The Facts About Knee Pain

Participating in sports or other physical activities might cause your knees to ache, and usually the pain is manageable. But if you experience something more than mild discomfort, you should seek treatment.

Not all knee pain is serious, but it can be caused by several medical conditions, including a meniscal tear, bursitis, an ACL injury, rheumatoid arthritis or osteoarthritis. If it’s left untreated, you might experience increasing pain, joint damage or disability.

Your symptoms may vary, depending on the type of knee problems you have. These are some examples:

• Stiffness or swelling of the knee
• A knee that makes popping sounds
• A knee that “locks up”
• An unstable or weak knee
• Redness around the knee
• A warm knee

If you can’t put weight on your knee or it is swollen, you should see your health care provider for a diagnosis and discussion of the best solutions for your knee problem.

Several factors can increase your risk of developing knee problems, according to the Mayo Clinic. They include:

• Lacking muscle strength or flexibility
• Having a previous knee injury
• Being overweight or obese, which causes stress on your knee joints
• Participating in certain sports, such as basketball or running

For more information or a physician referral, call (855) 546-6297 or find a doctor near you.