Knee pain is something that nearly everyone experiences at some time, regardless of age or activity level. Whether you’re an athlete, a working professional, or someone who simply likes to take a walk, knee pain can easily disrupt your day-to-day activities. From sudden, stabbing pains to ongoing aches, understanding what’s causing your knee pain and how to treat it can make a huge difference. Let’s take a closer look at some of the most common culprits — and what you can do about them.
Osgood-Schlatter Disease: A Growing Pain
Osgood-Schlatter disease primarily appears in children and adolescents, particularly sports-playing children and adolescents. It results in pain directly below the knee at an area known as the tibial tubercle, which is that small bump beneath the kneecap. The pain typically worsens when you extend your leg, and eventually, the bump may protrude further due to swelling, promoting additional bone growth.
The good news is that this condition typically resolves spontaneously once the growth of the tibial tubercle stops, usually by the ages of 15 to 17. In the meantime, the PRICE principle (protection, rest, ice, compression, and elevation) and over-the-counter anti-inflammatories such as ibuprofen can manage the pain. Physical therapy, strengthening the hips and core muscles, will also relieve the pressure on the knee. In more severe cases, a few weeks of a knee splint may be necessary to provide additional support.
Iliotibial (IT) Band Syndrome: A Runner’s Challenge
If you’re a distance runner, chances are you’ve heard of iliotibial band syndrome — and possibly even experienced it. The IT band is a thick strip of tissue that extends from your outer hip to your inner shin, and when it tightens up too much, it can rub against your thigh bone and be painful. This type of pain usually begins 10 to 15 minutes into a run and typically fades away when you stop.
Treatment of IT band syndrome begins with determining why the band is tight to begin with. A physical therapist might assist by examining your movement patterns and suggesting certain stretches. A good one is standing sideways near a wall, having one leg crossed behind the other, and leaning against the wall for 20–30 seconds. In addition to stretching, applying the PRICE method and anti-inflammatories may also relieve the pain.
Baker Cysts: The Sneaky Bump Behind the Knee
A Baker cyst, also referred to as a popliteal cyst, is essentially a fluid-filled bump behind the knee. Some individuals don’t even realize they have one, but others may experience knee pain, stiffness, swelling, or difficulty bending the knee. In some cases, the swelling in the lower leg can appear quite similar to a blood clot, which requires urgent medical care.
Baker cysts usually appear when there is already some activity within the knee, such as arthritis or injury. Internal damage to the knee can create fluid buildup, and that fluid sometimes accumulates behind the knee to create a cyst. Although most Baker cysts are not harmful, they can rupture and lead to further swelling and pain.
Treatment generally involves addressing the underlying cause. If arthritis is involved, low-impact exercises such as swimming or biking can reduce pressure on your knee. Physical therapy may enhance flexibility and strength, and medications such as NSAIDs or corticosteroids can manage pain and inflammation.
Posterior Knee Pain: The Complexity of the Popliteal Fossa
Back of the knee pain, or popliteal fossa pain, can be caused by a couple of things — ligament sprains, tendinopathy, or arthritis, to mention a few. Posterior cruciate ligament (PCL) injuries are not as common but can occur with trauma, twisting, or hyperextension of the knee. If you hurt your PCL, you may experience swelling, stiffness, and a sense that your knee just isn’t stable.
Tendinopathy is another reason and tends to occur from repeated movements such as sprinting. It tends to occur in tendons such as the hamstrings or the calf muscles, causing pain, tenderness, and reduced flexibility.
What you do about posterior knee pain varies with the cause. Tendinopathy usually improves with rest, ice, and physical therapy. If your PCL injury is severe, however, you may require surgery in which a tissue graft reconstructs the ligament. For arthritis-related pain, maintaining a healthy weight, adhering to low-impact exercise, and using pain medication can do much to alleviate symptoms.
Blood Clots: An Uncommon but Serious Issue
Occasionally, a knee injury can result in something much more serious: a blood clot. Although most bruises resolve spontaneously, more serious injuries can harm blood vessels and result in clots. Bruising that does not resolve, swelling, heat, and redness over the injury are signs you may have a clot.
If a blood clot moves to locations such as your lungs, heart, or brain, it may lead to life-threatening conditions like a pulmonary embolism, stroke, or heart attack. Individuals who smoke, take hormone therapy, or have a family history of blood clots must be particularly careful.
Treatment is typically with blood thinners and, in extreme cases, surgery to have the clot removed. You can prevent clots by keeping yourself well-hydrated, changing positions frequently, and heeding your doctor’s instructions following an injury.
Knowing what’s causing knee pain — and what you can do about it — can empower you to take control of your health. Whether it’s through physical activity, drugs, or consultation with an expert, taking action early can ensure you remain active and pain-free for years to come.
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