A burning sensation in the knees, particularly when bent, is a distinct discomfort that many individuals experience. It can feel like warmth, tingling, or sharp pain. While common, it often indicates an underlying issue within the knee joint or surrounding tissues, from minor irritation to more significant conditions. Understanding this pain helps identify its causes and guide appropriate responses.
Common Causes of Burning Sensation
Several conditions can lead to a burning sensation in the knees. Patellofemoral pain syndrome (PFPS), often called runner’s knee, is a common cause, causing pain around or behind the kneecap. It can manifest as sharp or burning pain, especially during activities involving knee bending, such as climbing stairs, squatting, or prolonged sitting. PFPS often arises from overuse, weak quadriceps muscles, or kneecap tracking issues.
Bursitis is inflammation of bursae, small, fluid-filled sacs that cushion the knee joint. When inflamed, typically from repetitive motion or sustained pressure, they can cause pain, tenderness, swelling, and a distinct burning sensation. The pain from bursitis is often felt around the joint and can worsen with movement or direct contact.
Tendonitis, inflammation of tendons, is another frequent cause of burning knee pain. Patellar tendonitis, known as jumper’s knee, affects the tendon connecting the kneecap to the shinbone. Symptoms include pain, tenderness, swelling, and a burning sensation below the kneecap, often worsened by activities like jumping, running, or squatting. Quadriceps tendonitis involves the tendon above the kneecap, leading to pain, warmth, or a burning feeling with knee movement, often due to overuse in sports.
Osteoarthritis is a degenerative joint disease where protective cartilage gradually wears away. This leads to bone-on-bone friction, resulting in pain, stiffness, and a burning sensation within the joint, especially common in older adults. Excess body weight can accelerate cartilage deterioration and worsen symptoms. Nerve impingement or irritation can also cause burning, tingling, or numbness, with conditions like sciatica radiating pain to the knee. Iliotibial band syndrome (ITBS), common in runners, involves friction of a connective tissue band on the outside of the knee, producing a burning sensation along the side.
When to Seek Professional Medical Advice
While many cases of burning knee pain can be managed with self-care, certain signs indicate the need for professional medical evaluation. Persistent symptoms not improving with rest and home remedies should prompt a visit to a healthcare provider. Severe pain interfering significantly with daily activities or sleep is also a red flag.
Noticeable swelling, redness, or warmth may signal inflammation or infection requiring medical attention. Inability to bear weight on the affected leg or if the knee locks or catches during movement warrants immediate consultation. Fever or chills alongside knee pain could indicate a more serious condition, such as an infection within the joint or bursa. Seeking timely medical advice for these symptoms helps ensure an accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment, preventing potential long-term complications.
Managing and Preventing Knee Burning
Acute knee burning often responds to the RICE method: Rest, Ice, Compression, and Elevation. Resting the knee by avoiding aggravating activities allows tissues to heal. Apply ice packs to the affected area for 15 to 20 minutes, several times a day, to reduce inflammation and swelling; avoid direct skin contact. Compression with a bandage minimizes swelling, and elevating the knee above heart level promotes fluid drainage.
Gentle stretching and strengthening exercises for the quadriceps, hamstrings, and hip muscles can improve knee stability and alignment. Low-impact activities like swimming or cycling are beneficial for maintaining joint flexibility and muscle strength without excessive strain. Proper footwear with adequate cushioning, good arch support, and stability can significantly reduce stress on the knees. Avoiding high heels, which increase force on the kneecap, is also advisable for knee health.
Maintaining a healthy weight is important, as excess body weight places increased stress on the knee joints, contributing to pain and inflammation. Even a modest weight loss can reduce the load on the knees and improve symptoms. Modifying activities to avoid repetitive movements that aggravate the pain, along with consistent warm-up and cool-down routines before physical activity, helps prevent future episodes of knee burning.