A burning sensation in the knee often signals an underlying issue. This feeling can appear suddenly or develop gradually. Understanding its potential causes is important for proper management.
Common Causes of Burning Knees
The sensation of burning in the knee can stem from various conditions, ranging from inflammation within the joint to issues with nerve function.
Inflammatory Conditions
Inflammatory conditions are frequent culprits. These include osteoarthritis, where cartilage deterioration can cause a burning sensation. Rheumatoid arthritis, an autoimmune condition, also causes joint inflammation and burning pain. Bursitis, inflammation of fluid-filled sacs, often presents with warmth, swelling, and tenderness. Tendinitis, inflammation of tendons, can also cause burning pain, especially with movement.
Nerve-Related Problems
Nerve-related problems are another cause. Peripheral neuropathy involves nerve damage, leading to burning, tingling, or numbness. A pinched nerve, compressed by surrounding tissues, can cause sharp, radiating pain or electric-like sensations, often with weakness. Sciatica can also cause burning pain that travels down the leg to the knee.
Overuse or Acute Injuries
Overuse or acute injuries frequently cause burning knee pain. Patellofemoral pain syndrome (“runner’s knee”) involves irritation under the kneecap from repetitive stress or misalignment. Iliotibial band syndrome results from friction of a connective tissue band rubbing against the outside of the knee, common in runners. Muscle strains, meniscus tears, or ligament injuries from trauma can also cause burning, sometimes with instability or popping sounds.
Less Common Causes
Less common but serious causes include infections. Cellulitis, a bacterial skin infection, causes localized redness, warmth, and burning. Septic arthritis, an infection within the joint, presents with severe pain, swelling, fever, and chills. Skin conditions like shingles can also cause nerve pain and a burning rash.
Accompanying Symptoms to Watch For
Other symptoms often accompany burning in the knee, providing clues about the cause. Swelling, redness, or warmth around the knee often indicate inflammation or infection. Stiffness, especially after inactivity, and limited range of motion can suggest arthritis or bursitis.
Popping or clicking sounds during movement may indicate mechanical issues or instability. Numbness, tingling, or weakness in the leg or foot often suggests nerve involvement. Systemic symptoms like fever or chills, with significant knee pain and swelling, may signal infection. A visible rash with burning could indicate a dermatological condition like shingles.
Initial Steps and Home Management
For mild or recent burning knee pain, several initial steps can provide relief. The RICE protocol—Rest, Ice, Compression, and Elevation—is a recommended first-aid measure. Rest involves avoiding aggravating activities.
Apply ice packs for 15-20 minutes several times daily to reduce pain and swelling. Gentle compression with an elastic bandage can minimize swelling, ensuring it’s not too tight. Elevating the leg above heart level helps reduce fluid buildup.
Over-the-counter pain relievers, such as NSAIDs (ibuprofen, naproxen) or acetaminophen, can manage pain and inflammation. Gentle stretching may be beneficial, but avoid activities that worsen the burning.
When to Seek Professional Medical Care
While home management helps minor knee discomfort, certain signs require professional medical evaluation. Seek a doctor’s visit for persistent burning pain that doesn’t improve after a few days, or pain that significantly worsens. Severe pain, inability to bear weight, or a visible knee deformity require immediate attention.
Sudden burning pain after an injury, especially with swelling or instability, needs prompt evaluation. Signs of infection, like fever, chills, or spreading redness and warmth, require urgent medical assessment. If burning accompanies new numbness, tingling, or weakness in the leg, it may signal a nerve issue.
Understanding Diagnosis and Treatment Options
Diagnosing burning knee pain begins with a physical examination and medical history review. A doctor assesses the knee’s range of motion, stability, and tenderness. Diagnostic tests like X-rays visualize bone structures, while MRI assesses soft tissues (ligaments, tendons, cartilage). Blood tests identify inflammation or infection markers, and nerve conduction studies evaluate nerve function if damage is suspected.
Treatment options vary by diagnosis. Medications may include prescription anti-inflammatories, nerve pain medications, or antibiotics for infection. Physical therapy is a common treatment, involving exercises to strengthen muscles, improve flexibility, and enhance joint stability. Therapists may also use manual techniques or gait training.
Lifestyle modifications, such as weight management, low-impact exercises, and supportive footwear, can reduce knee stress. Injections like corticosteroids (for inflammation) or hyaluronic acid (for lubrication) may be considered. PRP injections are also an option. For severe injuries or advanced arthritis, surgical intervention might be necessary to repair structures or replace the joint.