Knee pain is one of the most common reasons for people to seek medical attention. The knee is a complex joint that is vulnerable to a wide range of injuries, disorders, and conditions, all of which can cause pain.

In this article, we will explore some of the most common causes of knee pain.

Sprains and Strains

Sprains and strains are common injuries that can cause knee pain. A sprain is an injury to a ligament, while a strain is an injury to a muscle or tendon. Symptoms of sprains and strains include pain, swelling, and difficulty moving the knee.

Knee Bursitis

Knee bursitis is a condition in which the bursae, small fluid-filled sacs that cushion the knee joint, become inflamed. This can cause pain, stiffness, and swelling in the knee. Knee bursitis can be caused by injury, overuse, or infection.

Tendinitis

Tendons are the tough, fibrous tissues that connect muscles to bones. Tendinitis is a condition in which the tendons become inflamed, causing pain and stiffness in the knee. It can be caused by overuse, injury, or aging.

Knee Osteoarthritis

Osteoarthritis is a degenerative joint disease that can cause knee pain. It occurs when the cartilage that cushions the joints breaks down, causing the bones to rub against each other.

Symptoms of knee osteoarthritis include pain, stiffness, and swelling.

Rheumatoid Arthritis

Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disease that causes inflammation in the joints, including the knee. Symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis include pain, swelling, and stiffness in the knee, as well as fatigue and fever.

Gout

Gout is a type of arthritis that can cause knee pain. It occurs when uric acid crystals build up in the joints, causing inflammation and pain. Symptoms of gout include sudden and severe pain, swelling, and redness in the knee.

Meniscus Tear

The meniscus is a piece of cartilage that cushions the knee joint. A meniscus tear occurs when this cartilage is torn, causing pain, swelling, and difficulty moving the knee. Meniscus tears can be caused by injury or aging.

Patellar Tendinitis

Patellar tendinitis is a condition in which the tendon that connects the knee cap to the shinbone becomes inflamed. This can cause pain, swelling, and stiffness in the knee.

Patellar tendinitis is common in athletes who participate in activities that involve jumping and running.

Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome

Patellofemoral pain syndrome is a condition in which the kneecap rubs against the thigh bone, causing pain and inflammation. It is a common cause of knee pain in athletes and people who perform activities that involve squatting or bending the knee.

Iliotibial Band Syndrome

Iliotibial band syndrome is a condition in which the tendon that runs along the outside of the thigh becomes inflamed, causing pain and stiffness in the knee.

It is common in runners and other athletes who perform activities that involve repetitive knee bending.