DAVE WATTS, MD
Orthopedic Surgeon
Common Causes of Chronic Knee Pain
Chronic knee pain is a continuous problem for the patients. The symptoms you experience point to the cause behind it.
Reasons for Chronic Knee Pain
There are two types of knee pain, chronic and temporary. Temporary knee pain subsides with time, but permanent knee pain remains there for a long time.
Let us have a look at the reasons for acute knee pain.
Bone Tumors
Osteosarcoma is the second most common type of knee cancer existing in patients. It is potentially a dangerous issue and can cause chronic knee pain.
Torn Ligament
A knee has four ligaments, and a tear to any one of them can cause severe pain. Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL) is one of the most common knee torn ligaments.
Meniscus Tear
One or more of the knee cartilages tear to form the meniscus tear.
Knee Dislocation
The knee cap dislocation is a very painful condition. The knee cap pain is mostly caused because of trauma or dislocation.
Rheumatoid Arthritis
Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune inflammatory disorder which can cause swelling and knee pain. Long term rheumatoid arthritis can cause bone erosion and joint deformity.
Baker’s Cyst
The synovial fluid buildup behind the knee causes Baker’s Cyst. The synovial fluid is responsible for keeping the knee lubricated.
Gout
The buildup of uric acid can cause gout, another painful condition for the knee.
Chondromalacia Patella
The damage to the cartilage under the kneecap can cause chondromalacia patella.
Bursitis
The repeated overuse of the knee joint can cause the bursa to swell, resulting in bursitis.
Tendinitis
Pain in knee’s front which can get worse due to climbing, walking, or taking stairs.
Osteoarthritis
Deterioration and degeneration of the knee joint because of pain, and inflammation.
Some Factors Which Can Worsen Knee Pain
These are some factors which can further deteriorate the knee pain condition in patients.
Bad Posture
Bad body position during intense physical activity is a major factor contributing to increased knee pain.
Lack of Warm Up
When you do not warm up before physical activity, it can cause knee related problems.
Improper Muscle Stretch
The improper stretch of the knee muscles causing twisting or turning of the joint can result in problems.
Injuries
An injury which damages knee structure can result in swelling and bleeding. A knee injury must be treated on a timely basis before it can cause chronic pain.
Other Reasons
There are other possible reasons behind chronic knee pain too including sprains, strains, overuse, and infection.
Patients at Greater Risk of Chronic Knee Pain
Obese or overweight people are at increased risk of chronic knee pain. Obese patients have to carry extra weight affecting their knees and other parts of the body. Some factors of knee pain include athletic activity, physical exercise, injuries, trauma, or age.