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What are the causes of knee pain?

 Knee pain is commonly caused by injuries, mechanical problems, different types of arthritis and other problems.





Injuries

A knee injury can affect the bones, cartilage and ligaments that form the joint itself as well as the ligaments, tendons, or fluid-filled sacs (bursae) that surround your knee joint. The common knee injuries include:

  • ACL injury - An ACL injury is a tear of the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) — one of four ligaments that connect your shinbone to your thighbone. It occurs in people who play soccer, basketball, or other sports that require a sudden change in direction.

  • Fractures - Knee bone, including the kneecap (patella), can be broken during motor vehicle collisions or falls. Even the osteoporosis patients whose bones have become weak can experience a knee fracture by stepping wrongly.

  • Torn meniscus - The meniscus is composed of tough, rubbery cartilage between your shinbone and thighbone. It acts as a shock absorber. But it gets torn if you suddenly twist your knee while holding weight on it.

  • Knee bursitis - Bursae is a small sac of fluid that cushions the knee joint. When it gets inflamed, it leads to bursitis 

  • Patellar tendinitis - Tendinitis is an inflammation of one or more tendons — the thick, fibrous tissues that connect muscles to bones. Runners, skiers, cyclists, and those involved in jumping sports may develop this condition.


Mechanical problems

  • Loose body - An injury or degeneration of cartilage or bone can break off a piece of cartilage or bone and float in the joint space. This condition may create any problem if it interferes with knee joint movement.

  • Iliotibial band syndrome - This syndrome occurs when the tightening of a tough band of tissue named iliotibial band occurs that further rubs against the femur. It extends from the outside of your hip to the outside of your knee. Mostly, runners and cyclists are more susceptible to iliotibial band syndrome.

  • Dislocated kneecap - This condition occurs when the triangular bone named patella, which covers the front of your knee slips out of place, leading to its dislocation.

  • Hip or foot pain - Hip or foot pain may change the way you walk and place more stress on your knee joint. This problem in the hip or foot can even cause pain in the knee.


Types of arthritis

There are more than hundred different types of arthritis exist. The types of arthritis that affect the knee include:

  • Osteoarthritis - This is the most common type of wear-and-tear condition that occurs when the knee cartilage deteriorates with overuse and age.

  • Rheumatoid arthritis - This is the most debilitating form of autoimmune condition that can affect almost any joint in your body, especially the knees. 

  • Gout - This condition occurs when uric acid crystals build up in the joint. It affects the big toe commonly. Still, it can also occur in the knee.

  • Pseudogout - This condition is often mistaken for gout. It is caused by calcium-containing crystals which develop in the knee joint fluid. 

  • Septic arthritis - Infection of your knee joint leads to pain, swelling, and redness. This condition often occurs with a fever before the onset of pain. Septic arthritis can extensively damage the knee cartilage. 


Other problems

Patellofemoral pain syndrome is the condition where pain arises between the kneecap (patella) and the underlying thighbone (femur). It's more common in athletes. But this condition is seen in elders who are affected by arthritis.


Several risk factors can increase your risk of having knee problems:

  • Being overweight or obese 

  • Lack of muscle flexibility or strength

  • Certain sports or occupations such as alpine skiing, basketball's jumps and pivots, running or jogging 

  • Previous injury
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