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13 conditions that may be to blame for your sudden knee pain without injury

 

 

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Have you ever felt sudden knee pain even though you didn’t injure your knee? It can be confusing and frustrating. Your knees are complex joints that support your body weight and are essential for almost everything you do:

  • Walking
  • Running
  • Climbing stairs
  • Standing

When knee pain suddenly strikes without any clear cause, it may seem like a painful mystery. In reality, knee pain is quite common and can happen for a variety of reasons, even without a specific injury. 

Possible conditions behind sudden knee pain without injury

There are several potential causes for sudden knee pain without an injury:

  • Patellofemoral pain syndrome — Patellofemoral pain syndrome, also known as runner’s knee, is caused by inflammation around the kneecap. Repetitive activities such as running or jumping can cause this condition, even without a specific injury.

  • Iliotibial band syndrome — Iliotibial band syndrome is a condition that involves inflammation of the iliotibial band, a thick band of tissue that runs along the outside of the thigh and knee. Repetitive activities such as running or cycling can cause this condition, even without a specific injury.

  • Bursitis — Bursitis is a condition involving the inflammation of the bursae, small, fluid-filled sacs that cushion joints like the knee. Repetitive activities such
    as kneeling or squatting can cause bursitis, even without a specific injury.

  • Tendinitis — Tendinitis happens when the tendons, which connect muscles to bones, become inflamed. Repetitive activities such as running or jumping can cause tendinitis, even without a specific injury.

  • Hip, foot or ankle problems — Problems in the hips, feet or ankles can sometimes cause referred pain in the knee.

  • Baker’s cyst — A Baker’s cyst is a fluid-filled sac that forms behind the knee, often due to inflammation from other conditions like arthritis. A direct blow to the knee can cause a Baker’s cyst, but it can also develop gradually due to overuse or underlying joint problems.

  • Osteoarthritis — Osteoarthritis is a degenerative condition that happens when the cartilage in joints, like the knee, wears down over time. It’s more common in older adults but can also develop in younger people due to factors like:
  • Ligament tears — Ligaments are tough bands of tissue that connect bones together. While a sudden, twisting motion can cause a ligament in the knee to tear, it can also happen gradually due to overuse or repetitive stress.

  • Rheumatoid arthritis — Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disease that causes inflammation in the joints. It can be triggered by various factors but can also develop without a clear cause.

  • Gout — Gout is a type of arthritis caused by a buildup of uric acid crystals in the joints. Gout can be associated with dietary factors, but can also happen due to underlying medical conditions or medications.

  • Nerve pain — Pain in the knee can sometimes be caused by nerve irritation, such as sciatica, which is pain that travels down the leg from the back. A herniated disc is a common cause of sciatica, but it can also happen due to spinal stenosis or piriformis syndrome.

  • Septic arthritis — Septic arthritis is a serious condition caused by bacteria or other pathogens in joints like the knee. It can happen due to underlying medical conditions or infections elsewhere in the body.

  • Osteosarcoma — Osteosarcoma is a rare type of bone cancer that can affect the knee. It can be caused by genetic factors or develop without a clear cause. 

These are a few possible causes of sudden knee pain without injury. If you’re experiencing knee pain, it’s always best to consult with a health care professional. 

Treatment options for sudden knee pain without injury

The best treatment approach for sudden knee pain without injury will depend on the underlying cause. However, there are several approaches that can help alleviate discomfort and promote healing:

It’s important to consult your health care provider for a proper diagnosis and to discuss the most appropriate treatment options for your specific situation. 

REPAIR SI can support your sudden knee pain recovery with tailored physical therapy solutions

Physical therapy offers a range of effective techniques tailored to meet your individual needs and concerns. At REPAIR SI, we understand that sudden knee pain can be frustrating. Our comprehensive physical therapy treatment plans are tailored to help address the root cause of your pain and help you regain your mobility and can include techniques such as:

  • Acupuncture — During an acupuncture session, thin needles are inserted into specific points on the body to stimulate healing, reduce pain and improve knee function. It can help balance your energy flow and reduce inflammation.

  • Dry needling — Dry needling involves the insertion of thin, sterile needles into tight or knotted muscles to relieve pain and improve muscle function. It can help reduce pain from muscle tension or inflammation around the knee.

  • Class IV laser therapy — High-intensity lasers penetrate deep into tissue and can reduce pain and inflammation while promoting healing. It can be effective for conditions involving inflammation or joint pain.

  • Graston Technique® — The Graston Technique involves specially designed stainless steel instruments to rub along the surface of the affected area to help break down scar tissue and improve mobility. It can help with conditions like tendinitis or muscle tightness.

  • Joint mobilization — This technique involves gentle, controlled movements applied to the knee joint to improve its range of motion and reduce stiffness. It can help conditions like osteoarthritis or patellofemoral pain syndrome.

  • Myofascial release — Myofascial release focuses on relieving tension in the connective tissue, or fascia, surrounding the muscles. It can help reduce pain and improve flexibility in the knee area. 

Our compassionate and experienced team is dedicated to providing personalized care that meets your unique needs and recovery goals. By working together, we can help you overcome knee pain and get back to doing the things you love. 

Contact our team today for more information or to schedule an initial appointment.