Knee pain is common and can happen to people of any age. Whether it’s due to an injury, arthritis, or other conditions, chronic knee pain can significantly impact your quality of life. Knee pain is very common among Indians, with 31.8% experiencing it over a six-month period. 

Chronic knee pain can lead to missed work and lower productivity. Osteoarthritis (OA), a major cause of knee pain, is a serious health concern and is predicted to be the fourth leading cause of disability by 2020. To manage chronic knee pain effectively, it’s essential to understand what causes it, recognise the symptoms, and know how it's diagnosed. 

So, to help you understand the various effects of chronic knee pain, here’s a detailed guide to help you manage and get the best knee pain treatment you need.

What is Chronic Knee Pain?

Chronic knee pain is characterised by persistent pain, swelling, or tenderness in one or both knees over an extended period. Unlike acute knee pain, which arises suddenly due to an injury, chronic knee pain persists for an extended period, often due to underlying conditions or gradual wear and tear.

Common Causes of Chronic Knee Pain 

Chronic knee pain can arise from several conditions, each affecting each knee differently. Here’s a look at some of the most common knee pain causes:

• Osteoarthritis: Osteoarthritis is the most prevalent form of arthritis that affects the knee. It happens when the protective cartilage in the knee wears down over time, causing pain and swelling. This wear and tear can make the bones rub against each other, leading to discomfort, especially during movement. Osteoarthritis can lead to joint degradation and the need for complete joint replacement treatments if the condition is not diagnosed in a timely manner.
   
• Rheumatoid Arthritis: Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disorder where the body’s immune system attacks the joints, including the knees. This causes inflammation, pain, and swelling. People with rheumatoid arthritis often feel stiffness, particularly in the morning or after periods of inactivity. If not treated, it can lead to long-term damage and deformity in the joints.
   
• Meniscus Tears: The meniscus is a piece of cartilage in the knee that acts as a cushion between the thigh bone and shinbone. Tears can occur from sudden twisting movements. The knee may also feel locked or unstable, making it hard to move normally.
   
• Tendonitis: Tendonitis is inflammation of the tendons in the knee, often affecting the patellar tendon. This condition, known as "jumper’s knee," is usually caused by repetitive activities like running or jumping. It causes pain at the front of the knee, especially below the kneecap, which gets worse with activity and improves with rest.
   
• Bursitis: Bursitis occurs when the small fluid-filled sacs (bursae) that cushion the knee joint become inflamed. This can happen due to repetitive movements or direct injury. It causes swelling, warmth, and tenderness around the knee, particularly when moving or pressing on it.
   
• Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome (Runner’s Knee): Runner’s knee causes pain around the kneecap due to improper alignment or stress on the knee joint. Common among runners and athletes, it results in a dull ache or grinding sensation when bending the knee, such as climbing stairs or squatting. Prolonged sitting can also trigger pain.
   
• Ligament Injuries: Ligament injuries, such as ACL tears, are common in sports that involve sudden stops or changes in direction. These injuries cause severe pain and swelling, often accompanied by a popping sound during the injury.

Recognising the Symptoms of Chronic Knee Pain

Chronic knee pain can show up in various ways, and it is very important to identify the initial symptoms and diagnose the underlying condition as soon as possible. Here are some of the most common symptoms of chronic knee pain that you should monitor.

• Persistent Pain: This type of knee pain is ongoing and can range from a dull ache to sharp, severe discomfort. It often gets worse with activity and can continue even at rest or during the night, affecting daily activities and sleep.
   
• Swelling and Stiffness: Swelling around the knee joint can result from inflammation, fluid buildup, or injury. It usually comes with stiffness, making it hard to bend or straighten the knee fully, especially after resting for a while.
   
• Instability: If your knee feels unstable, it could be due to weakened or damaged structures like ligaments or tendons. This instability can make it hard to do weight-bearing activities and increase the risk of falls.
   
• Redness and Warmth: Inflammation in the knee can cause the skin around it to appear red and feel warm. This is common with conditions like arthritis or bursitis and usually comes with swelling and pain.
   
• Limited Range of Motion: Chronic knee pain can restrict your knee’s movement, making it difficult to fully bend or straighten it. This limitation can interfere with daily activities such as walking, climbing stairs, or sitting down.
   
• Creaking or Crunching Sounds: You might hear creaking, crunching, or popping sounds from your knee, known as crepitus. These noises can indicate cartilage issues or loose fragments in the knee joint and are often found in conditions like osteoarthritis.

Diagnosing Chronic Knee Pain

Diagnosing chronic knee pain involves pinpointing the cause and determining the best treatment. Here’s a look at the most important steps in understanding the underlying causes of chronic knee pain.

Medical History

Your doctor will ask about your pain's onset, intensity, and duration, whether it’s constant or intermittent, and any previous knee injuries or medical conditions like arthritis. This background helps identify potential causes.

Physical Examination

During the exam, the doctor will check your knee’s range of motion, stability, and tenderness. They will look for signs of swelling or redness and test the strength and flexibility of your knee and surrounding muscles. Observing how you walk can also reveal knee-related issues.

Imaging Tests

• X-rays: These can show bone fractures, alignment issues, and osteoarthritis signs.
• MRI: Provides detailed images of soft tissues, useful for identifying ligament, tendon, or cartilage issues.
• CT Scan: Offers detailed cross-sectional views of bones and soft tissues, ideal for complex fractures.
• Ultrasound: Uses sound waves to visualise soft tissues like tendons and bursae, helpful for diagnosing tendonitis or bursitis.

Laboratory Tests

Blood tests may be ordered to detect inflammation or autoimmune conditions like rheumatoid arthritis. These tests can identify markers of systemic inflammation or specific antibodies.

Arthroscopy

If other tests don’t provide clear answers, an arthroscopy might be performed. This minimally invasive procedure involves inserting a small camera into the knee joint to directly view and potentially treat the issue.

Managing and Treating Chronic Knee Pain

Knee pain treatment involves different methods depending on how bad the pain is and what’s causing it.

• Medications and Injections: Over-the-counter pain relievers like ibuprofen or acetaminophen can help ease knee pain and reduce swelling. For more severe pain, doctors may use corticosteroid injections to quickly reduce inflammation and provide temporary relief.
• Physical Therapy and Lifestyle Changes: Physical Therapy and Lifestyle Changes: Physical therapy can make your knee stronger and more flexible. Gentle activities like swimming or cycling, and losing weight, can lessen the strain on your knee and reduce pain.
• Supportive Devices and Surgery: Knee braces provide support and reduce pain during activities. If other treatments are not effective, surgery may be needed. Options include minimally invasive procedures to repair damaged tissues or replacing the knee joint with an artificial one for severe cases.

Conclusion

Chronic knee pain can significantly affect your daily life, but understanding its causes, symptoms, and diagnosis can help you manage and treat it effectively. By recognising the signs early and seeking appropriate medical care, you can reduce the impact of knee pain and improve your quality of life. For more detailed guidance and personalised treatment options, consult the best orthopaedic doctor in Delhi at MASSH. 

We offer specialised treatment, both surgical and therapeutic, for chronic knee pain that can help you treat the symptoms and the underlying condition that’s causing the pain. Check out our website to learn more about chronic knee pain treatment options, or visit us today to consult with our specialists and get their expert opinion on the best treatment processes for your condition, today.