Knee pain
The knee is a complex and heavily stressed joint. It plays a central role in almost every movement – walking, running, climbing stairs, or sports. Accordingly, knee pain occurs frequently. The causes range from acute injuries to chronic wear and tear.
Symptoms
Knee problems can manifest very differently – depending on the cause and severity:
- Sudden pain: often caused by overuse or injuries.
- Instability: Sufferers often describe a feeling as if the knee is "giving way."
- Restricted movement: Stiffness, clicking noises, joint blockages, or difficulty straightening are typical signs.
- Localized pain: Depending on the affected structure (ligaments, tendons, cartilage), the pain can occur at the front, back, or side of the knee.
Causes of knee pain
Knee pain has many possible triggers. Common ones include:
- Injuries: strains, sprains, ligament or meniscus tears.
- Inflammation: tendinitis or bursitis.
- Degenerative changes: e.g., osteoarthritis.
Sports injuries
Physically active individuals are particularly at risk. A typical condition is the so-called "runner's knee," which mainly occurs in sports with high bending stress (running, jumping, cycling). Triggers are often misalignments, overuse, or weak muscles.
Other causes:
Not all knee problems arise suddenly. Osteoarthritis or incorrect loading due to hip problems can permanently damage the knee. Those who have already had a knee injury have an increased risk of recurrent complaints.
Pain localization – an important clue
- Front of the knee: often bursitis or cartilage problems
- Side of the knee: often ligament or meniscus injuries
- Back of the knee: can indicate osteoarthritis
-
BUY NOW