No matter your age or gender, knee pain can make you feel old and crotchety. Your knees are a super important part of staying mobile. There are numerous causes, but here are some of the most common.
Runners knee is a very common cause of knee pain
Despite its name it doesn’t just affect runners. The pain, which occurs around the front of the knee, is caused by a problem with how the knee cap moves, muscle weakness or tightness, having flat feet or the angle of the hip. It affects active people and sedentary people. The knee can also swell and the pain happen when walking stairs, up or down.
Arthritis is another common cause of knee pain
It’s more common in older adults, but anyone with arthritis can have it in the knee. It is caused by wear and tear to the cartilage that lines the joint. When that happens the bones come in contact causing pain. Arthritis can cause pain, swelling, weakness, limited movement and difficulty with walking and going up and down stairs and other daily activities. Arthritis is a progressive disease and will get worse over time.
Bursitis in the knee is another common cause of pain
The bursa, or small fluid filled sacs between the bones and muscles and/or tendons are aggravated. The knee has about 15 that surround it. Bursitis is caused by excessive friction from activities such as jumping, running or tightness can lead to swelling of one or more bursa. The pain will occur where the affected bursa lies and it will be accompanied by swelling around the knee.
Lyme disease
If you have visited areas where Lyme disease is prevalent be aware that pain and swelling of joints, especially the knees, is a common symptom. If you have visited one of those hot zone areas, which include northern and mid-Atlantic states (Maine, Vermont, New Hampshire, Rhode Island, Massachusetts, Connecticut, New York, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Delaware, Maryland and parts of Virginia and West Virginia) or northern midwestern states (Wisconsin; parts of Illinois, Michigan, Indiana and South Dakota; and most of Minnesota) ask your doctor to test for it. Getting an early diagnosis of Lyme is exceptionally important.
