As some of the body's largest joints, supporting much of your body weight, your knees are particularly prone to damage. Certain health conditions or repetitive movements from work or sports and injuries can lead to knee pain. Some causes of knee pain may pass with only basic home care, while others require more involved treatment and lifestyle changes. If you experience severe knee pain or swelling, or you're unable to walk, consult a health care provider immediately.
Possible Causes
One cause of knee pain is arthritis, which occurs when knee cartilage breaks down, allowing the leg bones to rub together. Your arthritis risk is greater if you've previously injured your knee, your knees are subject to repetitive stress or you're overweight. Another possible cause, bursitis, occurs when the fluid-filled sacs that help your knees move smoothly become inflamed. While arthritis can cause this, so can overuse, trauma and infection. A sprain, or minor ligament damage, from sudden trauma such as twisting your knee can cause knee pain, too. Pain above or below the kneecap may be tendinitis.
Symptoms
Knee pain and stiffness, particularly in the morning, characterize arthritis of the knee. Swelling, warmth and redness are also among the symptoms. Bursitis of the knee displays the same symptoms, but may hurt more when you apply pressure, such as when kneeling. Bursitis pain typically occurs at the top of the kneecap. Sprains, too, may cause pain, swelling and warmth, but are more likely to bruise than redden. Tendinitis may cause swelling, redness and pain that worsens with movement, such as squatting.
Treatment
Arthritis, bursitis and strains all cause similar symptoms, so you'll need a health care professional's help for accurate diagnosis. Bursitis, sprains and tendinitis may require resting and elevating the knee as well as applying cold or heat. Some cases may require a splint or elastic bandage to support and immobilize the knee. The causes of arthritis aren't always curable, so treatment focuses on reducing pain and maintaining mobility. Your health care provider may recommend low-impact aerobics and flexibility exercises and, in some cases, medication.
Prevention
Reduce your risk of bursitis, tendinitis and sprains by varying your exercise routine and including low-impact exercise like swimming or cycling. This way you won't stress your knees with every workout. Gradually building strength and flexibility before starting a new activity can also help prevent knee damage. Wear knee pads if you kneel frequently and knee braces for activities that strain your knees. Protecting your knees and maintaining a healthy weight may also reduce your risk of some types of arthritis.
References
- University of Maryland Medical Center; Arthritis; Ariel D. Teitel, MD
- University of Maryland Medical Center; Bursitis; Steven D. Ehrlich, NMD
- University of Maryland Medical Center; Sprains; Linda J. Vorvick, MD
- University of Illinois McKinley Health Center: Overuse Knee Injuries
- MayoClinic.com; Bursitis: Symptoms; Sept. 26, 2009
- University of Maryland Medical Center; Tendinitis; Steven D. Ehrlich, NMD
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