Knee Pain: Causes, Factors, and Getting Treatment

Our knees are one of the most important parts of our body, but they can also be known as one of the most problematic. Knee pain affects around 100 million Americans every year, and knee pain is also the second leading cause of chronic pain. Common causes of knee pain include aging, stress, overuse, and injury. There are other factors that influence the likelihood of someone developing chronic knee pain in their life, such as age, gender, weight, and tobacco use. 

Influencing Factors 

The knee is composed of various ligaments, tendons, bones, and cartilage. Anything from injuries, to everyday stress, takes its toll on our knees. 

Aging 

As a part of the aging process, it is natural for our bones and joints to become more susceptible to injuries and pain. Simple stress from everyday wear and tear also plays a role in developing aches and pains in the knee. Muscles, bones, and cartilage naturally become weaker the older we get, and it is common to experience pain and discomfort while performing day-to-day activities.

Weight

Our knees support our body weight whenever we are active. Whether we are standing, walking, running, climbing stairs, or performing any other physical activity, our knees are our primary support. More pressure is placed on the knees as one’s body weight increases, therefore increasing the chances of stressed ligaments, worn cartilage, and injuries.

Gender

On average, women are more likely to experience knee pain and injuries than men for a few reasons. Anatomically, women have wider hips than men. This bone structure places extra pressure on the inside of the knees, making women more prone to twisting knee injuries. Women also tend to be “quad dominant”, meaning that they rely on their quadricep muscles for support more than their hamstrings when they should be used equally during activities. Women who are quad dominant are believed to be more prone to ACL (Anterior Cruciate Ligament) injuries. 

Common Causes 

Besides injuries, there are several common causes of knee pain. Some of these may be treated at home, but oftentimes require medical treatment for further diagnosis. 

• Tendonitis
• Arthritis 
• Bursitis
• Sprains/Strains
• Torn Cartilage 
• Torn Ligament

At-Home Treatment

If your pain is not too severe and does not require immediate medical attention, there are ways to alleviate or reduce the aches and discomforts of knee pain at home.

• Over the counter Ibuprofen 
• Heat & Cold Therapy 
• Compression
• Elevation
• Rest

If your knee pain worsens, seek medical professionals for treatment and diagnosis. Neuropathy and Pain Centers of Texas specializes in treating chronic knee pain and offers knee therapy to relieve the aches, pains, and discomforts. If you or someone you know is experiencing chronic knee pain and searching for relief, contact us for a FREE consultation at (817) 953-2723, to determine our best knee therapy treatment for you.

Visit our page: https://painreliefcenterstx.com/knee-pain/ to learn more about our knee pain treatments, and how Neuropathy and Pain Centers of Texas can help you start your journey to pain-free living!