Everyone experiences some aches and pains from time to time. But if you have recurrent or chronic knee pain, it may be indicative of a deeper problem. Knee pain is often mistakenly associated with growing older. While it’s true that those with issues like arthritis experience knee pain, it is also common for adults and even young adults and children to experience knee pain as well for varying reasons.

Potential Causes for Pain


As the largest joints in the body, knees experience a lot of daily wear and tear. Many patients experience pain around the knee joint simply because they have a lack of flexibility and strength around the knee. This added stress can lead to myriad conditions that cause pain and other problems like swelling, cracking, and popping.

If you are experiencing pain below the knee or under the kneecap, this may be indicative of tendinitis. This is especially true if you’re an active person who participates in sports, such as cycling, running, or tennis. Essentially considered an injury because of overuse, your outlook is good with a little bit of rest and physical therapy.

Bursitis is another condition that can stem from overuse, but it may also be caused by infection or a traumatic injury. A knee that is warm to the touch, and has tenderness and swelling may be bursitis, which presents as sacs filled with fluid around the knee joint. Physical therapy can speed up the recovery process.

If you find that your knee is swollen and is also popping and stiff, it may be a telltale sign of a torn meniscus. Similarly, stiffness and cracking sounds without swelling might be a marker for a type of arthritis. The best thing to do in any of the above cases is make an appointment with one of the doctors at Capital Ortho so they can not only diagnose you, but help treat you. In most cases, physical therapy and lifestyle changes can help you feel better.

Age-Related Issues


While not all knee-related issues are due to age, some are. It’s just a simple fact of life as we grow older. But the good news is, age-related knee pain can also be relieved.

One of the most common age-related issues is arthritis, and there are several types of arthritis to look out for. Gout is a type of arthritis, seen mostly in men, that is the result of the buildup of too much uric acid in the body. Gout often attacks the lower extremities, such as the knees, ankles, and feet.

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is an autoimmune disorder that causes joint erosion and painful swelling. While RA is not chiefly an age-related problem, it does have prevalence in baby boomers and beyond. Osteoarthritis causes deterioration of the joints, especially the knee. Overuse, bad posture, and infection can make all of these problems worse, so it’s a good idea to make an appointment with your orthopaedist if you believe you have a form of arthritis.

Knee Pain in Youth


Young people, especially those who are active athletes, can also fall victim to different types of knee pain. Instead of being the result of trauma or infection, the Cleveland Clinic says that chronic knee pain in young adults and athletes could be attributed to a growth spurt. This happens because the child’s bones are simply growing faster than the tendons, which may lead to inflammation. In these cases, relief is usually prescribed in the form of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such as naproxen or ibuprofen, or relieved with physical therapy.

If you or your child are suffering from forms of chronic knee pain, it’s a good idea to consult a professional orthopaedist so you can have peace of mind as well as relief. Here at Capital Ortho, we’re committed to giving you quality care and treatment, so you can be healthy, happy, and back on your feet again. Contact Capital Ortho today to schedule an appointment with one of our physicians.