Living with knee pain can take a toll on you.
You feel the aching in your joints when you stretch your legs in the morning.
There’s a slow, burning pain every time you take a step forward.
A number of causes can lead to knee pain including your age, level of physical fitness, and recent injuries. All of these can impact the kind of pain you’re experiencing.
Injuries
The knee consists of the knee joint, the kneecap, and several tendons, ligaments, and cartilage. For anyone who partakes in physical activities, knee injuries are common as these parts work together like a formula one race care. Studies suggest that there are 2.5 million sports-related injuries annually. These may range from mild sprains and strains to severe tears in ligaments and cartilages.
When compromised during physical activity, they may result in severe pain.
Repetitive motion and Bursitis
Individuals of all ages may experience Bursitis. This condition involves an inflammation of the bursa; which is a fluid-filled sac that reduces friction between the moving parts of the body.
Repetitive knee motions—like running, jumping, extensive kneeling or hitting your knee against a surface—can lead to inflammation, pain, and discomfort.
Age
Adults often complain about knee pain as they age. The deterioration of your joints, owing to wear and tear, can cause immense pain. The resulting weakening of muscles, tendons, and ligaments leads to debilitating pain.
Osteoarthritis is commonly experienced as you grow older. Studies suggest that 10 percent of men and 13 percent of women over the age of 60 deal with osteoarthritis. You may experience pain and stiffness with this condition.
The degeneration of the cartilage and tissues in the knee is experienced with osteoarthritis and is a prevailing cause of joint pain.
Arthritis
The CDC reports that 1 in every 4 Americans suffers from some form of arthritis. There isn’t any age limit or level of physical fitness when it comes to this condition.
The inflammatory autoimmune disorder—rheumatoid arthritis—causes redness, pain, and swelling in the affected joints. This debilitating condition hampers movement and, gradually hinders the daily lives of those experiencing it.
Other forms of arthritis—like gout and septic arthritis—are extremely painful conditions that induce swelling.
Overall, the CDC reports that an estimated 54.4 million U.S adults experience some form of arthritis whether it’s rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, gout, or fibromyalgia. Whatever variety, it inevitably results in excruciating knee pain.
It’s important to know that you shouldn’t suffer through the pain in silence. At Houston Physicians’ Hospital, our expert doctors and physicians work tirelessly to address pain in your bones and joints. Our top priority is providing top-quality care that’s tailored specifically to your needs.
Houston Physicians’ Hospital is one of the first hospitals in Houston Texas to receive knee and hip replacement accreditation from DNV GL Healthcare. With us, you know you’re in good hands. Our group therapy services help patients recover after their hip and knee replacement surgeries, find out more about them.
If you’re experiencing knee pain or pain in any of your body’s joints, visit our Orthopedic Center of Excellence for more information.