Experiencing constant pain in the knee joint?

The knee is an amazingly complex structure. Four bones are held together by ligaments at the knee. Working together, they allow your knee to have a tremendous range of movement along with the ability to absorb great stress while walking, running, jumping or changing directions quickly.

Unfortunately, the knee’s versatility makes it susceptible to damage, from temporary pain to permanent injury that requires total knee joint replacement.

Any part of the knee can become stressed and strained, either because of an accident, trauma or from normal wear and tear over the years. This can include the ligaments, the tendons, the C-shaped cartilage known as the meniscii, or the bursae, fluid-filled sacks that cushion your knee joint so the ligaments and tendons can slide smoothly across it.

Some of the more common causes of knee pain are:

• A sudden turn, stop or cut from side to side while playing sports.
• An awkward landing or fall, where there is a significant blow to the knee.
• Repeated overuse or stress placed on the knee, often through a repetitive motion in sports or work.
• Normal degeneration from growing older.
• Trauma to the knee.

Nearly all knee injuries cause pain to occur, whether it’s an injury to the ligaments, tendons, meniscus or bursae.

Symptoms can include:

• Inability to bear weight on the knee
• Pain in one or both knees
• Inability to completely straighten the leg
• Mild to moderate swelling (can occur up to 24 to 36 hours after the injury)
• Warm feeling
• Aching or stiffness when you walk

Other conditions can cause knee pain as well, including a loose piece of cartilage or bone that is floating in the joint region. The kneecap can also become dislocated, causing intense pain and swelling. 

Learn more about treatment options, including knee replacement surgery