Navigating Knee Pain: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment

First, it’s important to know the basics — knee joints comprise bones, cartilage, ligaments, and tendons, which are all susceptible to various conditions. When you experience pain in these components, that indicates inflammation, injury, or degeneration in one or more of them.

The duration of knee pain varies widely; it can be temporary, diminishing during periods of rest or flaring up at certain parts of the day. Severe injuries like sprains may resolve within weeks, but chronic conditions such as osteoarthritis can cause persistent pain requiring ongoing management.

Being the biggest joint in your body, the knee supports much of your weight and absorbs plenty of impact as you move through daily life. This is why injuries are so common in this area.

And because knee pain is so widespread and can happen for various reasons, isolating the areas, severity, and duration of discomfort can help you find the cause and get effective treatment.

Knee pain symptoms can manifest in various ways. Here are some of the most common:

Inflammation / stiffness

One typical sign of knee discomfort is swollen knees. Swelling can occur due to fluid buildup in the knee joint, often resulting from injury or inflammation. This can make the knee appear larger than usual and may be accompanied by warmth and redness.

This condition can be particularly noticeable when trying to bend or straighten the knee joint. If either motion causes knee pain when bending, a persistent ache behind the knee, or even pain on the outside of the knees, inflammation may be the culprit.

Redness

Another symptom is redness around the knee area, which can be a significant indicator of inflammation. Often accompanied by warmth, this redness can point to underlying issues such as infection or trauma.

Warm or burning sensation

A warm or burning sensation in the knee can be particularly uncomfortable and may suggest conditions like bursitis or tendinitis. It's crucial to pay attention to these symptoms as they can indicate the need for specific knee pain treatments or knee joint pain treatments from a professional.

Popping or crunching sound

Hearing a popping or crunching sound when moving the knee can be alarming. These sounds, known as crepitus, can be due to various factors, including air bubbles in the joint, ligament snapping, or even cartilage wear and tear.

While not always indicative of a serious issue, persistent popping or crunching sounds should be evaluated by a healthcare professional. These sounds can be associated with conditions like osteoarthritis or meniscal tears, which require specialized therapy for knee pain.

So, what causes knee pain? The answer may be simpler than you realize — here are some of the usual suspects.

Overuse of the knee

One of the primary knee joint pain causes is overuse, which can lead to conditions such as tendinitis or bursitis. This is when the tendons or fluid-filled sacs around the knee joint become inflamed. This inflammation can result in swollen knees and significant discomfort, especially when bending the knee.

Overuse of the knee is particularly common among athletes, runners, and those with physically demanding jobs. It can result from repetitive motions that strain the joints, ligaments, and muscles around the knee. For example, knee pain after running is often due to repeated impact and stress on the joint.

Injuries

Injuries are another leading cause of knee pain. Whether it's a sports-related incident or a simple misstep, injuries can result in swollen knees, knee joint pain, and an overall sense of weakness. Common injuries include ACL tears, meniscus tears, and fractures. If you do cardio regularly and experience knee pain after running or a general knee ache running, you might be exacerbating your condition.

Arthritis

Does your knee hurt when walking? Arthritis could be the issue. Arthritis is a chronic condition that often leads to knee joint pain, particularly in older adults. The two most common types are osteoarthritis, which involves the wear and tear of the cartilage, and rheumatoid arthritis, an autoimmune disorder. Symptoms include stiffness, swelling, and reduced range of motion.

Baker’s cyst

One of the more prominent sore knees causes is a Baker’s cyst, also called a popliteal cyst. This is a fluid-filled sac that forms behind the knee, leading to aches and stiffness. This condition is often associated with other knee issues such as arthritis or cartilage tears.

Bursitis

Bursitis is the inflammation of the bursae, small sacs that cushion the bones, tendons, and muscles near the joints. This condition can lead to knee pain symptoms such as tenderness, swelling, and warmth around the knee. Bursitis can be caused by overuse, injury, or infection.

Knee pain remedies can range from treatment programs overseen by a trained professional to home options and taking over-the-counter medications. Finding the right one for you will depend on the cause, symptoms, and severity. Depending on those factors, you might:

Stretch your knee

One of the most effective ways to manage knee pain is through gentle stretching exercises. These stretches can significantly improve flexibility and reduce stiffness, which are common issues associated with various types of knee pain. Simple stretches for knee pain include the hamstring stretch, quadriceps stretch, and calf stretch. These can bring about two aspects of relief; knee pain symptoms in general and enhanced mobility.

Use ice

One of the most inexpensive home tips for knee pain? Using ice. Icing the affected area can help reduce swelling and inflammation, which are often the root causes of swollen knees and pain outside of knees. Applying an ice pack for about 15-20 minutes, several times a day, can provide relief. This method is particularly effective for acute injuries or flare-ups.

Use the RICE method

Speaking of using ice — here’s an easy way to remember a suite of steps often used to treat knee pain at home, called the RICE method.

Rest: Stop whatever physical activity is causing the pain to avoid making things worse.

Ice: Apply an ice pack or cold compress for 20 minutes hourly on day one after your injury occurs. Following that, you can apply ice every three to four hours. Don’t apply ice directly to your skin (wrap it in a towel first).

Compression: Compression helps reduce blood flow to your injured knee and can calm swelling. Consult a healthcare provider to have them show you how to apply and wear compression wraps safely.

Elevation: Keep your knee elevated above your heart. Do this by propping your knee up with pillows, blankets or cushions when you lay down. Elevation lowers the pressure in local blood vessels and helps increase drainage of inflammatory fluids.¹

Wear a knee brace

Wearing a knee brace can offer added support and stability, which is helpful for those experiencing knee pain after activities like running. A knee brace can help distribute weight more evenly and reduce the strain on the knee joint. Braces come in various types, from basic sleeves to more advanced designs with hinges.

Physical therapy

Physical therapy is another key component in the treatment of knee pain. Engaging in physical therapy exercises can help strengthen the muscles around the knee, improve mobility, and reduce the likelihood of future injuries.

Therapists can guide you through a series of targeted exercises that address the underlying causes of your knee pain, whether it’s due to overuse, injury, or conditions like arthritis. This structured approach can provide long-term benefits and is particularly effective for those dealing with chronic knee pain.

Take OTC pain medication like TYLENOL® Precise®

Over-the-counter pain medications like TYLENOL® PRECISE® Cooling Pain Relieving Cream, TYLENOL® PRECISE® Warming Pain Relieving Cream, and TYLENOL® PRECISE® Pain Relieving Cream can provide targeted, penetrating pain relief.

These medications are a convenient and accessible option for managing knee pain symptoms, allowing you to continue with your daily activities with reduced discomfort. It’s important to follow the instructions on the packaging and consult with a healthcare provider if you have any concerns or if your pain persists.

*TYLENOL® may help temporarily relieve knee pain, however it is not indicated to cure or treat any causes of knee pain, such as cysts, arthritis, or injuries.