It can be concerning to experience knee pain when you have no prior knee problems.
It can be concerning to experience knee pain when you have no prior knee problems.
This guide will give you some insight into unexplained knee pain, what can cause it, and how to treat and prevent it. It will also provide some tips on how to relieve pain and recover faster.
Disclaimer: The information below is meant to inform, not to diagnose. It does not replace a doctor’s visit and should not be used to self-diagnose online.
5 Reasons for Sudden Knee Pain
Here are the five most common causes of sudden knee pain:
1. Knee Dislocation
The knee joint is made up of three bones: the femur, tibia, and patella. A dislocation occurs when the bones of the knee joint are forced out of their normal alignment.
It is most commonly caused by severe trauma, such as a car accident or a high-impact sports injury. Knee dislocation can, however, occur without injury as a result of awkward knee movement or sudden twists.
Dislocation could result in damage to the ligaments, blood vessels, and nerves surrounding the knee. This can cause severe knee pain and instability in the knee joint, which is frequently accompanied by a loss of joint mobility.
Treatment
The earlier you treat a dislocated knee, the better the prognosis. Treatment usually begins with the reduction process, where a medical professional manipulates the bones back into their proper position.
Surgical repair of damaged ligaments and tissues may be required depending on the severity of the dislocation and associated injuries.
Prevention
To avoid knee dislocation, strengthen the muscles surrounding the knee and use proper techniques when exercising.
Regular exercise, including strength training and stretching, can help stabilize the knee joint, making it less susceptible to dislocation.
In some sports, like cycling, protective gear and bracing sleeves can help reduce the trauma from high-impact injuries.
2. Tendonitis
Tendonitis is the inflammation of tendons, which are thick fibers that attach muscles to bones.
Tendonitis in the knee typically affects the patellar tendon, which connects the kneecap to the shin bone.This is known as patellar tendonitis.
This condition is frequently caused by knee overuse, particularly in activities that involve running, jumping, or sudden changes in direction. This is why cyclists, skiers, and runners are more likely to sustain this injury.
Treatment
Rest and activity modification are used to treat tendonitis and prevent additional strain on the tendon. Ice packs can reduce inflammation caused by tendonitis within 24 hours of onset.
You can also use over-the-counter (OTC) anti-inflammatory medications, such as ibuprofen, which can provide relief.
Note: Unless there is a complete tear of the ligaments, treatment of tendonitis may involve rest and pain relievers. Please consult a professional for the right treatment for you.
Prevention
To avoid knee pain caused by tendonitis, give your muscles and tendons enough time to rest during and after strenuous knee activities.
Additionally, to reduce the risk of injury, you should stretch your muscles and warm up before undergoing difficult exercises.
3. Bursitis
Bursitis is one of the most common causes of knee pain without an injury. The bones in the knee joint are cushioned by small fluid sacs called bursae. When these sacs become inflamed, bursitis occurs.
People suffering from bursitis can still move their knees, but they may experience redness and tenderness to the touch. Bursitis can be caused by repeated motions, prolonged kneeling, direct trauma, or infection.
Treatment
Since bursitis also results from repetitive use, the knee pain treatment is fairly similar to tendonitis.
The treatment usually involves resting and avoiding activities that exacerbate the condition. You can also apply ice packs to the affected area to help reduce this swelling and pain.
Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such as ibuprofen and or naproxen, can help with pain and inflammation. Physical therapy exercises are also beneficial.
Prevention
Preventing bursitis involves two aspects. The first one is allowing your knees to have enough rest between activities.
The second one is protecting your knee from excessive damage during exercises using knee pads or cushions to protect the bursae.
To improve overall joint health, you should maintain a healthy weight and stay active with low-impact exercises and utilize good support.
4. Arthritis
Arthritis refers to a wide range of conditions that cause joint inflammation and degeneration.
Arthritis typically develops slowly and becomes more noticeable as people age. Even if the condition has been present for some time, pain can strike unexpectedly.
Both osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis, the most prevalent forms of arthritis, can damage the cartilage that separates the bony ends of joints, resulting in persistent knee pain. Additionally, neither type is always the cause of all flare-ups of excruciating knee pain and swelling.
Treatment
The type and severity of knee arthritis determine how it should be treated. Reducing joint stress through low-impact exercise and weight loss are common lifestyle changes associated with osteoarthritis management.
Over-the-counter pain medications can also help manage the symptoms. In order to strengthen the knee muscles and enhance joint function generally, doctors recommend physical therapy.
In some cases of excessive pain, doctors may inject steroids into the knee joint to provide relief. Surgical intervention may also help by replacing the joint.
As for rheumatoid arthritis, the treatment involves a combination of medications. Since the condition arises from the immune system attacking the body’s joints, the medications include disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs) to control the immune response.
Prevention
The key to preventing arthritis, especially osteoarthritis, is to continue living a healthy lifestyle. To keep the muscles surrounding your joints strong and your joints flexible, you should exercise on a regular basis.
Maintaining a healthy weight is also essential because carrying more weight strains the knee joints.
If your job requires you to carry heavy objects on a regular basis, you should also refrain from doing too many knee exercises and give your knees time to rest.
5. Baker’s Cyst
A swelling that develops behind the knee and contains fluid is called a Baker's cyst, also known as a popliteal cyst. It is caused by a build-up of synovial fluid, which lubricates every joint in the body.
This build-up can be due to underlying conditions such as arthritis or a knee injury, which the body reacts to by producing excess fluid.
Inflammation, stiffness, and pain in the back of the knee may be related to the cyst. It may also lead to restricted mobility.
Treatment
The first step in treating a Baker's cyst is to address its cause. For instance, if a knee injury is the cause, treating the injury will help in reducing the accumulation of fluid.
Additionally, rest, ice packs, and elevation can help reduce the swelling. If that doesn’t work, your doctor will drain the fluid from the cyst to complete the treatment.
Prevention
Baker's cyst develops as a result of other knee-related conditions. In other words, if the knee joint remains healthy, there is little chance of the cyst developing.
Support Your Healing With Recovery Wear
Following your doctor’s instructions to manage your knee condition is important, but you can supplement that with the Thermo™ Lite Recovery Knee Sleeve to hasten your recovery even more.
Thermo Recovery products are manufactured from bamboo charcoal, which is hypoallergenic, thermoregulating, and moisture-wicking.
This recovery knee sleeve can be worn for extended periods and releases natural elements to improve the blood supply of the wrapped joint.
Find out more at Thermo Recovery Wear.
