Knee pain is a very frequent concern for many patients. There are many different causes for knee pain, many of which do not require patients to see a doctor.

 

First of all, please know that you should see a doctor immediately if:

• You have a sudden, severe injury to your knee and you are concerned concerned a bone may be broken, or that you have completely torn a ligament.

• If your knee is red or warm.

 

Otherwise, if you have a nagging knee injury over the last few days, weeks, or even months, then this article may provide you with helpful information.

 

COMMON CAUSES OF KNEE PAIN:

• Osteoarthritis 

  • This is due to years ‘wear and tear’ on the joint and very common as people get older. This may affect both knees or perhaps just one side more than the other. The pain usually starts gradually and progresses or persists over months or years. 

 

• Cartilage Tears or  Meniscal tears 

  • ​There are types of soft, cushion, tissue that covers the bone surface in joints and provide cushioning. The surfaces are usually smooth and slippery to allow the bones to slide back and forth across other when we move. It is common that over the years, we can get a small tear in the cartilage or meniscus, even without a specific injury. This causes pain and sometimes locking in the joint. These types of injuries usually heal all by themselves. It just may take several weeks to months. If they do not health you may require a knee arthroscopy.

 

• Ligament or Tendon Strains

  •  As above, you have had a sudden, significant injury and have severe pain, swelling, bruising, or joint instability, then that might mean you have a “complete” ligament tear. If this is the case, please see a doctor immediately. However, more commonly, patients may experience a mild to moderate nagging pain over several weeks, without or without a specific injury. Most of these do not need to be seen by a doctor because it will general settle with time.

 

• Muscle Strains

  • Pain felt in the knee does not actually caused by the knee joint. Instead, it can be due to strains of the muscles or tendons in the lower thigh or upper calf, for instance. These do not need to be seen by a doctor because it will general settle with time.

 

• Bursitis 

  • A “bursa” is a fluid-filled sack that provides cushioning and lubrication around the joint. Sometimes, these bursa can become inflamed, swollen, or painful from “wear and tear”, repetitive strains, or even banging the knee. When the bursa becomes inflamed, it is called “bursitis.” As above, if the bursa or knee is red or warm, then you should see a doctor. However, more commonly the bursa can become swollen or painful without being red or warm and does not need to be seen by a doctor because it will general settle with time. Here are some helpful articles on bursitis: HERE.

 

• Baker’s Cyst 

  • A Baker’s cyst is a fluid-filled cyst that causes a bulge and a feeling of tightness behind your knee. The pain can get worse when you fully bend or extend your knee or when you’re active. A Baker’s cyst is usually the result of a problem with your knee joint, such as arthritis or a cartilage tear. Both conditions can cause your knee to produce too much fluid, which can lead to a Baker’s cyst. These do not need to be seen by a doctor because it will general settle with time.

 

• Patellofemoral Syndrome 

  • This is typically pain in the front or upper front of the knee where the “knee cap” (patella) glides against bone in the lower thigh as the knee bends back and forth. Again, this is a type of “wear and tear” or repetitive strain injury. Click HERE to see some helpful handouts on exercises you can do to improve this condition. This does not need to be seen by a doctor because it will general settle with time and physiotherapy.

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Most of the above conditions are treated with:

Tylenol, NSAIDS & Physiotherapy