What’s Behind Your Knee Pain?

Osteoarthritis is a degenerative joint disease characterized by the gradual breakdown of cartilage—the protective tissue that cushions the ends of bones.

• Causes: Develops over time due to wear and tear, but injuries, obesity, and repetitive joint stress can accelerate its onset.
• Who’s Affected: Common in older adults, but can also occur in younger individuals with a history of knee injuries or repetitive stress.
• Symptoms: Pain, swelling, stiffness, and reduced mobility.
• Management: Treatments such as injections to the knee, physical therapy, weight management, medications, and, in severe cases, as a last resort – joint replacement surgery to alleviate symptoms.

It’s best to protect your knees and seek early treatment to ensure they last a lifetime.

Tendinitis refers to inflammation or irritation of the tendons, the thick cords that attach muscles to bones.

Patellar tendinitis, or “jumper’s knee,” commonly affects the tendon connecting the kneecap to the shinbone.

• Causes: Overuse or repetitive motion, particularly in athletes or those engaging in activities like jumping, running, or cycling.
• Symptoms: Pain, tenderness, and swelling around the affected tendon.
• Management: Rest, ice, physical therapy, and strengthening exercises can help alleviate symptoms

Bursitis occurs when the bursae—small, fluid-filled sacs that cushion the knee joint—become inflamed.

• Causes: Repetitive pressure, prolonged kneeling, or direct trauma to the knee.
• Symptoms: Swelling, warmth, tenderness, and pain, especially during movement or kneeling.
• Management: Rest, anti-inflammatory medications, and, in severe cases, aspiration of the fluid and corticosteroid injection may be needed.

Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune condition where the immune system mistakenly attacks the joints, causing inflammation and damage. It is less common than osteoarthritis.

• Unique Factors: Unlike osteoarthritis, RA can occur at any age and typically affects multiple joints symmetrically, including the knees.
• Symptoms: Pain, swelling, redness, warmth, and joint deformity in advanced stages.
• Management: Early diagnosis is key. Treatments include anti-inflammatory medications, immunosuppressants, physical therapy, and lifestyle modifications.

Similar to gout, pseudogout involves the buildup of calcium pyrophosphate crystals in the joint.

• Symptoms: Severe knee pain, swelling, and redness, often mistaken for gout.
• Management: Anti-inflammatory medications and joint aspiration can help relieve symptoms.

Ligaments are strong bands of tissue that connect bones and stabilize the knee joint. Injuries to these ligaments are common, particularly during sports or high-impact activities.

• LCL (Lateral Collateral Ligament): Often injured by a force pushing the knee outward, typically during activities that involve twisting or sudden directional changes.
• PCL (Posterior Cruciate Ligament): Injured from direct blows to the knee, often in car accidents.
• MCL (Medial Collateral Ligament): Damaged during impact or a force pushing the knee inward.
• ACL (Anterior Cruciate Ligament): Often torn during sudden stops, pivots, or changes in direction, as seen in sports like basketball or football.

• Symptoms: Severe pain, instability, swelling, and difficulty bearing weight.
• Management: Treatment may include bracing, physical therapy, or surgical reconstruction, depending on severity.