If you’re dealing with sudden knee pain, know that you are not alone. Chronic knee pain affects millions of Americans each year, and its impact is felt in all age groups. Not only does it create major discomfort, but it can potentially place major limits on mobility.
Sudden knee pain that happens without an injury can make everyday activities such as walking, working, or even sleeping, all the more difficult. The fact that this condition often occurs without a clear source, such as injury, only exacerbates the frustration that sufferers of this condition feel.
In the following article, we’ll discuss the primary reasons for sudden knee pain without injury as well as potential treatment options for relieving knee pain.
Possible causes of sudden knee pain without injury
There isn’t just one cause that leads to all iterations of knee pain. The condition may arise as a result of issues with the joints or even the tissues. The most commonly occurring causes of knee pain without injury are among the following:
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Bursitis
Inside the knee are small fluid-filled sacs known as bursae. These sacs help to cushion the joints so they are better able to bear the weight of the body. These sacs can become inflamed when subjected to excessive movement or undue pressure. The result is usually a sharp or aching pain in the knee. Flare-ups can come on very quickly, even if the person has not deviated from their normal routine.
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Gout or pseudogout
Gout refers to a type of arthritis caused by a buildup of uric acid crystals in the joint. Uric acid is a natural waste product that is typically eliminated via the urine. This accumulation occurs when your body produces too much of the acid, which is meant to be filtered out by the kidneys.
When an overabundance of uric acid is not able to be filtered out, it enters the bloodstream. As the uric acid levels in the blood rise, sharp crystals can form and settle in the joints, leading to pain.
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Osteoarthritis
Osteoarthritis is a common cause of knee pain, most often affecting adults over 50. It occurs when the cartilage that cushions the bones of the knee wears down. This causes the bones to rub together painfully during movement. This leads to inflammation, stiffness and sudden pain despite there being no clear injury.
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Meniscus irritation
The meniscus refers to the cartilage that acts as a shock absorber between the thigh bone and shin bone. Repetitive squatting, kneeling or twisting, can cause tiny tears in the meniscus over time.
This kind of wear and tear tends to increase as bodies age, making the meniscus thinner. If you’ve been suffering from chronic knee pain without clear signs of an injury, it could indicate an issue with the meniscus.
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Patellofemoral pain syndrome
This condition typically arises when the kneecap, also known as the patella, doesn’t align properly with the groove at the end of the thighbone. This leads to irritation and pain in the front of the knee.
Over time, the persistent pressure can wear down the cartilage behind the kneecap. Eventually, even mundane activities such as climbing stairs, squatting or sitting for too long will begin to lead to significant discomfort.
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Referred pain from the hip or lower back
Knee pain isn’t always an indication of pain in the knee. Compressed nerves in the back and hip also have the potential to create pain in the knee.
Through a condition called referred pain, nerve endings in the back and hip send pain signals that radiate down to the knee area. This condition usually comes about as a result of a herniated disc, sciatica and hip joint problems.
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Tendon strain or overuse
The tendons surrounding the knee help to connect the muscles and bones so that your knee can move smoothly. These tendons can become irritated from overuse. Activities like running, jumping, or prolonged kneeling can put strain on the tendons and cause inflammation over time. This can lead to major knee pain, especially if your muscles are tight or weak.
Common signs of knee pain without injury
The causes of knee pain without injury will vary, but the signs tend to overlap. Listed below are some of the most common signs of knee pain:
- Swelling or a feeling of heat around the knee
- Pain that occurs when bending or straightening the leg
- Popping or clicking noises in the knee
- Pain when ascending or descending stairs
- Limited mobility
- Discomfort when sitting
If you’ve had any of the aforementioned symptoms for more than a few days, consider speaking with a licensed physical therapist.
Find relief from knee pain at Forever Fit
At Forever Fit, we’re dedicated to helping clients not only regain mobility but increase their strength. Serving Severna Park, Frederick, Gaithersburg, and other areas of Maryland, we offer comprehensive evaluations and tailored approaches to help boost your strength.
In fact, we rely on a combination of evidence-based strategies such as:
- Hands-on manual therapy to reduce joint stiffness
- Strength training for the muscles around the knee
- Movement reeducation
Sudden knee pain that occurs without injury can be frustrating, but it doesn’t have to hold you back. If you’re dealing with knee pain that occurs without an injury, don’t hesitate to seek help.
Schedule your initial appointment or contact us for more information today.
