As one’s age advances, you may begin to encounter minor aches and discomforts. These can range from a slight discomfort due to sleeping in an awkward position or sitting for too long. However, some pains may indicate a more serious underlying condition. It can be difficult to determine when a pain should not be overlooked. So, how can you differentiate between insignificant discomfort and potential red flags? And, how can you recognise the symptoms associated with them? Here are 4 types of knee pain you shouldn’t ignore.
A Clicking or Popping Knee
If you experience any unusual movements or sounds in your knee, it is likely a sign that something is amiss. Popping, clicking, and locking are all potential red flags. Pop-like sensations may indicate damage to a crucial ligament like the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL), posterior cruciate ligament (PCL), or medial collateral ligament (MCL). These types of injuries are frequently seen in sports, but they can also occur from traumatic incidents. Along with noises and sensations like popping or clicking, you may experience other symptoms:
- Sudden, severe pain in the knee
- Pain that persists while walking
- The knee abruptly gives out, causing you to fall and feel unstable while walking
- Swelling within 24 hours after the initial injury
One possible explanation for the popping sensation in your knee is a meniscus tear. This type of injury often accompanies damage to a knee ligament and results from a tear in the medial meniscus. Like tears to the ACL, PCL, or MCL, a meniscus tear is typically caused by a sudden and forceful movement, such as twisting during athletic activities. Along with popping, you may also experience other symptoms, such as:
- Knee pain
- Initial pain and discomfort — but still able to walk
- Worsening pain and stiffness
- Your knee is giving out
- Knee catching or locking
Swelling of the Knee
Experiencing swelling in your knee, especially without a specific incident, can be concerning. Understanding the cause of this swelling is important. While you may have unknowingly injured yourself, this is rarely the case. The most likely reason for your swollen knee is arthritis. There are various types of arthritis, from rheumatoid to osteoarthritis, which are chronic conditions that progress with time. In addition to knee swelling, you may also experience other symptoms like knee pain, difficulty bending your knee fully, stiffness, or a limited range of motion.
Walking Up Stairs Hurts
Following a tough exercise session, mobility may be limited. Soreness in your legs and even basic movements like walking may feel taxing. However, knee injuries present differently. Rather than experiencing soreness, you may feel a range of dull to sharp pains, especially when using stairs. This type of discomfort is usually associated with damaged cartilage beneath the kneecap and can be caused by osteoarthritis or chondromalacia patellae (commonly known as runner’s knee). Along with difficulty using stairs, runner’s knee may also manifest in other ways, such as:
- Knee pain
- Grinding or cracking sensations when bending or extending your knee
- Pain that worsens after prolonged periods of sitting, standing, or exercising
- Swelling or tenderness
A Moving or Shifting Knee
Suddenly changing direction with a planted foot can lead to a dislocated knee. While this is usually not a major injury, there are some rare instances where it can be. A dislocated knee may involve torn ligaments, damaged blood vessels, and nerves. This often causes a sensation of movement or instability while walking. Other symptoms may include swelling, severe knee pain, hearing a popping sound at the time of the injury and instability and feeling like your knee will give out to name a few.
I want you to live your life in full motion. If you suffer from knee pain and it’s making your life uncomfortable, please let me help you to get you back to doing the things you love.
Contact Dr Olivier’s office situated at Vergelegen Mediclinic Somerset West at 021 850 6398 or admin@newlimb.co.za to make an appointment.
This article does not provide medical advice and is intended for informational purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Please consult Dr Olivier for all medical advice.
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