When knee pain starts, that’s when we start to notice and appreciate how big of a role our knees play in our day-to-day activities and the things we do for fun. Going up and down stairs becomes a dreaded part of the day. Getting on and off the floor when playing with our children is no longer an easy task. And we start to think twice before squatting down to get something off the floor or out from a lower cabinet.
Other activities that also often become bothersome when your knees start hurting include:
- Prolonged walking
- Running/jogging
- Pivoting
- Going up/down curbs or ramps
- Bending your knee all the way in to put on your shoes and socks
- Getting in or out of the car
The knee pain can be either constant or it may come and go depending on the severity of the issue. Patients with knee pain will usually describe it as achy, sharp, dull, intense with movement and/or throbbing. Some people experience popping, clicking, locking, or a grinding noise from the knees.
Different things can cause pain in this joint. Here are a few common causes:
- Poor mechanics
- Poor strength (specifically in the glute muscles)
- Traumatic injury
All these things can lead to issues in your knee and though it may be gradual, it will begin to alter the way you perform your everyday activities causing you to compensate with other muscles and joints to avoid feeling that discomfort in your knee. If the underlying cause is not addressed, the knee pain will persist and continue to get worse. Knee pain is not something that will go away on its own. The root cause has to be addressed properly.
