Did you know that approximately 100 million Americans are affected by chronic pain? The second most common type of chronic pain is knee pain. And about one in every three Americans report suffering from knee pain.
Although it is more prevalent in seniors, your health and lifestyle can also lead to suffering. It could be due to a sudden injury, an underlying condition, or overuse of the injured leg, leading to intense pain, swelling, and stiffness.
Whatever the cause of pain might be, you must visit the orthopedic immediately. They will conduct tests and ask you questions to determine the severeness of the pain.
Below are some other reasons that might cause serious knee pain.
5 Possible Causes of Knee Pain
Bursitis
Bursitis (also known as “preacher’s knee”) is the condition where the bursa gets damaged, leading to pain and swelling. Bursa is basically a sac that holds fluids that help prevent friction between the joints. Fall, repeated bending, kneeling, and overuse of the knee can irritate the bursa. It is very common for athletes.
Therefore, it is advisable to keep your posture correct, don’t put too much pressure on your knees. And avoid kneeling or bending your knee too much.
IT (Iliotibial) Band Syndrome
The iliotibial band is a piece of tough tissue. The IT band runs from your hips down to the outer part of the knee. Generally, when people overdo any activity, the tissue starts to get inflamed. This causes immense pain on the outer side of the knee. It is most common in runners and hikers when they go downhill.
Osteoarthritis
Osteoarthritis is the prime cause of pain after the age of 50. It is a “wear and tear” type of arthritis and causes the knee joint to swell and ache, especially when you are active. In some cases, the joint also gets stiff.
Fortunately, you can improve your condition with proper self-care and regular visits to the doctor. In case the condition gets worse, it is recommended to get surgery. So, look out for the Best knee replacement surgeons and explain your symptoms. They can help identify the prime cause and help you get better soon.
Osgood-Schlatter Disease
This condition usually happens at a very young age, specifically when the bones and other knee parts are still developing. The pain is generally below the knee, where the shin connects to the tendon.
If you feel irritation and pain at the bottom of the knee (at the tibial tubercle), it is probably due to the Osgood-Schlatter disease. The pain might come and go over time, but it is essential to visit the doctor as soon as you experience the pain.
Patellar Tendinitis
When exercising causes inflammation in the tendon, it leads to patellar tendinitis. It makes the areas sore, thus very painful to touch. This condition is also known as “jumper’s knee” because the prime cause of patellar tendinitis is repetitive jumping. Therefore, it is essential not to overdo exercise and pay attention to the bones and muscles.
To Sum It All Up!
Knee pain, if not treated timely, can affect your life severely. It can worsen your situation leading to difficulty in walking or performing everyday activities. Therefore, consult your orthopedic doctor and get treated as soon as you experience any pain.
