Top 10 Reasons Your Knees Hurt

Top 10 Reasons Your Knees Hurt

By understanding the cause of knee pain, you can take steps to protect your joints and find relief from discomfort. Staying active, maintaining a healthy weight, and practicing joint-friendly exercises can help keep your knees healthy for longer.
1.    Arthritis. Arthritis, including osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis, is a leading cause of knee pain. Osteoarthritis occurs due to cartilage wear, while rheumatoid arthritis involves joint inflammation from an autoimmune condition.
2.    Aging and Wear-and-Tear. With age, the knee cartilage naturally wears down, often causing osteoarthritis, pain, and stiffness. This wear-and-tear can make daily tasks more challenging. 
3.    Tendinitis. Tendinitis occurs when tendons become inflamed, often due to repetitive motions or overuse during activities like running or sports. Common in athletes, it also affects individuals with repetitive work tasks. Symptoms include pain and swelling near the joint, especially during movement
4.    Overuse and Strain. Overuse injuries, such as runner's knee or tendinitis, develop from repetitive strain on muscles and joints. Initially, symptoms may be mild but can worsen over time. 
5.    Obesity. Excess weight places significant stress on the knees, contributing to painful knees and increasing the risk of osteoarthritis. For every extra pound of body weight, around four pounds of pressure is added to the knees, intensifying strain. 
6.    Muscle Weakness or Imbalance. Imbalances or weakness in the muscles surrounding the knee, such as the quadriceps or hamstrings, can increase joint strain and lead to painful knees. 
7.    Bursitis. Bursitis refers to the inflammation of fluid-filled sacs (bursae) that cushion the joints. It often leads to pain, swelling, and stiffness in the knee. This condition can be triggered by repetitive movements, prolonged pressure, trauma, or other underlying conditions like arthritis. 
8.    Knee Injuries. An injured knee is a common result of high-impact activities, sudden movements, or trauma. Issues like ligament tears, meniscus tears, or fractures can cause pain, swelling, and instability. 
9.    Gout or Pseudogout. Gout and pseudogout are forms of arthritis that cause sudden, intense knee pain due to crystal deposits in the joint. 
10.    Patellar Issues. Patellar problems, like a dislocated kneecap or patellofemoral pain syndrome, can interfere with knee mobility. A dislocated kneecap occurs when the patella shifts out of place, while patellofemoral pain syndrome results from overuse or misalignment. 

Back to blog