In addition to pain, you may experience knee instability and a reduced range of motion.
OA frequently affects the medial portion of the knee, known as themedial tibiofemoralcompartment.
It can also cause the abnormal remodeling of bone, leading to bone spurs (osteophytes).
Verywell / Laura Porter
Each knee has twomenisci.
Occasionally, the medial portion of yourmeniscus can tearand lead to pain on the inside of the knee.
It can happen suddenly after your leg is sharply twisted during sports or exercise.
A tear might also occur as a result of aging-related wear and tear.
This ligament provides stability and prevents the knee from buckling inward.
It can also be due to a direct blow to the outside of the knee joint.
This takes place if a fluid-filled sac in the knee, called abursa, becomes inflamed.
This sac acts as a cushion between the tibia and the three maintendonsservicing theadductor musclesof the knee.
Pes anserine bursitis is common in people who engage in repetitive sports such as running or cycling.
Because of the complexity of the knee joint, these structures are vulnerable to both long- and short-term injury.
The causes and symptoms of lateral compartment OA mirror those of medial compartment OA.
The only real difference is that the pain is experienced on the outside of the knee.
For this reason, lateral compartment OA is less common than medial compartment OA.
Lateral Meniscus Tear
Lateral meniscal tearsare another frequently seen cause of outer knee pain.
Moreover, the non-weight-bearing stability of the knee tends more significantly impacted than with a medial meniscus tear.
The LCL provides stability to the knee joint by preventing it from bowing outward.
Direct blows to the inside of the knee can also damage the LCL.
The friction, which occurs repeatedly when running, eventually leads to knee pain and soreness.
Aside from the conditions below, being overweight and overusing the knee joint can also cause knee problems.
Baker’s Cysts
Baker’s cysts, orpoplitealcysts, are one of the most common knee disorders.
A cyst is a fluid-filled lump.
It can show up on the back of the knee and cause stiffness and discomfort.
These cysts are usually the result of an existing knee problem, like osteoarthritis or a meniscus tear.
Most improve with changes in activity and anti-inflammatory medication.
Some may go away on their own, while others may require surgery.
It usually occurs during growth spurts.
This is when bones, muscles, and tendons undergo rapid change.
Participating in activities like running and jumping sports increases a person’s risk for this condition.
Stretching and strengthening exercises are also beneficial.
Cancer
Bone cancer or cancer that spreads to the bones may cause knee pain.
Bone cancer tends to be more common in people who have family members with cancer.
Most often, this pop in of infection is triggered by staph bacteria, which live on the skin.
The knee is typically the joint that is affected.
Symptoms include extreme swelling, sudden pain, fever, and chills.
Treatment can include antibiotics and joint drainage.
Injury
Injury to the knee joint is fairly common.
The knee is vulnerable not only to ligament tears and sprains but also to dislocations and fractures.
Fractures of the bones around the knee joint, like the femur can cause the bone to shatter.
The bone fragments will sometimes enter the joint.
Patellar subluxations and dislocations can also occur.
Apatellar subluxationhappens when the patella slides partway out of its groove.
Aknee dislocationoccurs when the patella is fully out of its groove.
These injuries can result from normal movement, twisting your knee, or bumping your patella from the side.
Here are some tips based on what may be causing knee pain.
Treatment will depend on the key in of injury, severity, and your overall health.
Your healthcare provider can discuss your options with you.
The location of pain can help determine the underlying cause, which will determine treatment.
Lespasio M.Knee osteoarthritis: a primer.TPJ.
2017;21(4).
doi:10.7812/TPP/16-183
American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons.Meniscus tears.
Michigan Medicine.Medical collateral ligament (MCL) injury.
American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons.Pes anserine (knee tendon) bursitis.
2015;16(1):356. doi:10.1186/s12891-015-0808-7
American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons.Baker’s cyst (popliteal cyst).
American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons.Osgood-Schlatter disease (knee pain).
American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons.Common knee injuries.
American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons.Distal femur (thighbone) fractures of the knee.
MedlinePlus.Kneecap dislocation - aftercare.
2021;7:67. doi:10.1186/s40798-021-00355-1
Arthritis Foundation.Arthritis pain relief and shoe inserts.
