Chronic Knee Pain - What Are The Possible Causes And How To Treat It?

Knee pain is uncomfortable, and when it lasts for a long period of time and is considered chronic, this type of pain can limit and complicate daily functioning.

Chronic knee pain is long-term pain, swelling, or sensitivity in one or both knees. The cause of knee pain can determine the symptoms a person is feeling. Many conditions can cause or contribute to chronic knee pain, and there are a number of treatments available for this type of pain.

The experience of pain and treatment will vary from person to person, and in any case we advise you to visit a doctor and follow the prescribed instructions and therapy.

What are the possible causes of chronic knee pain?

Temporary or acute knee pain should be distinguished from chronic, which lasts for a long and continuous period of time; acute pain is most often caused by an injury or accident and often does not require treatment or special treatment.

At the same time, chronic knee pain rarely goes untreated without treatment, it is unlikely to be caused by injury, but is more often associated with more serious illnesses or causes.

A range of physical conditions or illnesses that can cause knee pain. Among them are:

• osteoarthritis: pain, inflammation and destruction of the joint caused by degeneration and collapse of the joint
• tendinitis: pain in the front of the knee that worsens when climbing, stairs or walking uphill
• bursitis: inflammation caused by repeated overuse or injury to the knee
• chondromalacia of the patella: damaged cartilage below the knee
• gout: arthritis caused by buildup of uric acid
• Baker's Cyst: A buildup of synovial fluid (fluid that lubricates the joint) behind the knee
• rheumatoid arthritis (RA): a chronic autoimmune inflammatory disorder that causes painful swelling and can eventually cause joint deformity and bone erosion
• dislocation: dislocation of the knee joint is most often the result of trauma
• meniscus injuries: rupture of one or more cartilage in the knee
• torn ligament: tearing of one of the four ligaments in the knee - the most commonly injured ligament is the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL)
• Bone Tumors: Osteosarcoma (the second most common bone cancer), most commonly occurs in the knee

Factors that can aggravate knee pain are:

• injuries to the knee structure can cause bleeding and swelling and can eventually cause a chronic problem if left untreated
• sprains and dislocations
• overuse
• infection
• poor posture and improper performance during physical activity
• poor heating or cooling before or after physical activity
• improper stretching of muscles

Which groups are at risk for chronic knee pain?

The group at highest risk of developing chronic knee pain is obese and overweight people. For each additional kilogram of body weight, the knees must undergo exertion and pressure of an additional 4 kilograms during activities such as walking, running or climbing stairs.

Additional risk factors that can affect the development of chronic knee pain are years, previous trauma or injury, and intense physical activity.

What Are The Symptoms Of Chronic Knee Pain?

Symptoms vary, from person to person. Also, the cause of pain differently affects how a person feels pain. Chronic pain can manifest as:

• constant pain
• sharp, lightning pain when knee is used
• dull burning discomfort

Chronic swelling and pain when touching the knee can also be felt.

Depending on the type of pain, doctors opt for different diagnostic methods. Blood tests, physical examination, ultrasound, X-ray and magnetic resonance imaging are available.

Treatment of chronic knee pain

Again, depending on the cause of the pain, the doctor will prescribe therapy. Therapy may consist of physical therapy, medication, surgery, or injectable therapy.

Also, one of the therapies for obese and overweight people is a restrictive diet that will help lose weight and reduce pressure on the knees.

In the case of bursitis, one of the most common causes of chronic knee pain is treatment of ice packs (15 minutes per hour for 3-4 hours). It is advisable to wear flat-soled shoes that have a firm foot and do not transfer pressure to the knees.

It is also advisable to avoid sleeping on the side or to keep your pillow between your knees when lying down. The affected person is advised to stand on their feet as little as possible and sit or lie down for the most part.

What is the prognosis for chronic knee pain?

The prognoses, again, depend on a case-by-case basis, that is, the cause of the onset of pain. In the case of osteoarthritis, the pain will last forever because it is a disease in which the structures of the knee are damaged or destroyed. Without surgery or any other type of treatment, the pain, inflammation and swelling will last forever.

With every cause of knee pain, the goal is to control pain, prevent new inflammatory processes and reduce the causes of knee irritation.

Can the development of chronic knee pain be prevented?

Some of the causes of chronic knee pain can be prevented, the pain itself (if present) is difficult to prevent. If chronic pain is exacerbated by overuse of the knee or physical activity increases the intensity of the pain, some life changes need to be made that can reduce the pain and make it more bearable. Here are:

• Warming up before physical activity. Stretching of the quadriceps and back muscles of the lower leg before and after activity.
• Performing exercises that do not put a lot of pressure on your knees. Instead of tennis or running, we advise you to go for a swim or bike ride or a combination of these activities so your knees have time to recover and rest.
• Weight regulation. A healthy body weight provides less pressure on the knees and less pain.
• Avoiding running downhill. It is advised to avoid running downhill and replacing this activity with light and controlled walking.
• Avoiding rough terrain. Uneven courts increase the risk of injury as they create additional pressure on the knees. It is advised to choose softer and flatter walking surfaces.
• Foot pads. Insoles can reduce pressure on the knees, which can be caused by incorrect walking or poor and worn footwear.
• Regular replacement of running shoes. Runners are advised to regularly change their running shoes and purchase one that is customized for their foot and the surfaces on which they run.

If you have been experiencing knee pain and this pain has been going on for a long time, be sure to see a doctor to diagnose the cause of the pain and to access therapy and treatment, thus reducing the symptoms of the disease or leading to healing.