Why Does My Knee Hurt?

Why Does My Knee Hurt?

Why does my knee hurt? This is a common question I get asked as an orthopedic surgeon  https://louisvillebones.com. For instance, common causes of knee pain are osteoarthritis, cartilage tears or  ligament injury. Knee pain can start after an injury . In addition, it can also start after overuse.  Knee pain may occur with changes in the barometric pressure.

The ACL is a Common Ligament Torn in Sports Injuries

An injury to the knee can cause a ligament tear https://orthoinfo.aaos.org/en/diseases–conditions/anterior-cruciate-ligament-acl-injuries. The most common sports related ligament that gets injured is the ACL (anterior cruciate ligament). This is the ligament that provides stability to the knee joint. Therefore  it prevents the knee from shifting forward. ACL injuries occur while running with quick change of direction . In addition, another  mechanism of injury can occur with landing from a jump or a sudden stop. Tearing of the ACL causes  a pop felt in the knee . The knee swells within 12 hours of the injury.

The Meniscus is the Most Common Cartilage Torn in the Knee

There are two different meniscus in each knee joint. Each one acts as a shock absorber in the knee. In other words, they help to cushion the joint. The meniscus typically tears from an injury. In contrast, as we age they can tear with normal daily activity and no trauma. A torn meniscus causes a sharp localized pain in the knee joint with twisting activity. In addition, it also cause swelling. Painful range of motion can also be present with a meniscal tear.

Osteoarthritis Can Cause Knee Pain

Osteoarthitis is a process where the cartilage that covers the ends of the bones in a joint breaks down. For instance , some symptoms  of knee arthritis range from morning stiffness, swelling, pain, lose of range of motion, and angular deformities of the knee joint https://orthoinfo.aaos.org/en/diseases–conditions/arthritis-of-the-knee/. Above all, genetic predisposition causes osteoarthritis . Arthritis in the knee occurs from being overweight. The natural aging process causes knee arthritis . Trauma such an intra-articular fracture can cause post -trauma arthritis in the knee joint. The pain quality associated with osteoarthritis tends to be a dull throbbing aching pain that can also occur at night .