Did you know that in the US, there are 58.5 million people who have arthritis?
It’s one of the most common pains to experience. What exactly could be the cause of your knee pain? Can it be solved with a heating pad or maybe some Tylenol?
Read on to find out the common causes of knee pain.
1. Femoral-Tibial Joint Stress
Common causes of knee pain can often be traced to stress on the femorotibial joint. This joint is responsible for joining the distal (lower) end of the femur (thigh bone) to the proximal (upper) end of the tibia (shin bone).
Stress on this joint can result from various factors, such as overloading due to bearing excessive weight, playing sports, or injury to the joint. Repetitive motions, such as crouching, can also lead to stress on the joint and ultimately cause pain.
2. Meniscus Damage
One of the most common causes of knee pain is meniscus damage. Meniscus damage is a tear in one or more of the rubbery discs between the thigh and the shin bones, which helps cushion the joint.
Meniscal tears can occur from sports, falls, or turning quickly. Common symptoms of meniscus damage include a popping sound at the time of injury, swelling, and pain in the knee. If you need help, be sure to know more about this by consulting a specialist to prevent it from worsening.
3. Muscle Imbalances & Weaknesses
Knee pain due to muscle imbalances and weaknesses is a common knee problem among athletes and those who are very active. Muscle imbalances occur when the muscles around the knee joint are not equally strong, which can cause pain and instability.
Weakness can be caused by muscle atrophy due to an injury, lack of use of the affected muscle, or an imbalance between opposing muscle groups. This leads to increased tension in the knee joint and can cause rotational instability.
4. Aging and Overuse
Knee pain due to aging and overuse is a common degenerative condition that can be felt acutely or as a nagging, dull ache. As the body ages, it is more susceptible to knee pain due to the wear and tear of the cartilage and other joint tissues.
Common causes of knee pain due to aging and overuse include osteoarthritis, bursitis, torn ligaments, and tendonitis. A combination of rest, physical activity, and possibly physical therapy are necessary for pain treatment caused by overuse and aging.
5. Misaligned Biomechanics
Misaligned biomechanics, or movement not in the correct or regular pattern, is a common cause of knee pain. Forces placed on the knee joint can wear out cartilage and other connective tissues, leading to pain, inflammation, and altered movement.
When a person has weak thigh muscles, the force placed on the knee is not absorbed evenly, leading to pain and further injury. People with misaligned biomechanics may be prescribed physical therapy to strengthen weak muscles and redistribute weight more evenly while walking, running, and other activities.
Avoiding Causes of Knee Pain
Several different factors are causes of knee pain. It can be minor, such as uneven terrain, or more serious, such as arthritis. Identifying the root cause and seeking appropriate treatment as soon as possible is essential.
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