Why does my knee hurt?
Most people have experienced knee pain in their life, but how server and how long depends on the complexity of the condition. Here are five possible conditions that are common sources of knee pain:
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- Bursitis: Inflamed bursae may cause knee pain in some people. Bursae are small pockets of fluid that lubricate the tendons of the hips, shoulders and knees for them to move freely along joints. Pain from bursitis builds up gradually or can be sudden and severe, especially if calcium deposits are present.
- Knee Ligament Injuries: The ligaments are what connect your thigh bone to your lower leg bones; they hold your bones together and keep the knee stable. Knee ligament sprains and tears are very common sports injuries, and can occur to the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL), posterior cruciate ligament (PCL) and medial collateral ligament (MCL). These injuries cause significant pain, and they require medical attention and oftentimes surgery.
- Patellar Tendinitis: If you have this condition, you have inflammation in the tendon that connects the kneecap to the shinbone.
- Osteoarthritis: Commonly known as “wear and tear arthritis” – may affect men, women and children, with women over the age of 55 at the highest risk.
- Damaged Meniscus: A torn meniscus is one of the most common knee injuries in adults. If too much stress is placed on the knees, the meniscus may tear, which can cause pain and interfere with the knees proper functioning. A torn meniscus causes pain, swelling and stiffness. You might also feel a block to knee motion and have trouble extending your knee fully.
