Knee pain experienced when bending and straightening the leg is a common complaint that impacts daily activities. This discomfort can range from a dull ache to sharp, intense pain, often hindering movements like walking, climbing stairs, or prolonged sitting. The knee joint, a complex structure of bones, ligaments, tendons, and cartilage, is susceptible to various conditions that can manifest as pain during its natural range of motion.
Common Causes of Pain
Several conditions can lead to discomfort when the knee flexes and extends, often stemming from overuse, injury, or degenerative changes within the joint. Patellofemoral pain syndrome (PFPS), known as “runner’s knee,” involves pain around or behind the kneecap. This condition worsens with activities that repeatedly bend the knee, such as squatting, climbing stairs, or prolonged sitting with bent knees, due to issues with kneecap movement.
Osteoarthritis of the knee is a common cause, where protective cartilage wears away. This breakdown results in bones rubbing against each other, causing pain, stiffness, and sometimes a grinding sensation during movement, making bending and straightening difficult. Meniscus tears, involving the C-shaped cartilage that acts as a shock absorber, also cause pain, swelling, and difficulty fully straightening or bending the leg. Individuals might experience a popping, clicking, or catching sensation.
Tendinitis, inflammation of a tendon, frequently affects the knee. Patellar tendinitis, known as “jumper’s knee,” causes pain and tenderness just below the kneecap, often exacerbated by bending, straightening, jumping, or climbing stairs. Quadriceps tendinitis presents as pain above or in front of the kneecap, making movements like squatting, jumping, or extending the leg uncomfortable. Iliotibial (IT) band syndrome causes pain on the outer side of the knee, common in athletes like runners and cyclists. This pain arises from friction or compression as the IT band, a thick band of tissue, moves over the thighbone during repetitive knee bending and extending.
When to Seek Medical Attention
While some knee pain may resolve with rest and home care, certain symptoms indicate a need for professional medical evaluation. Seek medical advice if your knee pain is severe, if you experience inability to bear weight on the affected leg, or if the pain prevents normal daily activities or affects sleep.
Prompt medical attention is advisable if you experience swelling, warmth, or redness around the knee. Other indicators include a feeling that your knee locks, catches, or gives way, or a popping sound at the time of injury. If your pain worsens over time, keeps returning, or does not improve after a few days of self-care, a healthcare provider can diagnose the cause and recommend treatment.
Treatment and Management Strategies
Managing knee pain involves home care practices and professional medical interventions, tailored to the specific cause and severity. Initial home care often centers on the R.I.C.E. method: Rest, Ice, Compression, and Elevation. Resting the knee by avoiding activities that trigger pain helps tissues heal, while applying ice packs for 15-20 minutes several times a day reduces swelling and pain. Compression bandages minimize swelling, and elevating the leg above heart level promotes fluid drainage.
Over-the-counter pain relievers, such as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), manage pain and inflammation. Gentle stretches and exercises, such as quadriceps sets or hamstring stretches, maintain flexibility and strength without exacerbating pain, though it is important to listen to your body and avoid pushing through discomfort.
For persistent or severe cases, professional interventions are necessary. Physical therapy plays a significant role, with therapists guiding patients through specific exercises to improve knee strength, flexibility, and range of motion. Modalities like ultrasound or massage aid healing and reduce pain.
Prescription medications, including stronger anti-inflammatories, may be used for pain control. Injections, such as corticosteroids, provide temporary relief from inflammation and pain, while hyaluronic acid injections lubricate the joint. Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injections, using a patient’s own platelets, may promote tissue repair. If conservative treatments are insufficient and structural damage is significant, surgical options, such as arthroscopy for meniscus tears, may be recommended to repair or remove damaged tissue.