Does Your Knee Hurt? Causes And Remedies

The knee is a complex joint that allows basic movements such as walking, running, jumping, or climbing stairs. Despite being relatively strong, it is exposed to injuries and illnesses that can trigger pain and discomfort. Your knee hurts?

According to  the Osteoarthritis Foundation International (OAFI), 52% of subjects who suffer joint pain complain of their knees ; in fact, this number exceeds those with back pain, who represent only 43%.

The truth is that there are many factors that can affect this condition. Although inflammatory diseases are its most common cause, it can also develop from trauma, being overweight, and bad habits.

Why does your knee hurt? Main causes

To understand why your knee hurts, it is important to know in advance some details of its structure. For example, to have its characteristic flexibility, it must have in perfect condition bones, cartilage, muscles, ligaments and tendons.

Any injury that involves any of these parts can be the cause of pain. In addition, it must be considered that it can weaken over the years, which is why the discomfort would increase when reaching adulthood. Let’s look at other possible causes in detail.

Knee pain from injuries

An injury to your ligaments, tendons, or bursae may be the reason your knee hurts. If any of these parts is affected by a blow or bad movement, an inflammatory process develops that causes movement difficulties. The most common injuries are:

• Anterior cruciate ligament injury: It is a tear of one of the four ligaments that connect the tibia with the femur.

• Fractures: These occur when the bones of the knee are broken by an accident or fall. It can also affect patients with osteoporosis.
• Meniscus tear – Turning the knee suddenly while bearing weight can lead to a meniscus tear.
• Knee bursitis: it is caused by an inflammation of the synovial bags that surround the joint.
• Patellar tendonitis: it is the inflammation of the patellar tendon, which connects the quadriceps muscle in the front part of the thigh with the tibia.

Knee pain from diseases

Inflammatory diseases like arthritis are a common cause of knee pain. It is estimated that there are more than 100 forms of the disease. However, the ones that most tend to compromise the knee are:

• Osteoarthritis, also called degenerative arthritis
• Rheumatoid arthritis
• Gout or buildup of uric acid
• Septic arthritis
• Baker’s cyst
• Infection in the bones of the knee.
• Infection in the knee joint

• Cancers that spread to the bones

Other reasons why your knee hurts

It is worth mentioning other factors that can affect this ailment. Of course, for a timely diagnosis and treatment, it is essential to go to the doctor.

• Patellofemoral pain syndrome
• Overweight and obesity
• Repetitive movements when doing sports or strength work
• Previous injuries
• Muscle weakness
• Iliotibial band syndrome
• Patella dislocation

Natural remedies to soothe knee pain

Therapies to cure knee pain can vary depending on the source of the problem. Despite this, there are a number of natural remedies available that can be helpful in alleviating it. Don’t hesitate to try them!

Olive oil

Rich in omega 3 fatty acids and antioxidants, olive oil is a good supplement to deal with pain. According to different studies, it has anti-inflammatory and soothing properties that, among other things, would help improve circulation. Consume it raw or apply it in massages.

Bag of ice

If your knee hurts and you have swelling, use an ice pack. The cold would calm the sensation of pain or burning, promoting circulation. Ideally, apply it for about 15 to 20 minutes to get good results.

Turmeric

A clinical trial published in The Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine revealed that curcumin, the active compound in turmeric, could replace traditional pain relievers such as ibuprofen in the treatment of knee osteoarthritis.

Under the title: “The efficacy and safety of extracts of domestic Turmeric in patients with knee osteoarthritis” , it was revealed that this prodigious spice would be effective against pain and inflammation.

Other recommendations to take care of your knees

• Avoid excessive physical work, as this could strain your knees.
• Control overweight and obesity problems through healthy habits.
• Practice swimming on a regular basis, as it is a sport that helps increase the resistance of the joints.
• Follow medical recommendations in case of knee osteoarthritis. These patients should avoid exercises that involve repetitive movements.
• Consume anti-inflammatory drugs only under medical supervision.

Still don’t know why your knee hurts? Consult your trusted doctor. Although this symptom can disappear on its own in a matter of days, sometimes it tends to get worse, warning a problem of greater care.