Causes of Knee Pain
When you live with knee pain, a simple activity like climbing stairs or riding a bike can be painful—but, in fact, you do not need to spend each day in pain. Use the brief descriptions below to help identify the possible cause of your knee pain, then ask your doctor about your specific knee condition and your treatment options.
Bursitis, Tendonitis, or Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome
Overuse injuries, caused by repetitive activities such as stair climbing, jogging, or other stresses on the knee joints, lead to irritation and inflammation.
Sprains
The ligaments that connect bone to bone may be stretched—or they may be partially or completely torn.
Osteoarthritis
In knees with osteoarthritis (OA), the cartilage protecting the ends of the bones gradually deteriorates, and the joint fluid—called synovial fluid—loses its shock-absorbing qualities. Bones may begin to rub against each other, causing pain, stiffness and loss of movement in the joint. By contrast, a healthy knee’s cartilage and lubricating joint fluid protect and cushion the bones, making moving and bending easy. Learn more about osteoarthritis and treatments available at www.synviscone.com/about-oa and speak with your doctor.
Articular Cartilage Damage
Articular cartilage injuries may occur during sports or work activities, through a traumatic incident involving the knee, or just through daily wear and tear. Being knock-kneed or bow-legged, or having another injury such as a meniscus tear or a ligament tear can also cause or worsen articular cartilage injuries Small cartilage injuries may become larger, and, if left untreated, lead to more serious problems such as osteoarthritis.
Meniscal Cartilage Damage
Similar to articular cartilage damage, meniscus damage can occur during activities of daily living without specific trauma, or from a trauma that occurs in sport or the work place. Once there is injury to the meniscal cartilage, the body’s response is often pain and swelling. The meniscal tear causes the body’s weight to be distributed unevenly. As a result of increased stress over time, articular cartilage may break down as well, which can lead to degenerative arthritis.