CONDITIONS

Knee pain

Knee pain is a common symptom in people of all ages. It may start suddenly, often after an injury or exercise. Knee pain also may begin as a mild discomfort, then slowly get worse.

Causes

Knee pain can have different causes. Being overweight puts you at greater risk for knee problems. Overusing your knee can trigger knee problems that cause pain.

Medical conditions that lead to knee pain include the following:

• degenerative tissue disorders, such as osteoarthritis
• infections
• obesity
• auto-inflammatory disease, such as rheumatoid arthritis
• tendinitis, an inflammation of a tendon, leading to pain when walking upstairs
• bursitis, an inflammation resulting from overuse
• chondromalacia patella, or damage to the cartilage below the kneecap
• gout, a type of arthritis
• a Baker’s cyst, when fluid builds up behind the knee
• a tumor, either benign or malignantin the knee.

Symptoms

• weakness of the knee and an inability to stand properly or fully lengthen out the knee
• popping sounds as the knee flexes or straightens
• swelling and stiffness around the knee
• redness or warmth throughout the knee

Diagnosis

Physical examination of the knee will be done to determine the cause of pain. If the diagnosis is not clear or symptoms do not improve a doctor may order one of the following:

• Blood tests and/or a standard knee X-ray – This may help to rule out some types of arthritis or inflammation.
• MRI scan- A tests that shows details of the knee joint.