What causes knee pain?

The knee is a complex joint with many components, making it vulnerable to a variety of injuries and overuse conditions that can cause pain, swelling, and create difficulty with performing normal daily activities. Common injuries to the knee can range from cartilage tears (meniscus tears), to dislocation of the kneecap, to more serious injuries involving the ligaments of the knee. Some less obvious reasons for knee pain stem from overuse injuries to the structures around the knee. Overuse conditions typically occur due to wear-and-tear overtime, muscle weakness, a decrease in range of motion, a mechanical problem, or involvement with prolonged periods of repetitive movements without proper rest. Patella tendonitis (runner’s or jumper’s knee), bursitis (inflammation of fluid-filled sacs), and IT Band syndrome are examples of common overuse conditions to the knee. Osteoarthritis of the knee is another common overuse condition that can cause significant pain, swelling, and decreased ability to function. The good news is, many of these injuries and overuse conditions can be treated successfully without surgery.