Out of the many joints in the body, the knee is arguably the most vulnerable seeing as it virtually carries our entire weight. Moreover, its complexity and reliance on many moving parts means it is more susceptible to wounds, abrasions, and, ultimately, injuries. The most common of these injuries often stem from sports activities, accidents, and physical overexertion.
While it is never fun to feel our knees hurting, or anywhere else in the body for that matter, we generally feel more at ease when we have a pretty good idea for the reason behind our discomfort. As such, it can be worrying when knee pain develops out of the blue without a preceding injury. Many who experience this would typically endure the pain first to see if it goes away on its own. However, the problem with this approach is that even without suffering an accident, the underlying issue could still be serious and delaying treatment may worsen the pain.
What Does It Mean When the Knees Hurt Without Injury?
As mentioned, a lack of any recent injury means there is an underlying cause of sudden knee pain. If left unchecked, the damage can develop over time until it affects you just as much as a serious injury or accident.
Keep in mind that pain is a clear indication of something going awry within your body, so do not ignore any persistent discomfort hoping it will subside on its own. Try home remedies first to see if they help, and if your knees are still hurting after several days to a week, seek a medical professional as soon as possible.
Common Causes of Non-Injury-Related Knee Pain
1. Arthritis
Arthritis, especially osteoarthritis, occurs when the cartilage that cushions the knee joint wears down over time, leading to pain, swelling, and stiffness. Rheumatoid arthritis, an autoimmune disorder, also causes inflammation in the knee. Both types can limit mobility, with symptoms often worsening during cold weather or after prolonged inactivity.
2. Tendonitis
Tendonitis happens when the tendons around the knee become irritated due to overuse or repetitive motion, such as running or jumping. The most common form is patellar tendonitis, also known as "jumper’s knee." If untreated, the pain can become persistent, especially during physical activity, and may require tendonitis treatment in Singapore.
3. Bursitis
Bursitis is caused by the inflammation of bursae—fluid-filled sacs that reduce friction between tissues around the knee. Prolonged kneeling or repetitive motions, such as squatting, can irritate the bursae, leading to swelling and tenderness. The condition can make it painful to move or put pressure on the joint.
4. Popliteal Cysts
Popliteal cysts, or Baker’s cysts, develop behind the knee in the popliteal fossa, often as a result of fluid buildup from other conditions like arthritis or a meniscus tear. These cysts can cause tightness, swelling, and a limited range of motion. While they are usually painless, larger cysts may interfere with movement or burst, causing sharp discomfort.
5. Gout
Gout occurs when high levels of uric acid in the bloodstream crystallise in the joints, including the knee. It causes sudden, severe pain, along with redness, warmth, and swelling. Gout attacks can last for days and tend to flare up at night or after eating purine-rich foods like red meat or seafood.
6. Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome
Also known as "runner’s knee," this syndrome involves pain around or behind the kneecap, often triggered by repetitive knee bending in activities like running, climbing stairs, or squatting. It may result from misalignment, muscle imbalances, or overuse. Without proper management, it can worsen over time, leading to chronic discomfort during everyday activities.
7. Sciatica
Sciatica occurs when the sciatic nerve, which runs from the lower back down to the legs, becomes compressed or irritated. This condition can cause radiating pain that extends from the lower back to the knee, even though the knee joint itself may be healthy. The pain can feel sharp, burning, or tingling, particularly when sitting or standing for long periods.
8. Meniscus Degeneration
The menisci are cartilage pads that act as shock absorbers between the bones in the knee. Over time, the menisci can wear down due to age, repetitive stress, or underlying joint conditions like arthritis. Meniscus degeneration often causes stiffness, swelling, and a "locking" sensation in the knee, making it difficult to bend or straighten the joint fully.
Conclusion
We rely on our knees for many of our daily activities, from sitting, walking, driving, and so much more, which is why it can be disruptive if they suddenly start hurting out of the blue. And since there are numerous reasons for knee pain that aren’t caused by an apparent injury, it often makes it difficult to know what to do. That said, if you cannot flex and straighten your knee, put weight on it, or see bruising around the area, check with your doctor immediately for an assessment.
Whether it’s unexplained knee pain or some other chronic condition, you can trust our team at Affinity Pain Clinic to help you find some much-needed relief. With our evidence-based and up-to-date therapies, customised consultations, and minimally invasive solutions, we guarantee you’ll feel better in no time.
Contact us today for more information.
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