Chronic Knee Pain: Causes, Risk Factors, Treatment, And Tips

Maybe your like

Medical News TodaySubscribeCauses and tips for coping with chronic knee pain

Medically reviewed by William Morrison, M.D. — Written by Jon Johnson on October 22, 2018

The knee joint
Causes: Trauma
Causes: Medical
Risk factors
Treatment
Tips
Other symptoms
Takeaway

Chronic knee pain is a common problem. It can happen for a number of reasons, and it can make it difficult to walk and function in everyday life.

The knee joint is complex, and a range of factors can lead to damage and pain.

When the components of the knee are not working properly, pain, inflammation, and other symptoms can occur. Problems can result from trauma or a medical condition.

Read on to find out more about the causes of knee pain and what people can do to relieve it.

The knee joint

Knee pain has a variety of causes — Chronic knee pain can have a variety of causes, including accidents and some health conditions.

To understand what causes knee pain, it may help to know what makes up the knee joint.

The knee is the joint where the thighbone, shinbone, and kneecap (patella) connect. It also involves cartilage, ligaments, menisci, and tendons.

Cartilage is a slippery substance on the ends of the bones in the knee. It lets the bones rub or pass smoothly over one another as the leg bends and straightens.

The menisci act as cushions between the femur and tibia that also act as shock absorbers.

Ligaments hold the bones together and give the knee its stability. Damage to the ligaments can result from overuse, as in sports, or from a traumatic injury.

Tendons are the connective tissues that attach the muscles in the leg to the bones they control.

When all these pieces work together, the knee functions as it should, and the person can move around freely.

Causes: Trauma

Falling from a height, receiving a direct blow to the knee, making a sudden change in direction, or making repetitive movements during sports training are all causes of traumatic knee injuries.

These can lead to:

dislocation of the kneecap
a fracture of the kneecap, femur, or tibia
torn ligament
meniscus tear

Injuries can happen if a person:

does not warm up before or after exercise or works too hard in an activity
participates in some sports, especially without using protective equipment
has a road traffic accident or a fall

Accidents, falls, and physical activities are common causes of traumatic knee injury. They can put the knee under extreme strain. If the knee does not heal properly, chronic pain can result.

Common problems include bone fractures, dislocated kneecaps, and torn ligaments.

Causes: Medical

Share on Pinterest

Knee pain can be the long-term result of an accident, or it can stem from a medical condition, such as arthritis.

Medical conditions that lead to knee pain include the following:

degenerative tissue disorders, such as osteoarthritis
infections
obesity
auto-inflammatory disease, such as rheumatoid arthritis
tendinitis, an inflammation of a tendon, leading to pain when walking upstairs
bursitis, an inflammation resulting from overuse
chondromalacia patella, or damage to the cartilage below the kneecap
gout, a type of arthritis
a Baker’s cyst, when fluid builds up behind the knee
a tumor, either benign or malignant in the knee

Read on for more detail on some of these conditions.

Obesity

Obesity and excess weight are major contributors to chronic knee pain.

Between 1971 and 2004, the incidence of knee pain rose by 65 percent in the United States, according to a study published in 2011 in the Annals of Internal Medicine. The researchers say this is mostly due to a rise in obesity.

Gout

Gout is a metabolic disorder. People with gout may experience knee pain, because gout causes uric acid crystals to build up in the joints. The result can be painful inflammation.This can also affect how the knee moves.

Degenerative tissue disorders

Osteoarthritis (OA) is a common chronic condition of the joints. It is a degenerative disease, caused by the “wear and tear” of the joints over time.

Common symptoms are pain and stiffness after long periods of rest. The knees may also become swollen after extended activity.

Osteoporosis is another common disorder. The bone becomes thinner, resulting in damage in the cartilage and connecting tissues in the knee. This can make a fracture more likely.

Bacterial infection

Bacterial infections — such as cellulitis — can cause sudden knee pain. Cellulitis occurs when bacteria that are normally on the surface of the skin make their way underneath the skin’s protective surface.

Without treatment, cellulitis around the knee can cause infection in the joint, resulting in redness, swelling, pain, and stiffness.

In time, chronic knee pain can develop.

Auto-inflammatory causes

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is the most common connective tissue disorder that causes knee pain.

It is an auto-inflammatory disease, in which the body’s immune system attacks its own tissues. In the case of knee pain, RA attacks the tissues of the knee.

Symptoms include pain, joint inflammation, fatigue, a fever, and appetite loss.

Risk factors

Some lifestyle factors can increase the risk of knee pain.

Trauma: Starting physical activity without stretching properly first can increase the risk if a traumatic knee injury. People who play intense sports, such as basketball and football, have a higher risk of traumatic injury.

Gout: Disorders like gout may be caused by lifestyle choices or genetics. Excessive alcohol use, obesity, and dietary factors may contribute.

Degenerative disorders: These often happen with ageing, although there are other factors. The risk of osteoporosis increases with age, specific genes, lack of exercise, and dietary factors.

Obesity: This increases the risk of OA, especially in the large joints such as the knees. Excess weight can put strain on the knees, resulting in pain and inflammation.

Bacterial infections: Cellulitis can occur in a person who has a weakened immune system, skin conditions, long-term swelling in the arms and legs, and obesity, or if they use drugs that require needles.

Connective tissue disorders: Risk factors for RA include a family history of RA, being over 40, smoking, and obesity. Women are also more likely to develop RA than men.

Other possible factors for knee pain include age, overuse of the joints, and genetic factors.

Exercising and following a healthful diet throughout life can help reduce the risk of many of these problems.

Treatment

Depending on the cause of the problem, the doctor may recommend:

pain relief medication or other drugs
an exercise plan, which may include low-stress exercise
resting the knee
a knee support
surgery

Pain-relief medications include anti-inflammatory drugs that will reduce the pain and swelling.

Tips

Taking care of the body and making healthful lifestyle choices can often help reduce the risk of chronic knee pain.

Lifestyle

Tips for reducing the risk of chronic knee pain and improving the outlook for existing knee problems include:

reducing alcohol intake
quitting smoking
maintaining a healthy weight

Obesity is a risk factor for many of the disorders that cause chronic knee pain. Keeping body weight in check can greatly reduce the risk of chronic knee pain.

Exercise

Share on Pinterest

Regular moderate exercise can reduce the risk, but warming up is essential.

Exercise directly decreases the risk of many diseases, including heart disease, cancer, diabetes, high blood pressure, depression, obesity, and osteoporosis.

Activities that strengthen the knees can help reduce the symptoms of knee pain if OA develops.

Low-stress exercises that may help improve or prevent knee pain include:

swimming
cycling
walking

Depending on the cause of the knee pain and the health status of the individual, a doctor can advise on what type of exercise will help, and how intense the exercise should be.

Sleeping

Some types of pain — for example, OA — can be worse at night. Tips for getting a better night’s sleep include:

finding a comfortable position, possibly with a pillow between the legs
using a long-lasting anti-inflammatory, for example, one that is effective for 12 hours
avoiding alcohol and caffeine, as these can disrupt sleep
maintaining good sleep hygiene, with regular times for going to bed and getting up
avoiding sleeping aids as people need a higher dose if they use them regularly
doing low-impact exercise to help with both pain and sleep
using a firm mattress, possibly with a foam pad on top to help distribute your weight

Other symptoms

As well as knee pain, a person may also have:

weakness of the knee and an inability to stand properly or fully lengthen out the knee
popping sounds as the knee flexes or straightens
swelling and stiffness around the knee
redness or warmth throughout the knee

These will depend on the cause.

Since many causes of knee pain can lead to the same symptoms, anyone who has knee pain that does not go away or who has severe pain should see a doctor.

Takeaway

Knee pain can occur for a wide variety of reasons. Anyone who is experiencing persistent knee pain should see a doctor.

The doctor will ask about the symptoms, carry out a physical examination, and they may also suggest imaging tests such as an X-ray or MRI scan. After diagnosing the cause, they will discuss the treatment options.

Suitable treatment may prevent a sudden or short-term knee problem from becoming long-term, or chronic.

Body Aches
Rheumatology
Bones / Orthopedics
Pain / Anesthetics

How we reviewed this article:

SourcesMedical News Today has strict sourcing guidelines and relies on peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions, and medical journals and associations. We only use quality, credible sources to ensure content accuracy and integrity. You can learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate and current by reading our editorial policy.

Bone cancer: Symptoms and signs. (2017, May)https://www.cancer.net/cancer-types/bone-cancer/symptoms-and-signs
How to keep sore hips, knees, and shoulders from ruining your sleep. (2015, January 28)https://health.clevelandclinic.org/how-to-keep-sore-hips-knees-shoulders-from-ruining-your-sleep/
Nguyen, U. S. D. T., Zhang, Y., Zhu, Y., Niu, J., Zhang, B., & Felson, D. T. (2011, December 6). Increasing prevalence of knee pain and symptomatic knee osteoarthritis: Survey and cohort data [Abstract]. Annals of Internal Medicine, 155(11), 725–732http://annals.org/article.aspx?articleid=1033191
Osteoarthritis. (n.d.)http://www.arthritis.org/about-arthritis/types/osteoarthritis/

Share this article

Medically reviewed by William Morrison, M.D. — Written by Jon Johnson on October 22, 2018

Latest news

Closing biological age gap could reduce stroke risk, support brain health
Daily multivitamin delays biological aging by up to 5 months, trial finds
Is everything we know about fat wrong? Experts debunk 4 myths
Once-daily pill could transform treatment for people with complex HIV regimens
Parkinson's protein linked to 20 times faster Alzheimer's progression in women

Related Coverage

Why do my knees hurt when I climb stairs?Medically reviewed by William Morrison, M.D.
Sudden, unexplained knee pain can be unsettling. A condition called chondromalacia may cause this pain only when a person climbs the stairs. It occurs…
READ MORE
How to identify and treat inner knee pain
Injuries and a range of health conditions can cause inner (medial) knee pain. Home treatments and exercises may help strengthen the knee and relieve…
READ MORE
Home remedies for knee pain and when to see a doctorMedically reviewed by Angela M. Bell, MD, FACP
This article explains some of the reasons why knee pain may be a problem, other symptoms that can occur, and tells you some simple remedies to try at…
READ MORE
Common causes of severe knee painMedically reviewed by William Morrison, M.D.
People often associate knee pain with older adults, but it can happen at any age for a wide range of reasons. What are the most common causes of…
READ MORE
What causes knee pain while sitting?Medically reviewed by Debra Sullivan, Ph.D., MSN, R.N., CNE, COI
Knee pain may be due to sitting for too long, sitting in an awkward position, ergonomics, injuries, and other conditions. Read about the causes and…
READ MORE

Tag » Why Do My Knees Hurt When I'm On My Period

Chronic Knee Pain: Causes, Risk Factors, Treatment, And Tips

The knee joint

Causes: Trauma

Causes: Medical

Obesity

Gout

Degenerative tissue disorders

Bacterial infection

Auto-inflammatory causes

Risk factors

Treatment

Tips

Lifestyle

Exercise

Sleeping

Other symptoms

Takeaway

How we reviewed this article:

Latest news

Related Coverage

Joint Pain And Women - Everyday Health

Got Knee Pain? Blame Your Cycle - Women's Health

Why Do My Joints Hurt During My Period? | POPSUGAR Fitness

How Come When I'm On My Period, My Right Knee Hurts And Is Always ...

Do Your Joints Ache During Your Period? Experts Explain How To ...

5 Period Side Effects That Aren't Cramps - Health

Your Period, Menstrual Cycle, And Arthritis Flares - CreakyJoints

Is It Normal To Have Leg Pain During My Period? | U By Kotex

Muscle And Joint Pain - Menstrual Matters

Reasons For Knee Pain During Your Menstrual Cycle

Endometriosis Leg Pain: Identification, Treatment, And More

Periods And Aching Muscles: Why Does This Happen? - A.Vogel

Knees Aching During Menstrual Cycle--strange?

Does Endometriosis Cause Leg Pain? - WebMD

Contact