3 Common Causes of Knee Pain & How You Can Get Relief Heading

Knee pain affects millions of people each year. “The knee is a complex joint, and many conditions can contribute to knee pain and inflammation,” says Thomas Campbell, MD, physician at St. Joseph Health Primary Care University Drive. If you’re experiencing knee pain, identifying your symptoms will help you understand what’s causing your discomfort. Check out these three common causes of knee pain and find out how you can get relief.

1. Tendonitis

Tendonitis can cause pain at the front of the knee joint. It occurs when the patellar tendon, which connects the kneecap to the shinbone, becomes inflamed. Taking the stairs, climbing, or walking up an incline often exacerbates this pain. For most people, rest and physical therapy can be effective treatment options for tendonitis of the knee.

2. Torn Ligament

We often hear of knee ligament tears in high-performance athletes, but they can happen to anyone. All it takes is mislanding a jump or changing our direction of motion too quickly. A torn knee ligament can range from a mild sprain to a severe tear. Relief can include surgery, therapy, or a combination of both. If you suspect you have a torn ligament, make an appointment to see an orthopedic doctor.

3. Bursitis

Overuse of the knee can cause a condition known as bursitis. In a healthy knee, little fluid-filled sacs known as bursae help cushion the joint. If too much stress is put on your knee, these sacs can swell and become inflamed, causing bursitis. Resting your knee and icing it periodically for 15-minute intervals can provide relief. Wearing flat shoes with proper cushion and avoiding sleeping on your side can also help.

If you’re experiencing knee pain, make an appointment with a St. Joseph Health orthopedic physician. As the Brazos Valley’s leader in orthopedics, our team of experts can help with everything from diagnosis and therapy to partial knee or total knee replacement surgery.

Sources:
Healthline | Chronic Knee Pain
Healthline | The Common Causes of Severe Knee Pain
American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons | Common Knee Injuries
NIH | Knee Injuries and Disorders
Medical News Today | Ten common knee injuries and treatment