Why Does My Knee Hurt? Common Causes of Knee Pain & Treatment Options

Knee pain can affect people of all ages and activity levels. For some, it develops gradually over time. For others, it appears after an injury or increased physical activity. No matter the cause, understanding what's behind your symptoms is the first step toward finding relief. We'll explore some of the most common causes of knee pain and ways to treat it.

Knee pain is common, but effective treatment is available. Talk with your doctor if pain is keeping you from the activities you enjoy.

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Why Is Knee Pain so Common? 

The knee is the largest joint in the body and, as we move, it absorbs and supports much of our weight. It stands to reason that any joint used that heavily and frequently, and doing that much work, is more likely to be injured. But knees have been bearing that load since humans could stand upright, so why are we injuring them more now?

A couple of key reasons are age and activity level. As a species, humans are living longer than ever. Evolution and medical advances are making that possible. As a result (and because we'd like to keep that trend going), we're also staying active longer than previous generations. Adults are still doing many of the physical activities they enjoyed when they were younger well into retirement age. That's a good thing, of course, because active people are generally healthier people. But our joints are racking up more mileage than ever, and that can lead to both acute (short-term) and chronic (long-term) pain. 

What Causes Knee Pain 

Age doesn’t ensure knee pain, of course. So what are some of the most common causes?

• Overuse: 

  Physical activity, exercise, playing sports, and doing physical labor can all stress the knee joint. So can repeating the same motion over and over (running, jumping, climbing, working on your hands and knees, etc.). These and other overuses can trigger knee pain.

• Injury: 

  Any trauma that damages your knee joint can cause pain. That can include falls, accidents, strains, and physical contact. Sprains, hyperextensions, dislocations, ligament tears, and fractures are all common knee injuries.

• Arthritis: 

  Arthritis is essentially joint inflammation. It can be caused by an infection, trauma, degeneration, or metabolic factors. In the knee, it’s usually accompanied by pain, swelling, and stiffness. Bacterial arthritis, osteoarthritis, and rheumatoid arthritis are familiar forms.

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How Knee Pain Can Affect Daily Life

Knee pain can affect more than exercise and physical activity. It may make everyday tasks such as climbing stairs, walking long distances, getting in and out of a car, or standing for extended periods more difficult. For some people, knee pain can even interfere with sleep, work, travel, and hobbies. Addressing symptoms early may help prevent further joint damage and improve overall quality of life.

Managing Knee Pain

No matter the cause, knee pain is a reality for lots of Americans. And while it can come and go, for many it’s a chronic issue that needs attention and possibly even intervention. Here are some ways to prevent or address knee pain depending on the kind you have.

• Stretch: 

  It’s always a great idea to stretch before and after any physical activity. If you experience knee pain, it’s even more important. Stretching can warm and elongate the ligaments in the knee and help prevent pain and injury.

• Wear support: 

  Many people who regularly experience knee pain benefit from wearing a knee sleeve or brace. In addition to providing stability for the joint, braces and sleeves can help keep the knee warm and more pliable.

• Stop, rest, and recover: 

  If your knee hurts during or after physical activity, the best thing to do is stop. While the pain from a strain may subside, it could worsen with overuse. The safest thing to do is stop, rest, and recover.

• RICE: 

  The old acronym for Rest, Ice, Compression, Elevation still works. When you experience knee pain, get off your feet, apply ice to your knee, wrap it with an ace bandage or a sleeve, and keep it elevated. It’s a proven recipe for quickly reducing knee inflammation and pain.

• Take an anti-inflammatory: 

  For minor knee pain, over-the-counter medicines like ibuprofen or aspirin can reduce inflammation and pain. Some people also experience longer-term pain relief from taking vitamins and supplements like glucosamine/chondroitin, turmeric, and Omega-3 fish oil.

• Strengthen: 

  One of the best ways to prevent future knee pain is to strengthen the muscles around the knee. Any exercises that strengthen the quadriceps and hamstrings can help support the joint, reduce knee pain, and help keep it from becoming chronic.

• Make lifestyle changes: 

  Improving your overall health can also benefit your knees. Eating a healthy diet, losing weight, getting regular exercise, and avoiding tobacco use are all healthy lifestyle choices that can also help your overall joint health.

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When to Consider Surgery for Knee Pain

Surgery may be considered when pain persists despite the treatment options mentioned above or when significant joint damage is affecting your mobility and quality of life.

You may want to discuss surgical options with an orthopedic specialist if:

• Knee pain continues despite nonsurgical treatment
• Arthritis is causing severe pain, stiffness, or loss of function
• A torn ligament, meniscus injury, or other structural damage is limiting your ability to stay active
• Knee pain is interfering with work, sleep, or everyday activities
• You experience ongoing instability or difficulty bearing weight

Knee pain is common, but it doesn't have to limit your life. No matter what causes your symptoms, multiple treatment options are available. If knee pain is making it harder to stay active or do the things you enjoy, talk with your doctor or an orthopedic specialist about the next steps.An orthopedic specialist can help determine whether surgery is appropriate and discuss the benefits, risks, and expected recovery based on your individual needs.