Top 7 Causes of Knee Pain

There are many causes of knee pain. Most of them are associated with injuries but some cases result from diseases. Adults over 60 years old experience knee pain from time to time and everyone experiences knee pain at a certain point in their lives.
Here are the top 7 causes of knee pain.

7. Osteoarthritis (OA)

Each joint contains cartilage between the bones. When these cartilages break down, they cause osteoarthritis (OA); that is why OA is called degenerative. If you feel pain when you walk up and down stairs or sit down in a chair, you probably have OA. (1, 2, 3, 4, 5)

6. Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA)

Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disease that can lead to severe knee pain. It causes inflammations in the joints, which leads to knee pain and stiffness, especially first thing in the morning. The pain starts deteriorating throughout the day. (6, 7, 8, 9, 10)

5. Medial Collateral Ligament (MCL) Injury

The medial collateral ligament (MCL) is located outside the inner part of the knee and it is reasonable for stabilizing the knee joint. Overstretching the ligament may lead to its injury and subsequently leads to knee pain. It is usually associated with swelling and instability in walking or standing. (11, 12, 13, 14)

4.Bottom of Form Meniscus Injury

The two menisci in each knee act like a cushion between the bones of the thigh and the shin. People who put their knees under a lot of pressure such as athletes and people who carry heavy weight can lead to tears or damages to the meniscus leading to knee pain. (15, 16, 17, 18, 19)

3. Pes Anserine Bursitis

The friction between joints is reduced by a burse, which is a small sac filled with fluid. The pes anserinus is composed of bursae located between the MCL and the sartorius, gracilis, and semitendinosus tendons. Bursitis occurs when the bursa produces extra fluid causing pressure and swelling in the knee joint, which can be painful. (20, 21, 22, 23, 24)

2. Medial Plica Irritation

The joint lining contains small folds called plica. Constant flexing of the knee can irritate the plica, which leads to their thickness and they may stick between the bones. Locking knees and cracking sounds are among the symptoms of medial plica irritation. (25, 26, 27, 28)

1. Knee Contusion

Knee contusion is an injury due to being hit hard by a hard object or falling. It causes knee pain and usually associated with bruised skin, swelling, stiffness, and difficulty in bending the knee. You should see a doctor immediately to assess the damage. (29, 30, 31, 32, 33, 34)