Knee Pain Treatment: Causes, Symptoms, and Remedies

Knee pain refers to discomfort or soreness in or around the knee joint, where the thigh bone (femur) connects with the shin bone (tibia). As the largest joint in the body, the knee plays a crucial role in supporting body weight and absorbing impact during movement. Due to this, it is one of the most frequently injured joints. Knee pain may be temporary and resolve on its own. However, if it becomes a chronic pain, a proper diagnosis and treatment from a healthcare professional are necessary to relieve knee pain.

Common Causes

Knee pain is a common complaint among people of all ages. It could be caused by various reasons, from acute injuries to complicated medical conditions.

• Osteoarthritis – The cartilage in the knee slowly diminishes and causes Osteoarthritis.
• Rheumatoid arthritis – Rheumatoid arthritis is a condition where the knee may become swollen, and cartilage may be destroyed.
• Ligament injuries – Ligaments are bands of strong tissue in a person’s body that connect bones. There are four ligaments in the knee that are prone to injury.
  • ACL (Anterior Cruciate Ligament) is the most commonly injured knee ligament and is common in people who play basketball, soccer, or other sports that require sudden changes in direction
  • PCL (Posterior Cruciate Ligament): One cause specific to PCL injury is hyperextension of the knee. This can occur during athletic movements like jumping. PCL injuries can also result from a blow to the knee while it is flexed or bent. This includes landing hard during sports, a fall, or a car accident.
  • LCL (Lateral Collateral Ligament) Activities involve bending, twisting, or a quick change of direction. For example, the LCL can be injured in football or soccer when the inside of the knee is hit.
  • MCL (Medial Collateral Ligament) tears happen most often during sports involving turning, cutting, and pivoting like skiing, soccer, football, basketball, and tennis.
• Tendon injuries or Sports Injuries  – These can range from inflammation to a tear, most likely from overuse in sports or from a fall.
• Cartilage injuries and disorders – Injury, overuse, muscle weakness, or misalignment of the knee can soften the cartilage of the kneecap, or a blow to the knee may tear off a piece of cartilage.
• Broken kneecap – The small, round bone (patella) that sits over the front of the knee joint breaks, usually as the result of a fall or a direct blow to the knee.
• Fractures – The knee bone, including the kneecap, can be broken during falls or accidents. Also, people whose bones have been weakened by osteoporosis can sometimes sustain a knee fracture simply by stepping wrong.

Symptoms

The location and intensity of knee pain can differ based on its underlying cause. Common signs and symptoms that may accompany knee pain include:

• Swelling and stiffness
• Redness and warmth when touched
• Weakness or instability in the knee
• Popping or crunching sounds during movement
• Difficulty fully straightening the knee

Remedies

Knee pain treatments will vary depending on what exactly is causing it. Some of the remedies for knee pain include

• Hot and Cold Packs – Using hot packs in the form of hot water bags or hot towels or ice packs is one of the best and simplest anti-inflammatory at-home treatments. Do not apply ice directly on the skin over the knee, wrap it in a towel or a piece of cloth and then place it on the knee.
• PRICE (Protection, Rest, Ice, Compression, and Elevation) – It helps treat mild knee pain, such as a sprain. Protection refers to protecting the knee from further injury, for instance, by taking a break from the activity that caused it.
• Aromatherapy – Essential oils have been used for centuries to treat many symptoms. They are often used in aromatherapy. Massaging with an oil containing ginger and orange improves pain and function in knees with moderate to severe pain due to osteoarthritis. Applying an ointment containing cinnamon, ginger, mastic, and sesame oil had a similar effect on pain, stiffness, and motion.
• Compression – A compression bandage that is light in weight and breathable can be a huge relief. It should be tight enough to support the knee but should not hamper the circulation.
• Elevation – To help reduce swelling, try bolstering up the injured leg on pillows or sitting in a recliner will also help.
• Stay physically active: Resting too much is not advisable. Avoid sitting in one place for prolonged periods. In the case of a desk job, be sure to get up from the desk after every 45 minutes and move around for at least a minute. A sedentary lifestyle can weaken the muscles and put pressure on the knees while standing, walking, and running.

When to See a Doctor?

Not all knee pain requires orthopedic medical treatment; in many cases, self-help measures can provide relief. However, if you need assistance with knee pain treatment, consulting a physiotherapist or a general physician may be necessary.

Guidelines to Seek Medical Attention

• Immediate Care: If your knee injury leads to a deformed joint, a popping sound, an inability to bear weight, severe pain, or sudden swelling, seek medical attention right away.
• Doctor’s Appointment: If your knee injury results from a strong impact or you experience significant swelling, redness, tenderness, warmth, intense pain, or fever, schedule a doctor’s appointment.

Self-Care

Not all knee pain requires medical intervention. If the pain develops gradually, stems from a minor injury, or follows strenuous activity, self-care can help. Over-the-counter pain relievers and the RICE method (Rest, Ice, Compression, Elevation) can effectively manage discomfort.

Consult a doctor if:

• The pain is severe.
• Your knee is swollen.
• The pain persists for several weeks.
• You have difficulty moving your knee.
• You can’t put weight on your knee.
• Your knee locks, clicks painfully, or gives way (painless clicking is usually harmless).

Avoid self-diagnosing your condition. See a medical professional if you’re unsure or the pain does not improve. If knee pain is new, consulting a doctor early can help prevent further damage and ensure proper treatment.

Frequently Asked Questions