Knee pain is one of the most prevalent musculoskeletal complaints affecting people of all ages. Whether it’s a sudden injury from sports, a long-term issue due to arthritis, or discomfort caused by overuse, knee pain can severely impact mobility and quality of life. Identifying the knee pain causes and understanding how to manage them effectively can help prevent further complications and improve joint health.
At Swasthya Saarthi, we specialize in diagnosing and treating knee pain using advanced orthopaedic assessments, regenerative therapies, and surgical interventions when necessary. In this comprehensive guide, we will explore the common causes of knee pain and discuss the best management and treatment strategies.
Understanding the Knee Joint
The knee is one of the most complex joints in the human body. It connects the thigh bone (femur) to the shinbone (tibia) and is supported by ligaments, cartilage, tendons, and muscles. Because the knee bears a significant amount of weight and absorbs impact from daily activities like walking, running, and jumping, it is highly prone to injuries and wear-and-tear conditions.
If knee pain is ignored, it can lead to further complications, such as restricted movement, joint deformities, and the need for surgical intervention. Let’s explore the primary causes of knee pain and their respective treatments.
Common Causes of Knee Pain
Osteoarthritis – The Wear-and-Tear Disease
One of the leading causes of knee pain, osteoarthritis (OA) occurs due to the gradual breakdown of cartilage, leading to bone-on-bone friction. This condition typically affects older adults but can also occur in younger individuals due to excessive joint strain or past injuries.
Symptoms of Osteoarthritis
Pain that worsens with movement
Stiffness, especially after periods of inactivity
Swelling and warmth in the knee joint
Difficulty in bending or straightening the knee
Management of Osteoarthritis
Weight management to reduce pressure on the knees
Low-impact exercises like swimming, yoga, and cycling
Pain relief medications such as NSAIDs
Advanced treatments at Swasthya Saarthi, including digital ortho scorecards and functional muscle tests (FMT)
Ligament and Meniscus Injuries – Common in Athletes
Sports injuries often result in ligament sprains, ACL (anterior cruciate ligament) tears, or meniscus tears. These injuries occur due to sudden twisting movements, falls, or direct impacts on the knee.
Symptoms of Knee Injuries
A popping sound at the time of injury (common in ACL tears)
Immediate swelling and pain
Instability or difficulty putting weight on the affected leg
Locking sensation in the knee (in case of meniscus tears)
Management of Knee Injuries
RICE Therapy (Rest, Ice, Compression, Elevation) to reduce swelling
Bracing and physiotherapy for knee stability
Surgical options for severe ligament tears, available at Swasthya Saarthi at lower costs
Patellar Tendinitis – Jumper’s Knee
Patellar tendinitis (Jumper’s Knee) is caused by repeated stress on the knee, leading to inflammation of the patellar tendon. This condition is common in athletes who engage in running, jumping, and high-impact sports.
Symptoms of Patellar Tendinitis
Pain just below the kneecap
Stiffness in the knee after physical activity
Tenderness when pressing on the tendon
Management of Patellar Tendinitis
Rest and avoiding high-impact movements
Strengthening and stretching exercises
Shockwave therapy and PRP injections, available at Swasthya Saarthi
Rheumatoid Arthritis – An Autoimmune Cause of Knee Pain
Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is an autoimmune disorder where the immune system attacks the synovial lining of the knee joint, causing chronic inflammation. Unlike osteoarthritis, RA often affects both knees simultaneously.
Symptoms of Rheumatoid Arthritis
Morning stiffness lasting more than 30 minutes
Swelling and tenderness in the knee joints
Fatigue and overall joint pain
Management of Rheumatoid Arthritis
Anti-inflammatory medications (DMARDs, biologics)
Physiotherapy for joint mobility
Regenerative therapies such as RFA (radiofrequency ablation) for pain relief, available at Swasthya Saarthi
Bursitis – Inflammation of the Knee Bursa
Bursitis occurs when the fluid-filled sacs (bursae) in the knee become inflamed due to repetitive motion or prolonged kneeling.
Symptoms of Knee Bursitis
Swelling around the kneecap
Pain when bending or pressing on the knee
Warmth and redness in the affected area
Management of Knee Bursitis
Avoiding prolonged kneeling or squatting
Applying ice packs to reduce swelling
Cortisone injections for severe inflammation
How to Manage Knee Pain Effectively
Regardless of the cause, managing knee pain involves a combination of self-care, medical treatment, and lifestyle modifications. Here are the most effective strategies:
Exercise and Physiotherapy
Strengthening the quadriceps and hamstrings helps stabilize the knee
Low-impact activities like swimming and yoga improve flexibility
Maintain a Healthy Weight
Excess weight puts additional stress on the knee joints, worsening knee pain
A balanced diet rich in calcium and vitamin D helps maintain bone health
Use of Knee Braces and Orthotics
Compression braces provide support and reduce pain
Orthopedic insoles help in proper weight distribution and knee alignment
Regenerative and Surgical Treatments
PRP Therapy and RFA (Radiofrequency Ablation) as non-surgical treatments for pain relief
Knee replacement surgery for severe cases of osteoarthritis, available at Swasthya Saarthi at lower costs
Why Choose Swasthya Saarthi for Knee Pain Treatment?
At Swasthya Saarthi we offer comprehensive knee pain management with advanced diagnostics and personalized treatment plans.
Multidisciplinary Team: Experienced orthopaedic doctors, physiotherapists, and regenerative therapy specialists
Advanced Diagnostic Assessments: AI-based postural analysis, digital spine analysis (DSA), and functional muscle tests (FMT)
Affordable Treatment Options: We provide knee surgeries at 25% lower costs with full insurance support
Non-Surgical Therapies: PRP injections, radiofrequency ablation (RFA), and chiropractic treatments for chronic knee pain relief
Final Thoughts
Knee pain can result from various causes, including injuries, arthritis, and overuse. Early diagnosis and effective management are key to preventing complications. Whether you need physiotherapy, regenerative therapy, or surgical intervention, Swasthya Saarthi provides cutting-edge solutions to help you regain pain-free movement.
If you're struggling with knee pain, don’t wait consult our specialists at Swasthya Saarthi today and get the best treatment tailored to your needs.
