Do you experience knee pain when bending? You're not alone if you're dealing with this discomfort. Indeed, there are around 60,000 knee replacement operations for Canadians each year. Knee pain can be frustrating and limiting, hindering daily activities and overall quality of life. But what exactly causes this pain? Join us as we delve into the typical culprits behind knee pain when bending, exploring the potential factors contributing to this prevalent issue.
Osteoarthritis
One of the fastest growing causes of knee pain for Canadians when bending is osteoarthritis, a degenerative joint disease. Over time, the protective cartilage in your knee joint wears down, resulting in bone-on-bone contact during movement. This friction leads to pain, stiffness, and discomfort, particularly when knee bending. Osteoarthritis is more prevalent among aging individuals, but it can affect all ages.
Meniscus Tears
The meniscus is a rubbery cartilage that cushions and stabilizes the knee joint. Injury or trauma can cause tears in the meniscus, resulting in knee pain and limited range of motion. Bending the knee can exacerbate the pain, as the torn meniscus experiences increased pressure and movement. Sports-related activities or sudden twisting motions are common culprits for meniscus tears, making them a frequent cause of knee pain.
Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome
Patellofemoral pain syndrome, or "runner's knee," is characterized by pain around or behind the kneecap. This syndrome often arises from imbalances in the muscles surrounding the knee, causing improper tracking of the kneecap during movement. When bending the knee, the misalignment can lead to pain and discomfort. Activities that involve repetitive knee movements, such as running or jumping, can trigger this condition.
Bursitis
Bursitis is the inflammation of the bursae, tiny fluid-filled sacs that cushion the knee joint. When these sacs become irritated or inflamed, often due to repetitive kneeling or excessive pressure on the knees, it can result in knee pain when bending. Bursitis can affect those who engage in activities that strain the knees, such as gardening or construction work. In some cases, an infection or underlying medical condition may contribute to this condition.
Ligament Injuries
Ligament injuries, particularly damage to the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) or medial collateral ligament (MCL), can cause significant knee pain when bending. These injuries frequently occur during sports activities or accidents that involve sudden changes in direction or direct impact on the knee joint.
When the ligaments are compromised, stability is compromised, leading to pain and discomfort when bending the knee. Ligament injuries require proper diagnosis and often necessitate medical intervention for effective treatment.
Tendonitis
Tendonitis refers to inflammation or irritation of tendons, the tissues that connect muscles to bones. In the case of the knee, conditions like patellar tendonitis or quadriceps tendonitis can result in pain when bending.
Overuse, repetitive movements, or sudden increases in activity can strain these tendons, leading to inflammation and discomfort. People who engage in repetitive knee movements, such as jumping or squatting, are susceptible to developing tendonitis.
Other Contributing Factors
In addition to the causes mentioned above, several other factors can contribute to knee pain when bending in Canadians. These include obesity, which places increased stress on the knee joints, and previous injuries that may have left residual weakness or instability.
Certain medical conditions, such as rheumatoid arthritis or gout, can also affect the knee joint and result in pain during movement. Understanding these factors can aid in seeking appropriate medical attention and implementing preventive measures.
Conclusion
Knee pain when bending can significantly impact people’s lives, hindering their mobility and overall well-being. Multiple factors can contribute to this discomfort, from osteoarthritis and meniscus tears to patellofemoral pain syndrome and ligament injuries.
Identifying the underlying cause is crucial for effective treatment and management. If you experience knee pain, you must consult a healthcare professional who can provide a comprehensive evaluation and recommend appropriate interventions to help you regain comfort and restore your active lifestyle.
References:
https://globalnews.ca/news/5764574/bad-knees/
https://www.canada.ca/en/public-health/services/publications/diseases-conditions/osteoarthritis.html
https://health-infobase.canada.ca/ccdss/data-tool/Age?G=00&V=19&M=1
https://www.healthlinkbc.ca/health-topics/meniscus-tear
https://myhealth.alberta.ca/health/Pages/conditions.aspx?hwid=tp22235spec
https://www.ccohs.ca/oshanswers/diseases/bursitis.html
https://www.healthlinkbc.ca/health-topics/anterior-cruciate-ligament-acl-injuries
https://www.ccohs.ca/oshanswers/diseases/tendon_disorders.html
https://www.ccohs.ca/oshanswers/diseases/tendon_disorders.html#section-7-hdr