Knee Pain

Many different things can cause knee pain, which is expected.

Your knees are essential for your mobility, as they are the parts of your body that bear the full weight of your body. As such, they are more prone to damage compared to other parts of your body due to the amount of use they get. Thus, taking good care of your knees is essential to maintain mobility.

 

Knee injuries, such as ruptured ligaments or torn cartilage, can result in knee pain. Similarly, overuse and certain conditions, like arthritis, gout, or an infection, can all be causes of knee pain.

 

Our doctors can help you if you're suffering from knee pain.

There are different symptoms of knee pain depending on what's causing it. There are, however, a few things to watch out for:

• Warmth (to touch)
  
  
• Stiffness
  
  
• Crunching or popping noises
  
  
• Locking of the knee
  
  
• Not being able to straighten your knee fully
  
  
• Swelling
  
  
• Knee pain when walking
  
  
• Redness

Especially noticeable when walking downstairs, knee instability

As people age, their knees become more pain-resistant due to daily activities' gradual wear and tear. Even younger individuals can experience knee pain, which is more common in older people.

 

Taking part in sports can increase the risk of knee pain, especially when participating in activities requiring frequent turning or abrupt direction changes, such as football or tennis.

 

As a result of being overweight, the knees are put under more strain, as they have to support additional weight. Therefore, those who are overweight are more prone to knee-related issues.

Injuries

Knee pain is often associated with an injury. The knee can be injured by a direct blow, twisting, bending, or falling. Symptoms of such an injury may include sudden pain, swelling and tenderness. In more severe cases, the injury could be a sprain, strain or tear, a break, fracture or dislocation.

 

Knee pain that has developed more gradually may have an underlying cause, such as:

 

Osteoarthritis

Osteoarthritis is the most frequent arthritis type that affects the protective cartilage of the knees. Inflammation around the joints and swelling of the tissues are common symptoms of this condition, which is more prevalent in older individuals or those who have engaged in strenuous activities.

 

You should consult your doctor if you have osteoarthritis in your knees. Knee strain can be reduced by following their recommendations.

Rheumatoid arthritis

 

In addition to your knees, rheumatoid arthritis can affect almost every joint.

 

Your knee may be experiencing long-term pain, swelling, and stiffness without any discernible cause. This discomfort typically worsens with inactivity and is alleviated with activity. At times, the condition can worsen and intensify, leading to episodes of increased pain and discomfort.

Gout

The onset of gout is often characterised by sudden, intense pain in a joint, commonly in the big toe or knee. The affected joint may feel hot and tender and be swollen with shiny, reddened skin.

Infection (septic arthritis)

The knee could be infected if it is hot, swollen, and painful.

 

In addition to other signs of an infection, you may also have a fever and feel unwell. If you think this is the case, consult your doctor.

Tendonitis

Tendonitis occurs when the tendons around the knee become inflamed. This inflammation can be caused by repetitive activities like jumping, which is common among those who play sports such as basketball.

 

You may also experience swelling, tenderness, and warmth in your knee.

Bursitis

A bursitis in the knee can be caused by repetitive movement or prolonged kneeling. This will cause swelling and fluid accumulation around the knee joint, leading to pain, which increases when the knee is bent or knelt. This type of bursitis is sometimes called 'housemaid's knee'.

 

Swelling, redness, warmth to the touch, and tenderness can also accompany knee pain.

Osgood-Schlatter’s disease

Osgood-Schlatter's disease, commonly seen in teenagers and young adults who participate in a lot of physical activity, is characterised by tenderness and swelling in the bony prominence located just below the knee.

 

In this case, the lower leg is damaged during a growth spurt.

 

There may also be other causes - see your doctor for more information.

A doctor should be consulted if you suspect you may have an underlying condition causing your knee pain.

• You can't put weight on your knee, or it will give way.
  
  
• You have bad pain when you don't put any weight on it.
  
  
• The knee is deformed.
  
  
• You can't bend or extend it.
  
  
• Feel a painful clicking sensation.
  
  
• Swelling is severe.
  
  
• Your knees are swollen and red, and you have a fever.
  
  
• Experiencing pain for a more extended period.

Mobi Doctor allows you to see a doctor from any location, whether in the comfort of your home, at work, or on the go. You can connect to them using any device, and they will be able to assess your knee through video consultation. They will listen to your symptoms and provide the best action for a speedy recovery.

Making an appointment with a doctor about your knee pain is easy and convenient. Our doctors are available seven days a week and can provide helpful advice. They can also refer you to a specialist if additional investigation or treatment is needed.

For knee injuries to be prevented and re-injury risks to be reduced, it is important to strengthen and stabilize the muscles (tendons and ligaments) surrounding the knee. Exercise is an effective way to reduce knee pain as it helps strengthen your muscles and joints.

 

 

Connect with one of our doctors at Mobi Doctor with the click of a button and receive the care you require.