Knee Bumps: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment Options - Orthopedics

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Knee bumps, often referred to as "knee lumps" or "knee deformities," can arise from various causes, particularly following trauma or injury. Based on your description, it seems that your knee issue may be related to a condition known as "Osgood-Schlatter disease," which is common in adolescents and is characterized by pain and swelling just below the knee, where the patellar tendon attaches to the tibia. This condition is often exacerbated by physical activity, especially in young athletes involved in sports that require running and jumping.


Causes of Knee Bumps
1. Trauma or Injury: As you mentioned, your knee bump developed after a fall during vigorous activity. This trauma can lead to inflammation of the knee structures, including the ligaments and tendons, resulting in a prominent bony lump.

2. Osgood-Schlatter Disease: This condition occurs when the growth plate at the tibial tuberosity becomes inflamed due to repetitive stress, often seen in adolescents who are active in sports. It typically presents as a painful bump below the kneecap.

3. Bursitis: Inflammation of the bursa (a small fluid-filled sac that reduces friction between tissues) around the knee can lead to swelling and tenderness, contributing to the appearance of a bump.

4. Patellar Tendonitis: Also known as "jumper's knee," this condition involves inflammation of the patellar tendon, which can cause pain and swelling around the knee.

5. Bone Spurs: Over time, repetitive stress on the knee can lead to the formation of bone spurs, which may present as bumps on the knee.


Symptoms
- Pain: You mentioned experiencing pain when kneeling or putting pressure on the knee. This is a common symptom associated with conditions like Osgood-Schlatter disease or bursitis.

- Swelling: The presence of a visible bump indicates swelling, which may be due to inflammation or fluid accumulation.

- Limited Range of Motion: Pain and swelling can restrict the movement of the knee, making activities like squatting or climbing stairs uncomfortable.


Treatment Options
1. Rest and Activity Modification: Reducing activities that exacerbate the pain, such as running or jumping, can help alleviate symptoms.
2. Ice Therapy: Applying ice to the affected area can reduce swelling and provide pain relief. It is advisable to ice the knee for 15-20 minutes several times a day.

3. Physical Therapy: Engaging in physical therapy can help strengthen the muscles around the knee, improve flexibility, and reduce pain. A physical therapist can design a tailored exercise program to address your specific needs.

4. Nonsteroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs): Over-the-counter medications like ibuprofen or naproxen can help reduce pain and inflammation.

5. Knee Bracing or Support: Using a knee brace can provide additional support and stability, especially during physical activities.

6. Corticosteroid Injections: In cases where pain persists despite conservative treatment, corticosteroid injections may be considered to reduce inflammation.

7. Surgery: In rare cases, if conservative treatments fail and the bump continues to cause significant pain or functional impairment, surgical intervention may be necessary to remove the bony prominence or repair any underlying structural issues.


Conclusion
Given that your condition has persisted for several years without improvement, it is crucial to seek a thorough evaluation from an orthopedic specialist. They may recommend imaging studies, such as X-rays or MRI, to assess the underlying structures of the knee and determine the most appropriate treatment plan. Early intervention can help prevent further complications and improve your quality of life. Remember, while some conditions may resolve on their own, others may require more proactive management to alleviate symptoms and restore function.