5 Surprising Causes of Knee Pain

The knee is an important part of your body and musculoskeletal system. Knee pain can make it difficult for you to be active and perform routine tasks. Knee disorders can decrease the quality of your life and even your self-esteem. While some people experience knee pain because of injury, others can develop it due to certain diseases or normal wear-and-tear over many years. 

Keep reading to discover 5 surprising causes that can make you feel knee pain. 

1. Tendonitis

Tendon is a part of your knee that connects the kneecap to your shinbone. Tendonitis is a condition in which the tendon becomes inflamed or injured. Anyone can get this condition, but athletes are more prone to it. Chronic stress on the knee causes small tears in the tendon. Over time, tears turn into inflammation and tendon weakening. The pain caused by tendonitis can range from mild to severe. 

Without proper medical treatment, tendonitis can aggravate and limit your everyday functioning. Treatment of tendonitis usually includes over-the-counter medications to relieve inflammation and physical therapy to strengthen your muscles. For severe cases, your doctor may suggest surgery to repair the tendon.

2. Osteoarthritis

Osteoarthritis is a condition in which the natural cushioning between joints wears away due to wear-and-tear. Age is the main risk factor for this condition because of lifelong wear-and-tear, but young people can also develop it. Osteoarthritis can result from injury or infection. By being overweight you also increase your risk of developing osteoarthritis significantly. Excess weight causes additional stress in your joints so they wear away faster. 

The treatment of osteoarthritis usually includes pain relievers, anti-inflammatory drugs, and physical therapy. In severe cases, the doctor may suggest the injections of corticosteroids or surgery. 

3. Rheumatoid arthritis

Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disease in which your immune system attacks healthy tissues in your joints. This condition is symmetrical and usually affects both knee joints. This condition causes inflammation and swelling of the joint tissues. This can decrease the range of knee movement and cause pain. Over time, this condition can make your bones rub against each other and cause bone damage. 

Untreated rheumatoid arthritis can cause chronic inflammation and lead to permanent joint damage. There are surgical and nonsurgical options. Nonsurgical options include corticosteroid injections, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, and disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs. Surgical methods are aimed at repairing damaged ligaments, tendons, bones, and joints. Due to severe damage, the doctor may suggest replacing the knee joint. 

4. Meniscus tears

The meniscus is a piece of cartilage in your knee that cushions and stabilizes the joint. If meniscus wears away it can contribute to bone damage. This condition is painful, irritating, and can decrease the quality of your life significantly. Athletes have a higher risk of this condition, but any person can develop it. Along with pain, you may experience swelling, and difficulty straightening the leg. 

The treatment of meniscus depends on the size and location of the tear. Common recommendations for people with meniscus injury include resting the knee, icing the knee, and elevating your knee while sitting or lying down. By taking non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs you can relieve inflammation and swelling. 

5. Bursitis

Bursa is a small fluid-filled sac situated near your knee joint. Bursitis is an inflammation of the bursa which reduces friction and cushions bones, tendons, and joints. Bursitis causes pain and can limit your range of motions. The affected knee may feel warm, tender, and swollen when you put pressure on it. Prolonged kneeling, obesity, and osteoarthritis can make you more prone to bursitis.