Understanding Knee Pain: Causes and Solutions

Knee pain can range from a minor annoyance to a debilitating issue that significantly impacts your daily life and mobility. Yet, many individuals, particularly those over the age of 50, tend to ignore knee discomfort until it worsens. In Australia, about one-third of people over 50 experience knee pain, yet only a fraction seek medical help. Unfortunately, ignoring the pain or self-medicating can exacerbate underlying problems, turning a minor issue into a long-term condition that is more challenging to treat.

How the Knee Works

The knee is a complex joint that operates as a synovial hinge. It moves primarily in a forward-backward motion, but unlike a simple hinge, it also allows for some degree of rotation. This joint is more than just a connection between bones; it’s made up of muscles, tendons, ligaments, cartilage, and nerves, all working together to support your weight and facilitate movement.

Given the complexity of its structure, knee pain can originate from a wide variety of sources. Identifying the exact cause is the first step toward effective treatment and long-term relief.

2. Inner Knee Pain (Medial Side)

This encompasses discomfort both at the front and within the knee itself. Some possible causes:

• Medial Meniscus Tear: A tear in the cartilage on the inside of the knee, often caused by twisting motions, can lead to swelling and reduced mobility.

• Medial Collateral Ligament Injury: Stretching or tearing of this ligament, typically from a force pushing the knee inward, results in pain and stiffness.

• Adductor Muscle Tension: Tension in the muscles of the inner thigh can pull on the knee, causing discomfort.

4. Pain Above the Knee (Front)

• Quadriceps Tendonitis: This condition occurs when the tendon connecting the quadriceps muscle to the kneecap becomes inflamed, often due to overuse.

• Plica Syndrome: Inflammation of the synovial tissue in the knee can cause pain and weakness, especially during repetitive motions.

Common Causes of Knee Pain

1. Pain in the Knee Joint (Front and Central Area)

• ACL Injury: The anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) helps stabilize the knee. Twisting motions or sudden forces can damage this ligament, leading to pain, swelling, and instability.

• Runner’s Knee (Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome): This condition is common among runners and is caused by misalignment or overuse of the knee joint. It results in dull pain around the kneecap.

• Chondromalacia Patella: This occurs when the cartilage under the kneecap deteriorates, leading to a grating sensation and discomfort.

• Patella Tendonitis: Commonly known as “jumper’s knee,” this condition involves inflammation of the tendon below the kneecap, often triggered by overuse.

• Osteoarthritis: A progressive condition in which the cartilage in the knee wears down, causing pain and stiffness.

3. Outer Knee Pain (Lateral Side)

• Iliotibial Band Syndrome: This occurs when the iliotibial band, a thick band of tissue running from your hip to your knee, becomes tight or inflamed, causing pain on the outside of the knee.

• Lateral Collateral Ligament Injury: This injury affects the ligament on the outer side of the knee and can cause pain, swelling, and instability.

• Lateral Meniscus Tear: A tear in the cartilage on the outer side of the knee can lead to pain, swelling, and difficulty walking.

5. Pain Behind the Knee (Posterior)

• Hamstring Tendonitis: Inflammation of the tendon that connects the hamstring to the knee can cause sharp pain at the back of the leg, often due to overuse.

• Baker’s Cyst: This is a buildup of synovial fluid behind the knee, often resulting from arthritis or trauma, causing swelling and tightness.

• Posterior Cruciate Ligament Injury: This occurs when the knee is bent too far backward, damaging the ligament inside the knee joint.

What You Can Do About Knee Pain

Ignoring knee pain may seem tempting, but it often leads to more severe issues down the road. Early intervention is crucial. If you’re dealing with persistent knee pain, consider a consultation where we can conduct a comprehensive assessment and develop a treatment plan tailored to your needs.