Causes of Knee Pain

Many people suffer from knee pain. Knee pain doctors work with many patients who are struggling with knee pain caused by a variety of reasons, including physical therapy for knee pain in Pottstown, PA. The following are some of the more common causes of knee pain that our team can help with. If you are suffering from knee pain, contact our office to schedule a consultation with a knee pain doctor and find out how we can help.

Arthritis of the Knee: Many people who suffer from knee arthritis have stiffness in the morning when they wake up. There is often swelling, grinding and clicking noises, and a decrease in range of movements. Knee arthritis is the number one cause of knee pain in people who are 50 years of age or older.

Bursitis of the Knee: Knee bursitis causes redness, swelling, and pain in the front of the person’s knee. These symptoms become worse if the person walks, bends, or kneels. The condition happens when the bursa of the knee becomes inflamed. Burs are fluid-filled sacs that are supposed to protect the kneecap. The condition develops gradually but occurs to people who spend a lot of time kneeling.

Chondromalacia Patella: People who develop this condition complain of symptoms that include an achy pain in the front of the kneecap, grinding and clicking when they move their knee. The pain is at its worse when the person gets up, walks downstairs, or is engaged in athletic activities or sports. The condition is one that develops gradually and is more prone in women than men.

Meniscus Tear: This condition is caused by the tearing of the cartilage, usually because of some kind of injury or trauma to the area. Symptoms of tearing include pain with movements of the knee, swelling, instability, locking up of the knee, and difficulty straightening the knee out. The symptoms become worse when the person walks, runs, or other activity that puts any kind of weight on the knee.

Patellar Tendonitis: Also referred to as jumper’s knee. The condition is one that gradually develops, not because of an injury. The person suffers from pain located in the front of the knee, usually just below the kneecap. They also suffer from stiffness and achiness. The problem is caused by the thickening of the patella tendon. Repetitive activities cause the pain to become worse.

Runner’s Knee: People who suffer from runner’s knee usually have an achy pain in the front of the knee and the kneecap. They often deal with swelling and a grinding feeling when they move their knee. The pain becomes worse with any kind of repetitive activity or if the person is sedentary for too long. This condition is one that just builds up over time and is not caused by any specific injury, however, it does not just affect runners but can develop in anyone.

Thanks to Premier Osteoarthritis Center of Pennsylvania for their insight into causes of knee pain.