Knee pain when putting pressure on the leg is known as weight-bearing knee pain. This common discomfort can arise from various factors, from minor muscle strains to more significant joint conditions. Understanding the potential origins of this pain is an initial step toward finding appropriate relief and recovery.
Common Sources of Weight-Bearing Knee Pain
Pain around or behind the kneecap that intensifies with activities like climbing stairs or prolonged sitting often indicates Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome (PFPS), also known as “runner’s knee.” This discomfort worsens when the knee is flexed under load. Abnormal kneecap movement or muscle imbalances around the knee can contribute to increased pressure and pain in the patellofemoral joint.
Osteoarthritis involves the gradual wearing away of cartilage, leading to bone-on-bone contact and inflammation. This causes pain that worsens with activity and improves with rest. Weight-bearing activities, particularly climbing stairs, place additional stress on the damaged joint, making the pain more pronounced.
Meniscus tears can cause sharp pain, locking, or clicking sensations, especially during twisting motions under weight. The meniscus acts as a shock absorber between the thigh and shin bones. A tear can result from sudden twisting while bearing weight, leading to instability and difficulty in fully straightening or bending the knee.
Tendinitis, an inflammation of the tendons around the knee, often causes localized tenderness and increased pain with activity. Tendons connect muscles to bones, and their inflammation can arise from overuse or injury, causing discomfort when weight is placed on the knee. Bursitis involves the fluid-filled sacs (bursae) that cushion the knee joint, leading to localized pain and swelling. This inflammation can also cause discomfort.
Ligament sprains result from injuries to the knee’s stabilizing ligaments. These injuries can cause instability and pain, especially with specific movements or direct impacts. Iliotibial Band Syndrome (ITBS) manifests as pain on the outside of the knee, frequently affecting runners, and worsens with repetitive knee bending. This occurs when the iliotibial band, a tough tissue running from the hip to the knee, becomes tight and rubs against the outer thighbone.
Accompanying Symptoms and Warning Signs
Knee pain can present with other symptoms that help characterize the underlying issue. General symptoms might include swelling, stiffness, warmth, or redness around the joint. A reduced range of motion and clicking or popping sounds, even without immediate pain, are also common observations.
Certain symptoms, however, serve as warning signs, indicating a potentially more serious condition that warrants prompt medical attention. These include feeling the knee “giving out” or experiencing significant instability. An inability to bear weight on the knee at all, severe or sudden onset of pain, or a noticeable deformity in the knee joint are also concerning indicators. Additional warning signs involve fever or chills accompanying knee pain, which could suggest an infection, or numbness or tingling below the knee. Persistent pain that does not improve with initial care also falls into this category.
Initial Steps for Relief and Recovery
When experiencing weight-bearing knee pain, several immediate steps can help manage discomfort and promote recovery. Resting the affected knee means avoiding activities that worsen the pain. Reducing repetitive strain allows the knee time to heal and helps prevent further injury.
Applying ice to the knee can help reduce both pain and swelling. It is recommended to apply an ice pack, wrapped in a thin towel, for 15 to 20 minutes several times a day. Compression, using an elastic bandage, can further help decrease swelling by limiting fluid buildup around the knee. The bandage should be snug but not so tight as to cause numbness or increased pain.
Elevating the leg above heart level promotes fluid drainage and reduces swelling. This can be achieved by propping the leg on pillows while sitting or lying down. Over-the-counter pain relievers, such as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like ibuprofen or naproxen, can help manage pain and inflammation. Acetaminophen is another option for pain relief. Engaging in gentle, non-weight-bearing movements, if pain permits, can help maintain flexibility without exacerbating the injury.
When to Consult a Healthcare Professional
Seeking professional medical advice is important if knee pain persists or worsens despite home care measures. Consult a healthcare provider if the pain does not improve after a few days of rest and over-the-counter treatments, or if it significantly interferes with daily activities or sleep.
Specific warning signs also necessitate prompt medical attention. These include experiencing severe, debilitating pain, an inability to bear any weight on the knee, or a feeling of instability where the knee “gives out.” Visible deformity of the knee, significant or sudden swelling, and accompanying symptoms like fever or chills are also urgent indicators. An accurate diagnosis from a medical professional is essential for determining the underlying cause and establishing an effective treatment plan.