Injuries

Fractures

Fractures occur when there is a break or crack in one of the bones in the knee joint. There are many different types of fractures that can occur, and each type can cause different symptoms and require different treatment. One common type of knee fracture is a stress fracture, which occurs when there is excessive pressure on the bone over an extended period of time. This type of fracture is often seen in athletes who participate in high-impact sports like running or basketball. Another type of knee fracture is a patella fracture, which occurs when there is a break in the kneecap bone. This type of injury often results from falls or direct blows to the front of the knee.

Meniscus Tears

The meniscus is a fibrous cartilage that cushions the knee joint, helping to absorb shock and distribute weight. Meniscus tears are injuries that can happen from sudden movements, like pivoting or twisting, which cause a lot of stress on that part of your body. The symptoms of a meniscus tear are often sharp pain and swelling around your kneecap. You may also feel stiffness, clicking or popping sounds in the knee, and difficulty extending and moving your leg around. 

Ligament Sprains

Ligaments are tough bands of tissue that connect bones in our bodies, but when damaged, they can result in excruciating pain. Ligament sprains are caused when the ligaments that hold your knee joint together get stretched or torn. This injury can happen during sports activities, falls, accidents, or even just from twisting your knee the wrong way. The symptoms include aching, swelling, and difficulty bending your knee. In more severe cases, you may hear a popping sound at the time of injury and experience instability in your knee joint.

Contributing Factors

Weight

While carrying some extra pounds may not seem like a big deal, the stress it places on your joints can lead to serious discomfort. The more weight you carry, the harder your knees have to work to support you. This extra strain can cause wear and tear on the cartilage in your knees, leading to inflammation and pain. If you’re experiencing knee discomfort and think weight might be a contributing factor, you should take the necessary steps to find knee pain relief.

Age

The risk of acquiring knee damage will be greater the older you get. As you age, your joints and bones become weaker, making you more susceptible to injuries and inflammation. You’ll also experience weight gain, decreased flexibility, and reduced muscle mass and strength that can contribute to knee problems. The resulting conditions may be caused by years of repetitive motion or trauma to the joint. Sometimes even minor impacts and movement can cause sudden, significant knee pain in older adults. 

Activity Level

If you are someone who loves to exercise or participate in sports, then your knees are likely taking on a lot of stress every day. Running, jumping, stretching, and squatting can all put pressure on your knees which can lead to inflammation and pain over time. If you suddenly increase your activity level without allowing sufficient recovery time for your knees, then that could also contribute to knee pain. You should moderate your energetic pursuits if you don’t want to strain your knee joints.

Medical Conditions

Osteoarthritis

Osteoarthritis can affect anyone but is most frequently found in older adults or those who have experienced significant knee trauma. It occurs when the cartilage that cushions the joints wears down over time, causing bones to rub against one another. As a result, individuals may experience inflammation and stiffening of the joint. They will find it difficult to move around or perform everyday tasks like climbing stairs or getting up from a chair. While there's no cure for osteoarthritis, there are ways to manage its symptoms and provide knee pain relief.

Rheumatoid Arthritis

Rheumatoid arthritis happens when your immune system mistakenly attacks your own body tissues, including the lining of your joints. Eventually, this leads to chronic inflammation that damages the affected joint and surrounding tissues. This is why many people with rheumatoid arthritis experience redness, swelling, stiffness, and persistent knee pain that can limit their mobility and quality of life.

Gout

Gout is another type of arthritis that can cause severe knee pain. It occurs when uric acid crystals build up in the joints, leading to inflammation and discomfort. This condition is more common in men than women, and it often affects the big toe first before spreading to other areas, including the knees. In addition to knee pain, gout can also cause redness, swelling, and tenderness around the affected joint. In severe cases, patients may experience fever or chills due to the inflammation caused by this ailment.

Protection

If ever you fall down or stumble by accident, you won’t have to worry about hurting your knees. Knee braces cover your joints, securing your knee caps and reducing the risk of injury. They will absorb most of the impact when you land after jumping, running, or playing sports. When you know your knees are protected, it gives you peace of mind and allows you to focus more on your performance rather than worrying about getting injured from unexpected mishaps and sudden blows. You will have increased confidence when engaging in physical activities.

Support

Knee braces provide excellent support and stability for knees that may be weakened or vulnerable to injury due to various reasons such as arthritis, sports injuries, or aging. Knee braces fix the knee joint in place and prevent it from moving out of position, which can lead to further damage. This is especially important for athletes who participate in high-impact sports like basketball and soccer, where sudden movements and changes in direction can put stress on the knees. With so many different types of knee braces available, from compression sleeves to hinged supports, there's an option out there for every level of activity.

Post-Injury Recovery

If you have suffered a knee injury before, wearing a brace can help with knee pain relief and promote healing as you get back into your sports routine. When worn during physical activity, knee braces can lessen swelling and inflammation by providing sufficient compression. Additionally, if you have had surgery on your knees, wearing a brace can be beneficial during rehabilitation. It distributes your weight evenly across your leg, minimizing pressure on the affected area. It can even improve blood circulation to the joints, leading to quicker healing times.