Knee Pain: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment Options

Knee pain

Hello Doctor, I am currently a senior in college.
During a practice session in my sophomore year, I suddenly lost sensation below my knee while running and almost fell.
After resting for a while, I felt fine, but since then, I have experienced intermittent pain in my knee.
I have undergone rehabilitation, but it has not been effective.
I later visited an orthopedic specialist, and both X-rays and MRI scans showed no issues.
However, recently, the discomfort has increased; I feel a catching sensation when going up stairs, pain when squatting and standing up, and sharp pain while walking or sitting, mostly on the inner and upper side of my right knee.
Additionally, I have started to feel pain on the inner side of my left knee, but examinations have shown no problems.
What should I do?

Da Si, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2016/05/13

Dr. Hong Ximing reply Orthopedics

Based on the symptoms you described, it is likely that you are experiencing patellar chondromalacia due to exercise, and initial X-rays may not show any changes.
It is advisable to minimize vigorous activities, avoid prolonged stair climbing, and limit squatting to prevent premature joint degeneration.

Reply Date: 2016/05/13

More Info

Knee pain can be a complex issue, especially for someone like you who has experienced symptoms following an injury during sports. Understanding the potential causes, symptoms, and treatment options is crucial for managing your condition effectively.

Causes of Knee Pain
1. Soft Tissue Injuries: Given your history of sudden loss of sensation in your knee while playing sports, it is possible that you may have sustained a soft tissue injury, such as a ligament sprain or a meniscus tear. These injuries can sometimes be subtle and may not show up on X-rays or even MRIs immediately after the injury.

2. Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome: This condition, often referred to as "runner's knee," is characterized by pain around the kneecap (patella) and can be exacerbated by activities like climbing stairs or squatting. It is common among athletes and can result from overuse, muscle imbalances, or improper tracking of the kneecap.

3. Tendinitis: Conditions like patellar tendinitis (jumper's knee) can cause pain in the knee, particularly during activities that involve jumping or running. This is due to inflammation of the tendons around the knee.

4. Osteoarthritis: Although you are relatively young, early signs of osteoarthritis can occur, especially if there is a history of joint injuries. This condition involves the wear and tear of cartilage and can lead to pain, stiffness, and swelling.

5. Referred Pain: Sometimes, pain in the knee can be referred from other areas, such as the hip or lower back. This could explain why you are experiencing discomfort in both knees.

Symptoms to Monitor
- Pain Location: You mentioned that the pain is primarily in the inner side and above the right knee, with some discomfort in the left knee as well. This could indicate specific issues with the ligaments or cartilage in those areas.

- Swelling and Stiffness: If you notice swelling or stiffness, especially after activity, it could indicate inflammation or fluid accumulation in the joint.

- Locking or Catching Sensation: The "catching" sensation you described when going up stairs could suggest a meniscal tear or other mechanical issues within the knee joint.

Treatment Options
1. Rest and Activity Modification: It is essential to rest your knee and avoid activities that exacerbate the pain, such as running or jumping. Consider low-impact exercises like swimming or cycling to maintain fitness without stressing the knee.

2. Physical Therapy: Since you have already undergone rehabilitation without success, it may be beneficial to seek a specialized physical therapist who can provide targeted exercises to strengthen the muscles around the knee and improve flexibility.

3. Pain Management: Over-the-counter nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) can help manage pain and reduce inflammation. However, consult with a healthcare provider before starting any medication.

4. Knee Bracing: Using a knee brace can provide additional support and stability, especially during activities that cause discomfort.

5. Injections: If conservative treatments fail, corticosteroid injections may provide temporary relief from inflammation. In some cases, hyaluronic acid injections can help lubricate the joint.

6. Surgical Options: If all else fails and significant structural issues are identified, surgical intervention may be necessary. This could involve arthroscopy to repair or remove damaged tissue.

Conclusion
Given your ongoing symptoms and the lack of findings on imaging studies, it is crucial to continue working with healthcare professionals to explore all potential causes of your knee pain. A multidisciplinary approach involving orthopedic specialists, physical therapists, and possibly pain management specialists may yield the best results. Keep a detailed record of your symptoms, activities, and any treatments you try, as this information can be invaluable in guiding your care. Remember, early intervention can often lead to better outcomes, so don’t hesitate to seek further evaluation if your symptoms persist or worsen.

Similar Q&A

Understanding Knee Pain: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment Options

Hello: Since I was young, I have experienced knee pain that extends to my calves, which worsens in the winter due to the cold and becomes more painful in the summer when exposed to fans or air conditioning. It is especially severe at night when I sleep. In the past, I could relie...

Dr. Lin Junliang reply Orthopedics
Patellar dislocation can initially be treated with rehabilitation therapy; if ineffective, surgical intervention may be considered.

Understanding Knee Pain: Causes and Solutions for Young Athletes

Hello Doctor, my knee has been painful since I was in the second year of junior high school, and it often feels sore. I can feel discomfort after climbing just five flights of stairs. Sometimes, while sitting in class, I start to experience pain halfway through. Even when I stret...

Dr. Shi Guozheng reply Orthopedics
Possible causes include patellar malalignment, chondromalacia patellae, arthritis, or tendinitis, among others. Therefore, it is essential to consult a physician for an accurate diagnosis.

Effective Strategies to Alleviate Knee Pain from Sports Injuries

Hello Doctor: My brother is currently studying, but he is under a significant physical burden with a fixed training schedule every day. Recently, for more than a week, he has frequently reported experiencing pain in his knee. In the past few days, the pain has been so severe that...

Dr. Yang Nanping reply Orthopedics
Hello: Based on the description, it may be quadriceps tendonitis. If there is also tenderness at the knee joint interface, there may be associated cartilage damage. Rest is the most important principle in treating this type of sports injury. Other measures, such as wearing a knee...

Understanding Knee Pain: Symptoms, Diagnosis, and Treatment Options

Hello Doctor, around July 28, while exercising outdoors, I jumped down from a height and felt something unusual in my right knee. That night, when I went to bed and slept on my left side, I suddenly experienced severe pain at the lateral joint line of my right knee, feeling as if...

Dr. Shi Guozheng reply Orthopedics
First, adopt conservative treatment by taking medication or undergoing rehabilitation. If there is no improvement after six weeks, then consult a physician for examination and further management.