Understanding the Symptoms of Knee Pain: Causes and Signs

ByAgkidzone Staff

Updated: Oct 4, 2024

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Knee pain can result from various ailments, diseases, and injuries. Identifying the underlying cause and type of knee pain is crucial for both the individual and medical practitioners to determine effective treatment and facilitate recovery. Along with pain, the knee often exhibits several symptoms and signs that can indicate specific issues.

Swelling

One common symptom is swelling around the knee joint. This swelling is usually caused by fluid accumulating, which limits movement and flexibility. The skin may become tight, stretched, tender to touch, and appear pink or red. The buildup of fluid not only causes pain but can also make it difficult to put weight on the affected knee. You might find it challenging to bend or straighten the knee completely, and the kneecap could look puffed up. Comparing the injured knee to the uninjured one can help determine the extent of the inflammation.

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Stiffness

Another symptom to watch for is stiffness in the knee. This can result from an injury or a medical condition like arthritis. Although the entire knee may feel stiff, most people experience this sensation under the kneecap or inside the joint, making topical treatments less effective. Stiff knees often come along with pain, numbness, or tingling, and they can make everyday activities like walking or climbing stairs more difficult.

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Redness and Warmth

If you notice discoloration of the skin and a warm feeling around your knee, these are sure signs of inflammation or injury. These symptoms often develop as your body attempts to heal and protect the affected area. Conditions like arthritis, bursitis (inflammation of the small, fluid-filled sacs that cushion the bones), fractures, or muscle strains can cause redness and warmth. If these signs persist for more than a few days or worsen instead of improving, it's best to consult a doctor.

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Weakness

Weakness in the knee can make it feel unstable, almost as if it might give out. Since our knees carry a lot of body weight and absorb significant impact, it's not surprising that they can become weak over time. This weakness can lead to knee strain or chronic pain, making simple activities like walking or standing a real chore. While people over 70 are more susceptible, weak knees can affect anyone, especially if there's a pre-existing illness or injury. Exercises aimed at strengthening the muscles around the knee can help, but always check with a healthcare professional before starting a new workout routine.

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Popping and Crunching Noises

Hearing popping or crunching noises in your knee, known as crepitus, is another symptom to be aware of. There are generally three categories of noisy joints. First, pain-free popping occurs without any discomfort and could be due to gas bubbles bursting or tendons snapping over a bony lump. Second, noisy joints in older adults are common because cartilage wears down with age, causing bones to rub against each other. Lastly, painful popping often happens at the time of an injury and may indicate a damaged or torn ligament from a sudden twist or impact.

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Inability to Fuilly Extend

If you're unable to fully straighten your leg, this could point to a more serious knee issue. Swelling and pain might be obvious, but not being able to extend the knee completely suggests deeper problems. A tear in the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) is one of the most common injuries causing this symptom. Additionally, a meniscus tear, where a piece of cartilage flips into the knee joint, can make straightening the knee difficult. Injuries to the quadriceps tendon or the patella (kneecap) can also affect your ability to extend the knee fully.

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Knee Lock

Experiencing a locked knee means you can't bend or straighten it, as if it's stuck in place. Knee lock can be either "true" or "pseudo." A true knee lock is caused by a physical blockage—like a torn cartilage, a bone fragment, or a meniscus tear—that prevents movement. In such cases, surgery may be necessary to remove the obstruction. On the other hand, a pseudo knee lock occurs when muscle spasms triggered by knee pain limit movement. This is more common and can often be treated with painkillers to reduce discomfort and inflammation. Physical therapy might also help strengthen the knee and improve mobility.

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Visible Deformity

A visible deformity in the knee can be alarming and may result from various factors, including rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, bone infections (osteomyelitis), cancer in the cartilage or bone, or trauma from an injury. Our knees endure significant stress daily from activities like repetitive movements, sports, or carrying excess body weight. Deformities are usually caused by swelling, but breaks and dislocations can also lead to noticeable changes in the knee's appearance.

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Buckling

If you've ever felt your knee suddenly give way beneath you, that's known as knee buckling. This sensation often stems from injuries related to high-impact sports or existing joint conditions like osteoarthritis. In some cases, nerve damage can cause knee instability. When weakness and buckling occur along with neurological symptoms, it might suggest a condition like multiple sclerosis. It's important to seek medical advice if you experience frequent knee buckling.

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Difficulty Climbing Stairs

Having trouble climbing stairs is another symptom associated with knee problems. Going up stairs places two to three times your body weight on your knees, with the kneecap taking much of this extra pressure. Difficulty in ascending stairs or getting up from a chair often relates to issues with the patella and how it moves as you rise. The back of the kneecap is lined with a thick layer of cartilage, and if this cartilage is damaged due to an accident or medical condition, repetitive activities like climbing stairs can become painful and challenging.

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