Experiencing knee pain is far more common than you might think. Research shows that over 25% of adults report suffering from knee pain at some point in their lives, making it one of the leading causes of disability worldwide. Whether it's due to injury, overuse, or chronic conditions, knee pain can significantly impact your daily life and mobility.
At Barrington Orthopedic Specialists, we take pride in offering expert knee care to the Barrington, Illinois, community and beyond. Our team (Dr. Alvi, Dr. Gopinath, Dr. Jereb, Dr. Levin, Dr. Nourbash, Dr. Obermeyer, and Dr. Rotstein) specializes in treating a wide range of knee problems, from minor injuries to advanced surgical solutions, always guided by the philosophy of treating patients with empathy and understanding. If you’re struggling to find solutions to relieve knee pain caused by injury or other factors, we’re here to help. Schedule an appointment today to begin your personalized treatment plan.
With that in mind, let's take a closer look at the cause knee pain, effective prevention strategies, and the treatment options available to help you reclaim your active lifestyle.
What Is Knee Pain?
Knee pain is any discomfort or soreness felt in or around the knee joint. It can range from a mild, occasional ache to sharp and persistent pain that limits movement. The knee is a complex joint made up of bones, cartilage, ligaments, and tendons—any of which can be affected by injury, overuse, or degeneration. Given its daily workload, the knee is particularly vulnerable, but careful management and treatment can restore and protect its function.
Common Causes & Symptoms of Knee Pain
Knee pain can occur for various reasons, some of which may overlap. Here are the most common causes we see at Barrington Orthopedic Specialists:
Acute Injuries
Acute knee injuries often happen suddenly, typically through trauma or accidents. These injuries are especially common in athletes but can happen to anyone during daily activities. For instance:
- Ligament Tears, such as an ACL tear, often occur when there’s a sudden change in direction or forceful impact during sports. Athletes in basketball, soccer, or football are particularly at risk. These tears can lead to instability in the knee, sharp pain, and swelling.
- Sprains affect the ligaments that connect your bones, often occurring from a direct blow or awkward movement. Symptoms might include tenderness and a reduced range of motion.
- Fractures result when the bones in the knee, particularly the kneecap (patella), are subjected to excessive force, such as during a hard fall or car accident. These injuries cause intense pain, inability to bear weight, and sometimes visible deformity.
Quick medical attention for an injured knee can prevent further damage to the knee and surrounding structures.
Overuse Conditions
Overuse conditions develop over time due to repetitive strain on the knee joint. Some of the most common include:
- Runner’s Knee (Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome) is caused by repetitive bending and stress. People who engage in activities like running, cycling, or hiking are more prone to this condition. Symptoms include a dull ache behind the kneecap, especially after climbing stairs or sitting for long periods.
- Tendinitis occurs when the tendons in the knee become inflamed due to overuse. The patellar tendon connecting your kneecap to your shin is frequently affected, leading to pain during movement or physical activity.
Giving your knee the time it needs to rest and recover is crucial to ease knee pain caused by overuse conditions.
Knee Arthritis
Arthritis is one of the leading culprits of chronic knee pain, particularly in older adults. Two primary forms often impact the knee:
- Osteoarthritis (OA) is a degenerative condition where the cartilage cushioning the knee joint slowly wears away over time. This can lead to stiff, swollen knees, difficulty walking, and bone-on-bone friction that worsens with activity.
- Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) is an autoimmune disorder where the body’s immune system attacks its own tissues, including the knee joint. Symptoms include inflammation, throbbing pain, and morning stiffness that can last for hours.
Both forms of arthritis can interfere with daily life, but early intervention can slow progression and relieve knee pain caused by inflammation and cartilage degeneration.
Obesity
Your knees support your entire body, making them vulnerable to excess body weight. Each extra pound adds four pounds of pressure when walking and even more during activities like running or climbing stairs.
Over time, excess weight can lead to cartilage breakdown, inflammation, early arthritis, and chronic issues like tendonitis. Maintaining a healthy weight can significantly protect your knees and ease knee pain caused by overuse and strain.
Biomechanics
Physical alignment and movement patterns play an equally critical role in knee health. Biomechanical issues may include:
- Misaligned Joints, where even minor irregularities in joint alignment can cause uneven pressure on the knee, leading to pain or injury over time.
- Foot Problems, such as flat feet or fallen arches, can alter gait and place excessive strain on the knees.
- Weak Thigh Muscles, particularly the quadriceps, can leave the knee joint less stable and more prone to both overuse conditions and acute injuries.
Addressing these biomechanical factors—whether through physical therapy, orthotic devices, or targeted strength training—can significantly help in reducing knee pain and preventing future injuries.
Symptoms That Accompany Knee Pain
Knee pain doesn’t exist in a vacuum. The symptoms you experience may offer valuable clues about the cause, such as:
- Persistent swelling, warmth, or redness that may indicate inflammation or an acute injury.
- A feeling of instability or a sensation that the knee might “give out,” often linked to ligament damage like an ACL tear.
- Popping, crunching, or grinding sounds during movement, which may signal cartilage loss or joint degeneration commonly associated with arthritis pain.
When these symptoms begin to interfere with daily life—whether it’s walking across the room or enjoying physical activities—it’s crucial to seek professional help.
Treatment Options for Knee Injuries and Conditions
When it comes to knee pain, there’s no one-size-fits-all solution. Treatment depends on the underlying cause, as well as your health and activity goals. At Barrington Orthopedic Specialists, we offer a range of focused solutions to help you recover and regain mobility.
Non-Surgical Options
- Physical Therapy: Strengthens muscles around the knee to improve stability, reduce pain, and increase mobility over time.
- Medications: Anti-inflammatory drugs help reduce swelling and pain, making daily tasks more manageable.
- Cortisone Injections: Provide temporary relief from inflammation, typically lasting 3–6 months. However, cortisone injections should not be administered more than 3–4 times per year, as overuse can lead to cartilage thinning and potential joint damage.
- Bracing or Compression: Stabilizes the joint and supports recovery from injuries or chronic instability.
These non-invasive treatments are effective for mild to moderate conditions and can often delay or even prevent the need for surgery.
Surgical Solutions
When non-invasive methods aren’t enough, surgery may be recommended. Our expert team specializes in advanced procedures, including:
- Arthroscopy: A minimally invasive procedure that uses small incisions and a camera to address issues like torn cartilage or damaged tissue. Recovery typically takes around 4-6 weeks, making this an attractive option for treating minor joint damage.
- Knee Replacement Surgery: For severe arthritis or significant joint damage, knee surgery offers long-term relief. Most patients achieve substantial recovery within 3–6 months.
- Ligament Reconstruction: Restoring knee stability is a priority for patients with ligament damage. These procedures repair and strengthen ligaments to support an active lifestyle. Recovery timelines vary based on the type of ligament reconstruction:
- Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL) Reconstruction: Repairs tears in the ACL, a critical ligament for maintaining stability during activities like running or pivoting. Full recovery usually takes 6–9 months.
- Medial Collateral Ligament (MCL) Repair: Focuses on restoring the inner knee’s ligament, essential for joint stability and resistance to inward forces. Recovery also requires 6–9 months for optimal results.
- Lateral Collateral Ligament (LCL) Repair: Repairs the outer knee ligament, which provides stability for side-to-side movement and supports overall knee alignment. Patients should expect a 6–9 month recovery timeline.
- Posterior Cruciate Ligament (PCL) Reconstruction: Addresses ligament damage at the back of the knee, preventing excessive backward movement of the shinbone and improving strength during actions like climbing or squatting. The typical recovery period is 6–9 months.
The goal of surgical treatment is to relieve pain, improve mobility, and help you get back to your daily life with less discomfort. Our team works closely with each patient to determine the best course of action for their specific condition.
Tips for Preventing Knee Pain and Injuries
While some knee issues may be inevitable, certain steps can help prevent pain and injury:
- Stay Active with Low-Impact Exercises: Regular exercise improves joint strength and flexibility, reducing the risk of knee pain and injury. Opt for low-impact activities like swimming, cycling, or yoga.
- Maintain a Healthy Weight: As mentioned earlier, excess weight places unnecessary strain on the knees. Maintaining a healthy weight can help prevent knee pain and protect against chronic conditions like arthritis.
- Stretch Before Exercise: Warm up your muscles before physical activity to reduce stress on the knees. Focus on stretching your quadriceps, hamstrings, calves, and glutes.
- Wear Proper Footwear: Choose shoes with good support and cushioning to minimize impact on the knees during daily activities or sports. Orthotic inserts may also provide additional support and stability.
- Take Breaks During Physical Activities: Avoid overexertion and give your knees a rest during long or intense physical activities like running or hiking. Listen to your body and don’t push yourself too far.
Advanced Knee Care Starts at Barrington Orthopedic
Knee pain shouldn’t hold you back from living your best life. At Barrington, our team of knee specialists – including Dr. Alvi, Dr. Gopinath, Dr. Jereb, Dr. Levin, Dr. Nourbash, Dr. Obermeyer, and Dr. Rotstein – is dedicated to providing personalized care and advanced treatment options to address your specific needs and get you moving again.
Don’t wait to find relief—schedule an appointment with Barrington today, and explore our comprehensive knee care services.
