Knee Pain When Touched: Causes, Recovery, and Treatment Options

Knee pain occurs upon impact?

Hello, Doctor.
I started experiencing mild pain in my knee about a week ago.
I've noticed that it doesn't affect my daily activities, but it hurts when I lightly touch the outer side of my kneecap, while pressing firmly doesn't cause any discomfort.
May I ask, 1.
What could be the possible causes of this condition? 2.
Is it possible for it to heal on its own? 3.
Should I pause my exercise routine? 4.
Should I see a neurologist or a rehabilitation specialist? Thank you, Doctor!

Xiao Xiang, 40~49 year old female. Ask Date: 2024/05/04

Dr. Jiang Junyi reply Neurology

Hello Miss Hsiao-Hsiang,
You mentioned that "light touch causes pain (on the outer side of the kneecap)," which may indicate "patellofemoral pain syndrome." The role of the patella is to increase the mechanical angle of the tendons and enhance muscle contraction efficiency.
Clinical symptoms typically arise after physical activities, particularly running, playing sports, or jumping.
Patients often experience sharp, burning sensations in the knee, which usually improve with rest or ice application.
The most common presentation is pain around the knee that is difficult to pinpoint or palpate.
Initially, the pain may be intermittent, but it can gradually worsen over time.
Clinically, this condition is more prevalent in individuals with flat feet, gluteal muscle dysfunction (leading to pelvic instability and patellar instability), knee valgus, patellar tilt, and muscle strength imbalances in the legs.

In daily life, it is advisable to avoid prolonged squatting or kneeling, as these activities can be more damaging to the knees than jogging, descending stairs too quickly, deep squats, or deadlifts.

For training, it is recommended to focus on strengthening the gluteal muscles and the inner thigh muscles.
Those who strengthen their gluteal muscles tend to see quicker and more significant improvements.

I suggest you visit a sports medicine or rehabilitation clinic for evaluation (such as physical examination, ultrasound, X-rays, etc.) and treatment.
The physician will prescribe medication and rehabilitation therapy based on your condition.
Thank you for your inquiry, and feel free to discuss further.
Wishing you good health, peace, and happiness.
Dr.
Jiang Jun-Yi, Department of Neurology, Hualien Hospital / Taoyuan Hospital, cares for you.

Reply Date: 2024/05/04

More Info

Knee pain, especially when touched, can be concerning and may arise from various underlying causes. Based on your description, it seems that the pain is localized to the outer side of the knee and is triggered by light pressure, while more forceful pressure does not elicit pain. Let's address your questions systematically.

1. Possible Causes: The symptoms you're experiencing could be attributed to several factors. One common cause is iliotibial band syndrome (ITBS), which occurs when the iliotibial band, a thick band of tissue that runs along the outer thigh from the hip to the knee, becomes tight or inflamed. This condition often manifests as pain on the outer side of the knee, especially when pressure is applied. Another possibility is bursitis, which is inflammation of the bursa, a small fluid-filled sac that reduces friction between tissues. Additionally, patellar tendinopathy or lateral meniscus issues could also cause localized pain. Given that the pain does not occur during movement but only with light touch, it may suggest a soft tissue issue rather than a structural one.

2. Self-Recovery: It is possible for mild knee pain to resolve on its own, particularly if it is due to minor overuse or strain. However, the timeline for recovery can vary based on the underlying cause. If the pain is due to inflammation or irritation, rest, ice, compression, and elevation (RICE) can be beneficial. If the pain persists or worsens, it may indicate a more significant issue that requires medical intervention.

3. Exercise Considerations: If the pain is mild and does not affect your daily activities, you might not need to completely halt your exercise routine. However, it is wise to modify your activities to avoid exacerbating the pain. Low-impact exercises, such as swimming or cycling, may be preferable until the pain subsides. If you experience increased pain during specific activities, it would be prudent to avoid those until you have a clearer understanding of the cause.

4. Specialist Consultation: Given your symptoms, it would be advisable to consult a physiatrist (rehabilitation physician) or a sports medicine specialist rather than a neurologist. A physiatrist can evaluate your knee pain in the context of your physical activity and provide a comprehensive treatment plan. They may recommend physical therapy, which can help strengthen the muscles around the knee, improve flexibility, and address any biomechanical issues contributing to your pain.

In addition to these points, it is essential to monitor your symptoms closely. If you notice swelling, increased pain, or any instability in the knee, you should seek medical attention promptly. Imaging studies, such as X-rays or MRI, may be necessary to rule out any structural damage if symptoms persist.

In conclusion, while your knee pain may resolve with conservative measures, it is crucial to listen to your body and seek professional advice if symptoms do not improve or worsen. Early intervention can prevent further complications and ensure a quicker return to your regular activities.

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