Sore knees are a normal part of life, but occasionally, knee pain may be a sign of something more serious. Treatments for knee pain vary depending on the cause, so doctors will need to perform a thorough examination for an accurate diagnosis.
Many conditions can cause pain and immobility in the knees. To help you understand more about what could be causing your knee pain and why you may need professional medical treatment, take a look at some of the common causes below.
Common causes of joint pain in the knees
- Arthritis — Arthritis is a debilitating condition that damages the cartilage in your joints, including your knees. There are more than 100 types of arthritis, though the most common two are rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis.
- Tendinitis — Overuse of the knee can cause inflammation in one of its tendons, which is known as tendinitis. Typically, tendonitis in the knee occurs after walking a lot on inclines, such as stairs or hills.
- Bursitis — The joints in your body are protected from friction by small sacs of fluid known as the bursae. These sacs can become inflamed, which causes pain and immobility. This is known as bursitis.
- Anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) tear — The thigh and shin bones on either side of the knee are connected by multiple ligaments. It’s possible to strain or tear these ligaments under the right conditions. One of the most commonly injured knee ligaments, the ACL, can tear if the knee twists or bends too far in the wrong direction.
- Meniscus tear — The meniscus is the cartilage in your knee between the thigh and shin bones. A sudden twist or impact can cause the meniscus to tear, which can be painful and limit your range of motion.
- Gout — The buildup of uric acid in the body can lead to microcrystals forming in your legs and feet, which is known as gout. Although gout typically affects the feet and lower portions of the legs, it’s also known to cause pain in the knees.
Visit the iRISE Spine and Joint Institute for knee pain treatment
At the iRISE Spine and Joint Institute, we offer a variety of treatments for knee pain. Depending on the cause and severity of your knee pain, you may benefit from chiropractic care, interventional procedures, or orthopedic surgery. Talk to one of our team members today to learn more about which treatments are right for you or schedule an initial appointment.
