What are the Causes of Knee Pain When Bending?
Knee pain while bending is a common complaint that affects people of all ages and lifestyles.
Bending the knee is an essential movement we perform countless times daily, from climbing stairs to picking up objects. However, when pain strikes, the simple act of bending can become a daunting task.
In this blog, we will delve into the common factors contributing to knee pain when bending or kneeling with treatment.
Why Does It Hurt to Bend My Knee?
Knee pain, while various factors, including injuries, medical conditions, and mechanical issues, can cause bending.
Here are some common causes of pain in the knee when bending:
Injury
If you recently injured your knee, such as spraining a ligament, straining a muscle, or fracturing a bone, bending your knee can cause pain. Injuries can lead to inflammation, swelling, and limited range of motion, causing pain.
Overuse
Knee pain from overuse develops gradually over time rather than from a specific incident. You may face difficulty bending your knee or straightening your leg, and it can worsen when walking up steps, running, squatting, or sitting for an extended period.
Bursitis
Bursitis develops when the bursae, small sacs that cushion the knee joint, become inflamed. This can cause pain and swelling when bending the knee. The condition often disappears and improves with several weeks of rest, but flare-ups can happen.
Sprained Knee Ligaments
Bending or squatting may cause knee pain if you have a sprained ligament. When these ligaments are stretched beyond their normal range of motion, they can become sprained or partially torn, leading to pain, swelling, and limited mobility.
Tendonitis
Tendonitis occurs when the tendons around the knee joint become inflamed due to overuse or repetitive motions. It is often seen in runners because of the repetitive movement of the knees while running. As a result of tendonitis, the tendons may weaken and become more susceptible to injury, causing pain during movement.
Arthritis
Arthritis, an inflammation of the joint, can manifest as knee pain while bending, along with swelling and stiffness in the knee joints. The knee can be affected by different types of arthritis, such as osteoarthritis, posttraumatic arthritis, and rheumatoid arthritis.
Meniscus Tears
The meniscus serves as a cartilage cushion that stabilizes the knee joint. If the meniscus tears, it can lead to pain, especially when bending or twisting the knee. Athletes, in particular, are vulnerable to meniscus tears, and common symptoms include pain, swelling, stiffness, and a popping sensation when bending or stretching the knee.
How to Treat Knee Pain?
The knee pain treatment depends on the underlying cause and the severity of the pain. It’s essential to consult a doctor for a proper diagnosis before attempting any treatment. They can perform a physical examination, order imaging tests, and provide a personalized treatment plan based on the diagnosis.
However, here are some general approaches that may be used to treat knee pain:
Pain Management
Pain management is crucial in treating knee pain, especially when the pain is persistent or chronic. Pain management aims to alleviate discomfort, improve mobility, and enhance the overall quality of life.
In such cases, reducing inflammation with NSAIDs, exercises, and the R.I.C.E. method (rest, ice, compression, and elevation) are often used to manage pain in the short term.
Knee Examination
Having your knee evaluated by a healthcare professional is crucial, especially if you have suffered a traumatic knee injury. Obtaining a definitive diagnosis will provide reassurance and facilitate quicker healing.
Try Different Treatments
Sometimes, your knee pain may get better on its own with rest. However, more than likely, you will need to engage in rehab exercises to overcome the injury.
Physiotherapists provide specific exercises and treatment regimes that enhance joint strength, stability, and mobility.
How to Prevent Knee Pain?
Preventing knee pain involves taking proactive measures to protect the knee joint and surrounding structures.
Here are some tips to help prevent knee pain when bending:
- Exercise: Engage in low-impact exercises that strengthen the muscles around the knee without putting excessive stress on the joint.
- Stretching: Stretching, even on your rest days, will increase flexibility. Gentle stretching and light exercises can help reduce the risk of injury.
- Proper footwear: Choose footwear that provides good support and cushioning for your feet and knees, especially when participating in high-impact activities.
- Maintain weight: Maintain a healthy weight to reduce stress on your knees.
- Physical therapy: Seek professional guidance for chronic knee pain to receive exercises addressing the root causes of knee pain.
These preventive measures can lower the risk of knee pain and promote overall knee health. However, seeking medical advice for proper knee pain treatment is essential if you already have knee pain or a pre-existing condition.
Knee Pain Treatment in Dubai
If you seek the best knee doctor in Dubai for comprehensive knee pain treatment, Dr. Muthana Sartawi is here to help. With his vast experience, dedication to patient care, and innovative techniques, he aims to restore your knee health and improve your overall well-being.
