Years of wear and tear can take a toll on your knees.
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What Causes Knee Pain While Standing?
Conditions that cause standing knee pain often start as nuisances.
Panuwat Dangsungnoen / EyeEm / Getty Images
However, they can become more serious if they are not promptly treated.
Factors such as overuse, injury, and strength imbalance may lead to one of these conditions.
It is also the most common cause of knee pain in adults 1840 years old in the United States.
Overactivity with a knee that has an additional risk factor of muscle strength or flexibility issues is especially troubling.
Strength imbalances or decreased flexibility of the muscles in the upper leg may lead to knee pain.
Who Is at Risk for PFS?
PFS often impacts athletes and those who engage in running, basketball, and other sports.
Women are especially vulnerable to PFS, particularly at a younger age.
Chronic degeneration of the meniscus can occur aging and knee use over time.
Acute meniscus tears are usually from sudden pivoting or twisting as seen in basketball or football.
A torn meniscus normally produces localized pain that is worse during twisting and squatting motions.
This can happen during the transition of sitting to standing or during movement.
This could happen if you have suffered a serious knee injury in the past.
Osteoarthritis can make it difficult to walk or stand for long periods.
Reducing body weight if you are overweight or have obesity may also decrease knee pain.
How is Standing Knee Pain Diagnosed?
A standing knee pain diagnosis is usually based on a detailed medical history and a physical examination.
Knee X-rays are typically done.
If your symptoms and physical exam findings are concerning for a meniscus tear, an MRI may be ordered.
A joint aspiration can only be done if there is swelling within the knee joint.
A joint aspiration is when a needle is used to remove the extra fluid in the joint.
The fluid can be sent to the lab to look for signs of gout or rheumatoid arthritis.
A standing view of the knee is especially helpful in evaluating joint space narrowing.
Usually, an MRI is unnecessary to diagnose osteoarthritis.
How is Standing Knee Pain Treated?
Conservative treatment methods are usually used to treat the conditions that cause knee pain while standing.
The R.I.C.E.
If analgesics are used to decrease PFS pain, a short course ofNSAIDsis preferred.
If OTC medications fail, thenprescription-strength NSAIDsmay be prescribed.
Other types of injections that lubricate the joint (hyaluronic acid) may be tried for osteoarthritis.
You may find that you are stopping activities that you previously enjoyed due to your pain.
Summary
Knee pain while standing can often begin as a nuisance.
However, pain may worsen without prompt treatment and lifestyle modifications, including weight management.
Past athletes may have an increased risk of developing knee pain while standing.
Diagnosis strategies vary but generally center around a physical examination and supplemental imaging (when necessary).
Treatment includes the R.I.C.E.
protocol, medication, physical therapy, and surgery.
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