Unlocking the Mystery of Knee Pain

Your Ultimate Guide to Causes, Diagnosis, and Treatment!

What are the Most Common Causes of Knee Pain?

1. Knee Osteoarthritis – a degenerative condition where the cartilage that cushions the knee joint wears away, causing pain and stiffness.
2. Traumatic Injuries – injuries such as knee ligament tears, meniscus tears, and fractures can cause knee pain.
3. Overuse Injuries – repetitive stress on the knee joint from activities such as running (runner’s knee) or jumping (jumper’s knee) can lead to knee pain.
4. Tendinopathy– inflammation of the tendons that attach muscles to bones around the knee joint. eg patella tendinopathy, quadriceps tendinopathy, popliteus tendinopathy
5. Bursitis – inflammation of the fluid-filled sacs (bursae) that cushion the knee joint. eg knee bursitis
6. Gout – a form of arthritis that occurs when uric acid crystals build up in the joints, including the knee joint.

How Is Knee Pain Diagnosed?

Knee pain is usually diagnosed through a physical examination, medical history, and imaging tests such as X-rays, MRI, or ultrasound. During your physical examination, your physiotherapist or doctor will check the knee for swelling, tenderness, or any signs of instability. A medical history will help your practitioner identify any underlying conditions that could be contributing to the knee pain. Imaging tests can help identify specific injuries or conditions that may be causing knee pain.

How Is Your Knee Pain Treated?

The treatment for knee pain depends on the underlying cause. In cases of knee osteoarthritis, scientific evidence supports weight-loss and exercise as the primary options. Your treatment may involve physiotherapy, pain relievers, anti-inflammatory medication, and knee braces or supports. In cases of injury, treatment may involve rest, ice, and over-the-counter pain medication, physiotherapy, injections, or in severe cases, surgery. For other conditions such as quadriceps or patella tendinopathy, load management strategies are critical. Bursitis, treatment may involve rest, ice, anti-inflammatory medication, and physiotherapy.

For specific advice please consult your physiotherapist or doctor.

Can Knee Pain Be Prevented?

Yes, knee pain can usually be prevented through various measures, such as maintaining a healthy weight, avoiding activities that cause repetitive stress on the knee joint, wearing proper footwear, warming up and stretching before physical activity, and strengthening the muscles around the knee through exercise. Please seek the assistance of your physiotherapist for a customised knee pain prevention program. Your doctor or dietician can provide you with weight loss options.

How Long Does It Take For Knee Pain To Go Away?

The duration of knee pain depends on the underlying cause and the severity of the injury. Some minor knee pain may resolve on its own with rest, ice, and over-the-counter pain medication within a few days. However, more severe knee injuries may take weeks or even months to fully heal. Knee pain persisting beyond few days may benefit from professional healthcare assistance to hasten your recovery.

When Should You See A Physio Or Doctor For Knee Pain?

You should see a physiotherapist or doctor for knee pain if it is severe, persists for more than a few days, or is accompanied by other symptoms such as swelling, redness, or fever. You should also seek medical attention if you experience a sudden, severe knee injury.

Can Knee Pain Be A Sign Of A More Serious Condition?

Yes, knee pain can be a sign of a more serious condition such as rheumatoid arthritis, gout, or an infection. It is important to seek medical attention if you experience persistent knee pain or if the pain is accompanied by other symptoms.

Can Exercise Worsen Knee Pain?

Some forms of exercise can worsen your knee pain if it puts excessive stress on the knee joint or if you have an underlying knee injury.

Low-impact exercises such as cycling, swimming, or yoga can actually help alleviate knee pain by strengthening the muscles around the knee joint. Your physiotherapist can recommend appropriate exercises for you based on your individual condition. Exercise prescription is a little like drug prescription, you could have an adverse reaction to the wrong exercise for you, so please seek professional guidance should exercise increase your symptoms.