Amelia Grant

Your knee has a complex structure. As a result, knee discomfort can be caused by a variety of ailments and injuries. There are a variety of ligaments, tendons, and bursae outside and inside the knee that might get injured or produce pain.

In general, you should consult a doctor if you have a fever, warmth in the knee, loss of full range of motion in the knee, or acute weight-bearing discomfort in the knee. It's critical to consult a doctor for a proper diagnosis, to avoid future knee injury, address the source of the pain, and intervene with the necessary treatment. But knowing a little bit more about a possible diagnosis can be helpful.

Below are 5 common causes of knee pain and some useful information about each of them. 

1. Arthritis

Arthritis is a common term used to describe different inflammatory conditions that may affect your joints. The most common types of arthritis that cause knee pain include:

• Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune condition that causes your immune system to attack healthy joint tissues. It leads to joint inflammation, swelling, decreased range of motion, deformities of the knee joint, and pain.
• Osteoarthritis occurs when the cartilage in your knee deteriorates as a result of use and age. Osteoarthritis can cause weight-bearing discomfort, activity-related swelling, and a reduced range of motion.
• Gout occurs when uric acid crystals form in the joint. It causes symptoms like severe pain, redness, and warmth of the knee joint.
• Septic arthritis is a knee infection that causes symptoms like swelling, soreness, and redness, as well as a fever and a general feeling of malaise. If you're experiencing signs of septic arthritis, see your doctor right away since it can quickly destroy your knee cartilage.
• Other types of arthritis that can cause knee pain are osteoarthritis, psoriatic arthritis (commonly affects people with psoriasis), reactive arthritis, and enteropathic arthritis.

2. Dislocated kneecap

When the triangle bone that covers the front of your knee dislocates, it's known as a patellar dislocation. If you have signs of a dislocated kneecap like an audible pop, buckling of the knee, extreme pain, abrupt swelling, bruising or locking of the knee, inability to walk, or if your kneecap is visibly out of position, call your doctor right away.

3. Bursitis

The bursa is a fluid-filled sac in the knee that serves to lubricate the joint. You should seek medical attention if your knee discomfort is accompanied by swelling, redness, or a warm feeling in the affected area. These symptoms might indicate that the bursa in your knee is infected. Previous joint injuries or a cut on the knee might raise your chance of acquiring a bursa infection. Fever, chills, and nausea are other symptoms of bursa infection to watch for. 

If you suspect you have bursitis it's recommended to reduce your activities until your knee has been examined by a doctor. Most bursitis in the knee doesn't need surgery and can be treated with remedies such as ice and anti-inflammatory medications.

4. Tendonitis

Another common reason for knee pain is tendonitis, inflammation of the tendons. Jumper's knee, or tendonitis of the knee-tendon, is common in sports like basketball, where the impact of landing after a jump can strain the tendon. Tendonitis is characterized by activity-related discomfort, local soreness, and pain-related knee weakness.

5. Sprains and torn cartilage

A blow to the knee or a rapid twist of the knee is the most common cause of ligament sprains. Feeling a pop, discomfort, swelling, instability, or trouble walking are all common symptoms.

Another common reason for knee discomfort is torn cartilage, which can happen as a result of a knee injury or arthritis. Trauma or generalized wear and tear to the knee can tear the menisci, which are cushioning pads of connective tissue that are located within the knee joint and also absorb shock. A torn cartilage can cause buckling, swelling, and discomfort during particular movements.