5 Common Causes of Chronic Knee Pain

Chronic knee pain is more than frustrating. It can reduce your daily activities, make it harder to sleep at night, and even lead to other joint issues over time. Whether your knee pain comes and goes or is a steady companion, there’s a reason behind it. 

At Spine & Pain Center of San Antonio, in Live Oak and San Antonio, Texas, Sergio Alvarado, MD, and our expert team offer a full range of effective treatment solutions for unrelenting knee pain, including physical therapy, joint injections, and more. 

Read on as we take a closer look at five common causes of chronic knee pain — and what they might mean for you. 

Common causes of knee pain 

Most cases of chronic knee pain stem from one of the following conditions: 

1. Osteoarthritis (OA) 

OA is a frequent cause of chronic knee pain, especially with age. This form of arthritis comes from the gradual breakdown of cartilage in the knee joint. Over the years, the protective cushioning around your knee joint wears away, and you might experience swelling, stiffness, and pain. 

OA can be accompanied by cracking or grinding sounds when moving your knee, or deep pain during or after activity. 

While there’s no cure for OA, there’s a lot you can do to reduce your pain and improve your mobility — from physical therapy, weight management, and anti-inflammatory medications and injections to joint replacement surgery. 

2. Patellofemoral pain syndrome (PFPS)

Also known as “runner’s knee,” this condition causes you to feel pain around your kneecap (patella). You don’t have to be a runner to experience this condition, either; it can arise with overuse, improper alignment, or muscular imbalance. Even taking up a new activity can cause PFPS-related knee pain. 

Symptoms include knee pain when walking up or down stairs, or discomfort from sitting for extended periods. Physical therapy can help strengthen the muscles around the knee. Wearing supportive shoes can help keep your body aligned, providing additional support. 

3. Tendinitis 

Your knee joint has tendons that connect the muscle to the bone. Overuse can contribute to tendon inflammation and pain. Activities with a lot of jumping, like certain team sports, or with repetitive motions, such as running, can put your knees at risk of tendinitis pain. 

Symptoms include tenderness, swelling, burning sensations, and generalized pain during movement. Rest, ice, and targeted exercises are typical treatments. Sometimes, that’s not enough, and you may need physical therapy or interventional pain treatments.

4. Bursitis 

Fluid-filled sacs called bursae have the job of reducing friction in your knee. When irritated, these sacs can swell and cause pain. Repetitive kneeling, pressure, or injury are common causes of knee bursitis. 

Sometimes, our team may drain the fluid around your knee or inject corticosteroids to speed healing. 

5. Meniscus Tear 

Knee joints are made of multiple parts, including a rubbery disc called the meniscus. It cushions the knee but can tear due to injury. It can also break down over time, causing a gradual tear that leads to chronic pain. 

Symptoms include swelling, stiffness, and sharp pain when twisting or squatting. Treatment options include rest, physical therapy, and anti-inflammatory medications. More severe cases might require surgery. 

Final recommendations for knee pain 

Your knee is a complex joint, and age, overuse, and injury can give rise to a chronic pain problem that affects your mobility. A personalized treatment plan can ease joint pain, restore joint function, help you feel better, and get you back to your life. 

At Spine & Pain Center of San Antonio in Live Oak and San Antonio, Texas, we work with you to determine the best treatment approach for your knee pain. Call or click online to schedule an appointment with our interventional pain specialists today.