Experiencing knee pain without injury? You’re not alone. While sudden twists, missteps, and strains can cause knee pain, there are cases where patients suffer without a clear cause. In this blog, we’ll explore common causes of knee pain without injury to provide insights into your discomfort. Let’s shed light on this perplexing issue. Here are five possible causes of knee pain without injury:
Bursitis:
Bursitis is one common cause of knee pain without injury. Tiny sacs of fluid cushion the bones in the knee joint, and when they become infected or irritated, they can become inflamed, leading to a condition known as bursitis. This painful condition may be accompanied by:
- Redness around the joint
- Tenderness at the knee
- And in some cases, fever
Tendinitis:
Tendinitis, another common cause, occurs when the tendons, the tissue that binds muscle to bones, become inflamed. It is often characterized by a dull ache in the knee that increases with use. Tendinitis may also cause swelling and pain. While rest alone can sometimes alleviate tendinitis, severe cases may require medical intervention.
Baker’s cyst:
Baker’s cyst, also known as a popliteal cyst, is a fluid-filled swelling at the back of the knee. It can restrict movement due to swelling and may indicate an undiagnosed knee injury. In many cases, a popliteal cyst will go away on its own, but sometimes fluid may need to be drained from the cyst.
Osteoarthritis:
Osteoarthritis, the inflammation, and swelling of the knee joint itself, is another possible cause of knee pain without injury. This condition is caused by the deterioration of the knee and can be influenced by
- Past injury
- Poor posture
- Obesity and being overweight
Rheumatoid arthritis:
This autoimmune disease is similar to osteoarthritis, but is often not localized to a single joint, and is indicated by stiffness, swelling, and pain.
OCR: Your Guide for Knee Pain Without Injury
Our knees are one of our bodies’ most complex joints. With many moving parts and associated ligaments, tendons, and muscles, it’s not unlikely for you to experience knee pain without injury. If you’re unsure about the source of your knee pain, it’s crucial to consult with a physician to get a proper diagnosis. At the Orthopaedic & Spine Center of the Rockies, we want to help you understand how your body works, and to have the knowledge necessary to handle unexpected knee pain should it arise, so you can get back to the activities you love.
Suffering from unexplained knee pain? Schedule a consultation with one of our foot and ankle specialists today! And be sure to check out this blog where we cover in greater detail the ways our knees can be a source of pain and where that pain stems from.