Wondering what might be causing your knee pain and how to best manage it?
Here, experts break down the common causes and ways that knee pain manifests, and the symptoms that can strike. Plus, discover how to find relief for your knee pain with stretches, exercises, self-care strategies and certain medications and painkillers.
What is knee pain?
According to Beaumont Health Systems, knee pain includes:
- Mild, moderate or severe pain
- Shooting pain
- A dull, aching feeling
- Burning sensations
Dr. James Bicos, orthopedic sports medicine fellowship director at Corewell Health’s Beaumont Hospital in Royal Oak, Mich., said that knee pain can show up in a few key places.
“Typically for knee pain, a lot of people come in and point to the kneecap. The other part is on the inside part of the knee, you know, and that’s a common area that there’s cartilage tears,” he explained.
RELATED: 10 Exercises That Decrease Knee Pain
Knee pain causes
In addition to everyday wear and tear, Beaumont Health says knee pain can be caused by:
- Arthritis
- Tendonitis
- Dislocated kneecap
- A break or fracture
- Patellofemoral pain syndrome (kneecap pain)
- Iliotibial band syndrome (tendon irritation)
- Meniscus tear
- Infection
- Pain in the foot or hip that changes your walking style
- Anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) tear
The American Academy of Orthaepedic Surgeons (AAOS) explains that ACL tears are one of the most common types of knee injuries that cause pain. One study published recently in the British Journal of Sports Medicine showed that genes play a large role in contributing to ACL injuries.
“To put it very simply, we can say that out of all cruciate ligament injuries, 69% can be explained by genetics,” researcher Karin Magnusson said in a news release on the study.
Knee pain symptoms
Beaumont Health notes that knee pain symptoms include: