Knee pain can stem from a variety of causes, including joint health problems and poor daily habits. Understanding these different causes can help you prevent and treat knee pain more effectively.
Common Causes of Knee Pain
Here are some of the most common lifestyle habits that contribute to knee pain based on clinical experience. If you are experiencing knee pain, compare your habits to see if any of these issues apply to you:
1. Excessive Body Weight
If you are overweight, your knees bear a significant portion of your body’s weight, which causes prolonged pressure on the knee joint. This excessive load can accelerate the wear and tear of the joint cartilage, potentially leading to knee pain over time.
2. Poor Posture
Poor posture, such as standing for long periods or sitting improperly, can alter the pressure distribution across the knee joint. Imbalanced pressure increases the strain on the knee joint, which may lead to knee pain.
3. Overexertion in Physical Activity
High-intensity or repetitive exercises are common causes of knee pain, particularly when adequate rest is not taken or incorrect movements are performed. Activities like running, weightlifting, and other intense exercises can worsen knee joint wear. Athletes may also experience knee pain due to overuse of the knee in intensive training.
4. Hip Joint Issues
Problems with the hip joint can also affect the knee. Since the hip and knee joints are interconnected, any issues in one can affect posture and balance, causing knee pain. Diseases or injuries in the hip often transfer pain to the knee.
How to Diagnose the Cause and Location of Knee Pain
There are many causes of knee pain, and it’s often difficult to diagnose the problem on your own. If pain persists for a prolonged period, it’s advisable to seek professional help from a physical therapist. Most physical therapists will recommend the following detailed assessments:
1.Imaging Tests
If knee pain worsens or is accompanied by other severe symptoms, don’t hesitate to seek help from a physical therapist for a diagnosis. They will use your medical history, clinical symptoms, and various medical tests to determine the cause of your knee pain. Common imaging tools include X-rays and MRIs. X-rays help detect bone issues like joint degeneration, fractures, or abnormal structures, while MRIs provide a detailed view of soft tissue damage, such as meniscal tears or ligament injuries. Physical therapists can combine these imaging results with your symptoms and clinical findings to create a personalized treatment plan.
2. Knee Pain Location
After a detailed consultation, the physical therapist will conduct a clinical examination to pinpoint the exact location of your knee pain. Understanding where the pain originates helps in identifying its root cause. The therapist will also tailor a treatment or rehabilitation plan based on the affected area.
Outer Knee Pain
Outer knee pain is often linked to overuse of the knee. If you frequently jog or cycle, you are more likely to experience this type of pain, often diagnosed as Iliotibial Band Syndrome (ITBS). The iliotibial band (ITB), a tough tissue extending from the outside of the hip to the knee, becomes tight and causes friction against the outer thigh bone, leading to pain. This can also result from knee instability where the ITB tightens to provide additional support, causing inflammation.
For outer knee pain, physical therapists can design stretching and strengthening exercises to help alleviate the discomfort and improve movement.
Inner Knee Pain
Inner knee pain has several possible causes. The most common is pes anserine bursitis, which occurs when the bursa (a fluid-filled sac that reduces friction) beneath the three tendons on the inner side of the knee becomes inflamed. This condition is often seen in women or athletes who engage in running. Other causes of inner knee pain include injury to the medial collateral ligament (MCL) or the medial meniscus.
Pain Behind the Knee
If you experience pain behind the knee, check if there is swelling. If the pain is isolated without swelling, it’s likely caused by inflammation in the popliteal muscle. This is often felt after physical activity. However, if there’s noticeable swelling, you may have a Baker’s cyst, also known as a popliteal cyst. This condition occurs when excess synovial fluid accumulates in the popliteal fossa, often due to knee joint injury or overuse.
If you are unsure of the exact cause of your knee pain or cannot accurately identify its location, it’s a good idea to consult a physical therapist at OneEssential. A professional will help determine the cause of your knee pain and provide tailored treatment options.