Causes of knee pain
Knee pain is a common discomfort that affects people of all ages. It can arise suddenly from an injury or appear progressively due to wear and tear, age or overuse. The knee is one of the most complex and heavily used joints in the body, making it particularly prone to ailments.
Knowing the causes, symptoms and the most appropriate treatments is key to relieving pain and preventing complications. In this article we explain everything you need to know.
Reasons for knee pain
Knee pain can be due to multiple factors, from one-time injuries to chronic diseases. Here are the most common causes:
Injuries: Such as ligament sprains, meniscus tears, fractures or dislocations. They are frequent in active people or athletes.
Overuse or overload: Repetitive activities such as running, jumping or standing for long periods of time can cause inflammation and pain.
Arthritis: There are several types, such as osteoarthritis (wear and tear of the cartilage), rheumatoid arthritis (autoimmune disease) or gout.
Patellar chondropathy: Wear and tear or weakening of the cartilage behind the kneecap, common in young people and athletes.
Bursitis: Inflammation of the synovial bags (bursae) that cushion the joint.
Tendinitis: Inflammation of the tendons, especially the patellar tendon (very common in jumpers).
Structural misalignments or biomechanical problems: Flat feet, dysmetria, or poor posture can alter weight distribution and cause pain.
Symptoms
Knee pain may be accompanied by a number of symptoms that help identify its origin. Among the most common are:
Localized pain (front, side, back or inside of the knee).
Inflammation or swelling
Stiffness or difficulty moving the joint
Noises when moving the knee (cracking or popping noises)
Unsteadiness or a feeling that the knee is "giving out
Redness or warmth in the affected area
Difficulty walking, climbing stairs, or standing upright
It is important to note whether symptoms appear after a specific activity or arise for no apparent reason, which may guide the diagnosis.
Prevention
Although knee pain cannot always be avoided, there are many ways to prevent it or reduce the risk:
Exercise regularly, but don't overdo it. Strengthening the muscles surrounding the knee (quadriceps, hamstrings, glutes) helps stabilize the knee.
Warm up and stretch before and after exercise, especially if you do high-impact sports.
Maintain a healthy weight, as being overweight increases pressure on the joints.
Wear proper footwear that cushions well and maintains good body alignment.
Avoid standing for long periods of time or in positions that overload the knee.
Correct posture and body biomechanics, especially if you have flat feet or alignment problems.
Treatment for knee pain
Treatment depends on the cause of the pain, its intensity and duration. In most mild to moderate cases, conservative treatments are chosen:
Rest and icing: useful for reducing inflammation and relieving pain in acute injuries.
Anti-inflammatory or analgesic medications: Such as ibuprofen or paracetamol, under medical indication.
Physical therapy: Customized exercises to improve mobility, strengthen muscles and reduce pressure on the joint.
Orthopedic supports or knee braces: To stabilize the area and avoid painful movements.
Injections with corticosteroids, hyaluronic acid and platelet-rich plasma: In more advanced cases, especially with osteoarthritis.
Surgery: Only in severe situations, such as torn ligaments, meniscus or severe joint wear. It can be arthroscopic or total knee replacement.
When to see a doctor
Although in many cases knee pain may be temporary and improve with basic home care, there are certain signs that indicate the need to see a health professional for a more complete evaluation.
You should consult your doctor if your knee pain is severe or persistent, especially if it does not improve after several days of rest, ice or pain medication. Chronic or recurring pain may be a symptom of a structural injury or underlying disease that needs specific treatment.
It is also important to seek medical attention if you experience difficulty bearing weight on the affected leg or if you feel the knee lose stability, “give out” or lock when walking. These signs may be related to ligament, meniscus or tendon problems.
Another warning sign is sudden swelling or visible deformity in the joint, especially if accompanied by redness, local heat or fever. These symptoms could indicate a joint infection or acute inflammation that requires urgent treatment.
Finally, if you have suffered a direct injury (for example, during a sporting activity or after a fall) and the pain appeared immediately afterwards, it is advisable to make a medical consultation to rule out fractures, dislocations or soft tissue ruptures.
In case of any doubt or discomfort that interferes with your daily life, the safest thing to do is to see a doctor specializing in traumatology or physiotherapy. An early diagnosis can prevent complications and facilitate a more effective recovery.
Reviewed by Dr. Carlos de la Torre