Knee pain can often be severe, and it can prevent you from living your life to the fullest.

Knee pain is one of the most common types of joint pain, It can be localized to one specific area of the knee, or it can spread throughout the knee. There are bony structures which comprise the knee joint, as well as ligaments and cartilage in the knee joint. Any of these structures could be the source of your knee pain. Knee pain could be the result of an injury, an infection, or a complication of a medical condition. The traditional knee pain treatment you see is typically in the form of surgery or medication.

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Causes and Symptoms of Knee Pain

The severity of knee pain can vary, from a minor ache to a severe, disabling pain. There are many causes of knee pain:

• Infection

• Fracture of the kneecap

• A Baker cyst (which usually causes pain in the back of the knee)

• Osteoarthritis

• Acute injury, such as a torn ligament, broken bone or meniscal tear

• Patellar Syndrome

• Tendinitis

• Bursitis

• Anterior cruciate ligament injury (usually a sports injury)

• Knee dislocation (can be a medical emergency as blood flow to the
  leg could be compromised)

• Rheumatoid arthritis

• Septic arthritis

• Gout

• Osgood-Schlatter disease (in children)

• Excess weight

• Overuse during repetitive motions

 

Symptoms of knee problems include:

• Instability of the knee

• Difficulty walking

• Discomfort-caused limp

• Inability to bend knee

• Inability to extend the knee

• Redness and swelling

• Shifting weight to the opposite knee and foot

• Pain—either intermittent or chronic, minor to severe

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