Cause of Knee Pain

Knee pain is one of the most common reasons to see an orthopedic surgeon. There are many potential causes of why your knee hurts.

●Arthritis

●Meniscal Tear

●Chondromalacia Patella

●Bursitis

●Patella Tendonitis

●Medial Plica Syndrome

●Ligament injury

Osteoarthritis mostly affects those over 50 years old and is a form of wear and tear. Pain and swelling may be present. Rheumatoid arthritis is a form of arthritis in which the body’s immune system attacks the joints resulting in chronic pain, redness, swelling, and deformity

Meniscal tears to the knee can result from direct injury such as a twisting event or a blunt trauma. Tears can also develop from degeneration of the meniscus. In this case, the meniscal tissue becomes thin and weak making it more susceptible to tearing. Symptoms of a meniscal tear may include pain, loss of mobility, a catching sensation, swelling, and feeling of instability

Chondromalacia refers to pain that originates from under the kneecap(s). This develops from abnormal wear of the cartilage and is common in younger patients.

Bursitis of the knee may develop from frequent kneeling on one or both knees. The burse is a fluid filled sac that protects the joint. Direct injury or strain to the bursa can cause inflammation and pain. In rare cases, the bursa can become infected from bacteria.

Patella tendonitis also known as jumper’s knee can result from repetitive strain or overuse injury in which pain to the front of the knee develops. Symptoms occur with activity.

Medial plica syndrome is a condition in which a fold of soft tissue gets caught in the knee joint. This may result from overuse and can cause pain and swelling. The diagnosis may be confirmed with arthroscopy of the knee.

Injury to one or more of the knee ligaments is commonly associated with sports activities. The Anterior Cruciate Ligament, Posterior Cruciate Ligament, Lateral Collateral Ligament, and Medial Collateral Ligament can be injured resulting in pain, swelling, and instability.

There otherl less common causes of knee pain including Osgood-Schlatter’s Disease, Gout, Patella Dislocation, and Osteochondritis Dissecans.