Have you ever experienced knee pain and wondered what could be causing it? In this article, we will explore the common causes of knee pain based on its location. Whether you’re experiencing pain on the inner side, outer side, or front of your knee, understanding the potential causes can help you determine the best course of action for relief. So, let’s dive into the various factors that could be contributing to your knee discomfort and find out what might be causing your pain.
Anterior Knee Pain
Anterior knee pain refers to pain that is felt at the front of the knee. It can have various causes, but the two most common conditions associated with anterior knee pain are patellofemoral pain syndrome and patellar tendinitis.
Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome
Patellofemoral pain syndrome, also known as runner’s knee, is a condition characterized by pain around or behind the kneecap. It is often seen in athletes, especially runners, and individuals who engage in activities that involve repetitive knee movements. The pain associated with this syndrome is usually dull and aching, and it worsens with activities such as climbing stairs, squatting, or sitting for extended periods.
Patellar Tendinitis
Patellar tendinitis, also known as jumper’s knee, is a condition that occurs when the tendon that connects the patella (kneecap) to the tibia (shinbone) becomes inflamed. This condition is commonly seen in individuals who participate in sports that involve jumping or repetitive knee movements, such as basketball or volleyball. The pain associated with patellar tendinitis is usually sharp and localized to the area just below the kneecap. It may worsen with activities that involve bending or straightening the knee.
Quadriceps Tendinitis
Quadriceps tendinitis is a condition that occurs when the quadriceps tendon, which connects the quadriceps muscles to the patella, becomes inflamed. This condition can be caused by overuse, improper training techniques, or a direct blow to the knee. Quadriceps tendinitis often presents with pain located just above the kneecap and can be worsened by activities that involve squatting, running, or jumping.
Iliotibial Band Syndrome
Iliotibial band syndrome, also known as IT band syndrome, is a common cause of anterior knee pain in runners and cyclists. It occurs when the iliotibial band, a thick band of connective tissue that runs from the hip to the shin, becomes tight or inflamed. The pain associated with IT band syndrome is typically felt on the outer side of the knee and can be aggravated by activities such as running downhill or prolonged bending of the knee.
Posterior Knee Pain
Posterior knee pain refers to pain that is felt at the back of the knee. It can be caused by various conditions, including Baker’s cyst, hamstring tendonitis, popliteal tendinitis, and posterior cruciate ligament (PCL) injury.
Baker’s Cyst
A Baker’s cyst, also known as a popliteal cyst, is a fluid-filled sac that forms at the back of the knee. It is often associated with underlying conditions such as arthritis or knee joint inflammation. The cyst can cause pain and stiffness at the back of the knee, and it may become more noticeable when the knee is fully extended or flexed.
Hamstring Tendonitis
Hamstring tendonitis is a condition in which the tendons that attach the hamstring muscles to the bones in the knee become inflamed. It is commonly seen in athletes who participate in sports that require repetitive or excessive use of the hamstrings, such as sprinting or jumping. Pain and tenderness at the back of the knee, along with swelling and difficulty in straightening the knee, are common symptoms of hamstring tendonitis.
Popliteal Tendinitis
Popliteal tendinitis, also known as tendinitis of the popliteus tendon, is a condition characterized by inflammation of the tendon that runs along the back of the knee joint. It can be caused by overuse, trauma, or repetitive activities that involve bending or twisting of the knee. Pain, tenderness, and swelling at the back of the knee are common symptoms of popliteal tendinitis.
Posterior Cruciate Ligament (PCL) Injury
A posterior cruciate ligament (PCL) injury occurs when the ligament connecting the femur to the tibia at the back of the knee is damaged. It is often caused by a sudden impact or hyperextension of the knee. Symptoms of a PCL injury can include pain, swelling, instability, and difficulty in bearing weight on the affected leg.
Medial Knee Pain
Medial knee pain is pain that is felt on the inner side of the knee. It can be caused by conditions such as medial collateral ligament (MCL) injury, meniscal tear, osteoarthritis, and pes anserine bursitis.
Medial Collateral Ligament (MCL) Injury
An MCL injury occurs when the ligament on the inner side of the knee is damaged or stretched. It is often caused by a direct blow to the outer side of the knee or a sudden twisting motion. MCL injuries are common among athletes, particularly those who participate in contact sports. Pain, swelling, and instability on the inner side of the knee are common symptoms of an MCL injury.
Meniscal Tear
A meniscal tear is a common knee injury that occurs when the cartilage discs in the knee, known as menisci, are torn. It can be caused by sudden twisting or rotational movements of the knee, often seen in sports activities. Medial meniscal tears can cause pain and swelling on the inner side of the knee, along with a catching or locking sensation.
Osteoarthritis
Osteoarthritis is a degenerative joint disease that can affect any joint in the body, including the knee. It occurs when the protective cartilage that cushions the ends of the bones wears down over time. Medial compartment osteoarthritis refers to osteoarthritis that primarily affects the inner side of the knee joint. Symptoms of medial compartment osteoarthritis can include pain, stiffness, swelling, and a grinding sensation in the knee.
Pes Anserine Bursitis
Pes anserine bursitis is a condition characterized by inflammation of the bursa, a fluid-filled sac, located on the inner side of the knee, just below the joint line. It is often seen in individuals who participate in activities that involve repetitive bending or straightening of the knee, such as running or cycling. Pain, tenderness, and swelling on the inner side of the knee, below the joint line, are common symptoms of pes anserine bursitis.
Lateral Knee Pain
Lateral knee pain refers to pain that is felt on the outer side of the knee. It can be caused by conditions such as lateral collateral ligament (LCL) injury, iliotibial band friction syndrome, knee bursitis, and osteochondritis dissecans (OCD).
Lateral Collateral Ligament (LCL) Injury
An LCL injury occurs when the ligament on the outer side of the knee is damaged or stretched. It is often caused by a direct blow to the inner side of the knee or a sudden twisting motion. LCL injuries can cause pain, swelling, instability, and difficulty in bearing weight on the affected leg.
Iliotibial Band Friction Syndrome
Iliotibial band friction syndrome is a common overuse injury that occurs when the iliotibial band becomes inflamed and irritated as it rubs against the outer side of the knee joint. It is commonly seen in runners, cyclists, and individuals who participate in activities that involve repetitive knee movements. Pain, tenderness, and swelling on the outer side of the knee are common symptoms of iliotibial band friction syndrome.
Knee Bursitis
Knee bursitis is a condition characterized by inflammation of the bursae, small fluid-filled sacs that act as cushions between the bones and soft tissues around the knee joint. It can be caused by repetitive kneeling, excessive pressure on the knee, or direct trauma to the bursa. Lateral knee bursitis can cause pain, swelling, and tenderness on the outer side of the knee.
Osteochondritis Dissecans (OCD)
Osteochondritis dissecans is a condition that occurs when a small piece of bone and cartilage within the joint, called an osteochondral lesion, becomes detached and floats in the joint space. It can cause pain, stiffness, and swelling on the outer side of the knee. OCD is often seen in young athletes and can be caused by repetitive stress or trauma to the knee joint.
Deep Knee Pain
Deep knee pain refers to pain that is felt deep within the knee joint. It can be caused by conditions such as articular cartilage injury, synovial plica syndrome, osteochondritis dissecans (OCD), and meniscal tear.
Articular Cartilage Injury
Articular cartilage injury refers to damage or wear and tear of the smooth cartilage that covers the ends of the bones in the knee joint. It can be caused by trauma, overuse, or degenerative conditions such as osteoarthritis. Pain, swelling, stiffness, and a grinding sensation within the knee are common symptoms of articular cartilage injury.
Synovial Plica Syndrome
Synovial plica syndrome occurs when the synovial plica, a fold of synovial membrane within the knee joint, becomes irritated or inflamed. It can be caused by repetitive knee movements, trauma, or overuse. Deep knee pain, clicking or popping sensations, and occasional swelling are common symptoms of synovial plica syndrome.
Osteochondritis Dissecans (OCD)
Osteochondritis dissecans, as mentioned earlier, is a condition where a small piece of bone and cartilage becomes detached within the joint. Deep knee pain, along with swelling, locking, and catching sensations, can occur with OCD.
Meniscal Tear
A meniscal tear, as also mentioned earlier, can cause deep knee pain depending on the location and severity of the tear. It can be caused by sudden twisting or rotational movements of the knee. Symptoms can include pain, swelling, and a catching or locking sensation within the knee.
Patellar Pain
Patellar pain refers to pain localized around the kneecap. It can be caused by conditions such as patellofemoral pain syndrome, patellar tendinitis, quadriceps tendinitis, and prepatellar bursitis.
Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome
As mentioned earlier, patellofemoral pain syndrome is a condition characterized by pain around or behind the kneecap. It can cause patellar pain, along with aching sensations and discomfort during activities that involve bending or straightening the knee.
Patellar Tendinitis
Patellar tendinitis, also known as jumper’s knee, is a condition that can cause pain localized just below the kneecap. It is often seen in athletes who engage in activities that involve repetitive jumping or knee movements. Patellar tendinitis can cause patellar pain, especially during activities that stress the knee, such as squatting or jumping.
Quadriceps Tendinitis
Quadriceps tendinitis, as mentioned earlier, can also cause patellar pain, as the quadriceps tendon connects the quadriceps muscles to the patella. Quadriceps tendinitis often presents with pain just above the kneecap and can be aggravated by activities that involve running, squatting, or jumping.
Prepatellar Bursitis
Prepatellar bursitis is a condition in which the bursa located in front of the kneecap becomes inflamed. It is often caused by repetitive kneeling or direct trauma to the knee. Prepatellar bursitis can cause patellar pain, along with swelling, redness, and tenderness over the front of the knee.
Pain Below the Knee Cap
Pain below the knee cap refers to pain localized beneath the patella. It can be caused by conditions such as patellofemoral pain syndrome, patellar tendinitis, Osgood-Schlatter disease, and Sinding-Larsen-Johansson syndrome.
Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome
As mentioned earlier, patellofemoral pain syndrome can cause pain below the knee cap, along with aching sensations. It commonly occurs during activities that involve bending or straightening the knee, such as climbing stairs or prolonged sitting.
Patellar Tendinitis
Patellar tendinitis, also known as jumper’s knee, can cause pain just below the knee cap. It is often seen in athletes who participate in sports that involve repetitive jumping or knee movements. The pain associated with patellar tendinitis can be felt below the patella and is aggravated by activities that stress the knee, such as squatting or jumping.
Osgood-Schlatter Disease
Osgood-Schlatter disease is a condition that typically affects young athletes during periods of rapid growth. It can cause pain and swelling just below the knee cap, where the tendon from the quadriceps muscle attaches to the tibia. Activities that involve running, jumping, or kneeling can exacerbate the pain associated with Osgood-Schlatter disease.
Sinding-Larsen-Johansson Syndrome
Sinding-Larsen-Johansson syndrome is a condition similar to Osgood-Schlatter disease but affects the patellar tendon attachment at the lower pole of the patella. It can cause pain just below the knee cap, often exacerbated by activities that involve running, jumping, or kicking.