Knee pain may be associated with age-related changes in the body, traumatic events or overuse injuries. The knee is the largest joint in the body and provides stability and flexibility, which allows movements such as walking, running, cutting and pivoting. This joint is regularly under stress from both high impact sports and everyday activities such as stooping, kneeling, climbing stairs and squatting.
Osteoarthritis
According to Chester Knee Clinic & Cartilage Repair Center, located in the United Kingdom, osteoarthritis is the most common cause of knee pain and swelling in individuals over the age of 40. This condition appears gradually and is caused by deterioration of the cartilage in the knee. When the cartilage thins, bone begins to rub on bone, causing significant pain. Osteoarthritis may develop earlier in competitive athletes who suffered knee injuries during their younger years.
Bursitis
Bursitis is a condition in which the bursa becomes inflamed. The bursa, a fluid-filled sac inside the knee joint, serves as a cushion between the bone and soft tissue, such as tendons and ligaments. According to Chester Knee Clinic & Cartilage Repair Center, this can be caused from excessive kneeling, consistent bumps to the knee, infection or other injury. Early symptoms, including pain and swelling of the joint, are treated with anti-inflammatory drugs, stretching and sometimes steroid injections.
Chondromalacia Patellae
Chondromalacia patellae is a common injury among runners who do not wear the proper footwear or run too many miles too quickly in their training. According to Kids Health, it happens when the cartilage in the joint becomes soft, and the knee cap and thigh bone rub together. The cartilage can weaken from injury, overuse or muscle weakness. Treatment may include icing, anti-inflammatory medications, physical therapy, muscle strengthening or surgery to repair the cartilage.
Torn ACL
A torn or stretched anterior cruciate ligament injury is common in sports or skiing accidents as a result of a twist or fall. According to St. John Providence Health System, an athlete may experience a loud pop when the injury occurs. These types of injuries often create sudden pain, rapid swelling, limited movement and instant instability at the knee. Treatment may include surgery if the ligament is completely torn or more conservative treatment if the athlete does not intend to return to competition.
Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome
Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome is also known as runner's knee or anterior knee pain. According to St. John Providence Health System, it is a common cause of knee pain and one of the most common overuse injuries in the knee. It happens when the knee cap does not track correctly in the groove over the femur. Although it is referred to as runner's knee, it can actually be caused from any activity that causes increased stress over the knee, such as skiing or cycling. Sufferers may experience a popping or grinding when they bend and straighten the knee. Squatting or sitting with the knee bent can be painful.
Meniscal Tears
The meniscus is a disk of cartilage, a cushion at the ends of the bones that meet in a joint. According to Kids Health, damage to a meniscus is a common sports injury. It occurs when sudden changes in speed or side to side movements are required. At times, a meniscal tear occurs with an anterior cruciate ligament injury, which requires surgery to repair. A meniscal injury causes tenderness and swelling around the front of the knee and fluid may collect in the knee joint.
