The Different Types of Knee Pain and What They Mean

There are several different types of knee pain. You start by describing the type of pain you’re dealing with and then work to find the cause. Once you know the type of knee pain you’re dealing with, you will be able to find a treatment plan that relieves your discomfort. The right treatment plan will get you back on track when it comes to healing and maintaining your regular level of activity. Each type of knee pain exhibits specific characteristics that will help you identify its cause.

Three Different Types of Knee Pain

Acute Knee Pain

Acute knee pain is primarily caused by an injury to the knee or any of its components. Ligament or cartilage injuries are the most common and can take several weeks to fully heal. In some cases, if the damage is severe, surgery may be required to repair the damage.

An ACL or meniscus tear can cause intense pain and inflammation, limiting your movement and restricting range of motion, even after it has fully healed. Sports injuries or injuries sustained in a fall are often responsible for acute pain in the knee and other joints in the legs. If you’ve experienced an injury, don’t hesitate to make an appointment with a rehabilitation center to get it checked out.

Chronic Pain

Chronic pain is often the result of a chronic or degenerative disease that affects the joints. Arthritis, osteoporosis, bursitis, tendonitis, fibromyalgia, and rheumatoid arthritis are all common causes of chronic pain. While some conditions are also characterized by inflammation, chronic pain can be the most debilitating factor.

Living with this type of constant pain can lead to depression and inactivity that only serves to make the condition worse. If you begin to experience a dull, constant ache that lasts longer than six consecutive months, you are experiencing “chronic” or long-term pain and should seek medical attention to uncover the exact cause.

Stiffness and General Discomfort

Inactivity can lead to mild joint pain and stiffness that goes away once you begin to exercise. As a person ages, the joints can begin to deteriorate. The meniscus can begin to lose fluid and the muscles and connective tissues can begin to tighten resulting in a dull ache that gradually begins to disappear once you begin to move around. Regular exercise, walking, swimming, and stretching can help to keep your joints flexible and maintain your mobility.

If you begin to experience any type of knee pain, identify the characteristics and try to determine what may be causing your discomfort. If it’s simply a lack of activity, move around more and see if that relieves the problem. If you think you may have injured your knee or are experiencing symptoms associated with a chronic condition, visit Backfit Health + Spine. We put together customized treatment plans that help relieve your pain and help you to get back into the swing of things.