knee joint while avoiding putting too much strain on the joint.
- Maintaining a Healthy Weight: Being overweight can put additional strain on the knee joints, leading to chronic pain. Maintaining a healthy weight will help reduce the strain placed on the joints and can help reduce pain and prevent future issues, such as arthritis.
- Walking Downhill: Walking is a great way to stay active and reduce knee pain. However, it’s important to be aware of where you are walking. Walking uphill puts additional strain on the knee joints, whereas walking downhill can actually help reduce strain.
- Get Support: Proper footwear, such as orthotics or knee braces, can provide extra knee support and reduce pressure on them.
Start Moving Without Chronic Knee Pain
At NextPain Care, we believe that long-term relief from chronic knee pain is possible. By using a holistic approach to pain management that addresses the root cause of your chronic knee pain, we can help you get back to doing the things you enjoy. If you’re ready to start moving again, contact us today to learn more about our treatment program and how it can help you find lasting relief from chronic knee pain.
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