Knee pain is a prevalent issue among athletes, affecting both professionals and recreational players alike. The knee is a complex joint that bears much of the body’s weight and is involved in nearly every movement. Athletes, in particular, place significant stress on their knees due to repetitive actions, sudden movements, and high-impact activities. Knee pain can vary from mild discomfort to debilitating pain, often impacting an athlete’s performance and ability to continue training or competing. Understanding the most common causes of knee pain can help athletes take proactive steps to prevent injuries and seek the appropriate treatment when needed.
1. Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome (Runner’s Knee)
Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome (PFPS), commonly referred to as runner’s knee, is one of the most common causes of knee pain in athletes, particularly runners, cyclists, and those who participate in activities involving repetitive knee movements. This condition refers to pain around the kneecap (patella), often caused by improper tracking of the patella over the femur (thigh bone) during movement.
Symptoms:
- Pain around or behind the kneecap
- Pain that worsens with activities like running, squatting, or climbing stairs
- Tenderness around the kneecap
Causes:
- Overuse or repetitive stress
- Muscle imbalances, particularly weakness in the quadriceps
- Abnormal tracking of the patella due to misalignment
PFPS is often treated with rest, physical therapy to strengthen the quadriceps and other stabilizing muscles, and adjustments in technique or equipment for athletes.
2. Ligament Injuries: Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL) Tear
The Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL) is one of the primary ligaments that stabilizes the knee joint. ACL tears are one of the most common knee injuries in athletes, particularly in sports that involve sudden stops, pivots, or jumping—such as basketball, football, soccer, and skiing. ACL tears are often caused by an awkward landing, a direct blow to the knee, or a sudden change in direction.
Symptoms:
- Sudden, sharp pain in the knee
- Swelling and instability in the knee joint
- Difficulty bearing weight or walking
- A popping sensation at the time of injury
Causes:
- Sudden twisting or pivoting motion
- Direct trauma to the knee (e.g., a collision with another player)
- Weak or imbalanced muscles surrounding the knee
ACL tears often require surgical intervention followed by a lengthy rehabilitation process to restore full function and strength to the knee.
3. Meniscus Tears
The meniscus is a C-shaped piece of cartilage that provides cushioning and stability between the femur and tibia. Meniscus tears are common in athletes who engage in contact sports or activities that require twisting or turning motions, such as football, basketball, and soccer. A torn meniscus can cause pain, swelling, and reduced mobility in the knee joint.
Symptoms:
- Pain along the joint line of the knee
- Swelling and stiffness
- Locking or catching sensation in the knee
- Limited range of motion
Causes:
- A sudden twisting motion, especially while bearing weight on the knee
- Wear and tear over time (degenerative tears)
- Sudden trauma or impact to the knee
Treatment for meniscus tears depends on the severity of the tear. While minor tears may heal with rest and physical therapy, more severe tears might require arthroscopic surgery to repair the damage.
4. Patellar Tendonitis (Jumper’s Knee)
Patellar tendonitis, also known as jumper’s knee, is an overuse injury that affects the tendon connecting the kneecap (patella) to the shinbone (tibia). This condition is common in athletes who perform repetitive jumping movements, such as basketball and volleyball players. The repetitive strain on the patellar tendon can cause inflammation and microtears in the tissue, leading to pain and stiffness.
Symptoms:
- Pain and tenderness in the area just below the kneecap
- Pain that worsens with jumping, running, or squatting
- Swelling and tightness in the tendon
Causes:
- Overuse or repetitive jumping and landing
- Weak quadriceps or hamstrings
- Poor jumping mechanics or insufficient warm-up
Treatment typically includes rest, ice, and physical therapy to address muscle imbalances and strengthen the muscles surrounding the knee. In severe cases, corticosteroid injections may be considered.
5. Iliotibial Band Syndrome (ITBS)
Iliotibial Band Syndrome (ITBS) is a common cause of knee pain, particularly in runners and cyclists. The iliotibial band (IT band) is a thick band of tissue that runs along the outside of the thigh, from the hip to the knee. ITBS occurs when the IT band becomes tight or inflamed and rubs against the outer part of the knee, causing pain and irritation.
Symptoms:
- Pain on the outside of the knee, often worsening during running or cycling
- Swelling or tenderness along the IT band
- Pain that intensifies when bending the knee at an acute angle (e.g., while descending stairs)
Causes:
- Overuse, particularly from running or cycling on hard surfaces or uneven terrain
- Poor running mechanics, such as excessive pronation or improper footwear
- Muscle imbalances, particularly weakness in the hips or glutes
Treatment for ITBS includes stretching, foam rolling, rest, and addressing any underlying biomechanics with the help of a physical therapist or chiropractor. In some cases, cortisone injections may be used to reduce inflammation.
6. Bursitis
Bursitis is the inflammation of the bursae, which are fluid-filled sacs that cushion and reduce friction between bones, tendons, and muscles. Bursitis in the knee occurs when one or more of the bursae become inflamed due to repetitive pressure, overuse, or direct trauma. This condition is common in athletes who perform activities that involve frequent kneeling or direct blows to the knee, such as in wrestling, soccer, or volleyball.
Symptoms:
- Pain and tenderness in the front or side of the knee
- Swelling or redness around the affected area
- Pain that worsens with movement or pressure
Causes:
- Repetitive motion or prolonged kneeling
- Direct trauma to the knee (e.g., a fall or impact)
- Overuse or infection
Treatment for bursitis often includes rest, ice, anti-inflammatory medications, and physical therapy. In rare cases, drainage of the bursa or corticosteroid injections may be necessary.
7. Osteoarthritis
Osteoarthritis (OA) is a degenerative joint disease that involves the breakdown of cartilage in the knee joint, leading to pain, stiffness, and swelling. While OA is most common in older adults, athletes who have experienced multiple knee injuries or have poor mechanics may develop OA earlier in life. OA causes the protective cartilage in the knee to wear away, leading to bone-on-bone contact, which results in pain and decreased function.
Symptoms:
- Chronic knee pain, especially during movement
- Swelling and stiffness in the knee joint
- Decreased range of motion and difficulty with daily activities like climbing stairs or walking
Causes:
- Age-related wear and tear
- Previous knee injuries or surgeries
- Overuse and repetitive stress on the joint
While there is no cure for OA, chiropractic care and physical therapy can help reduce pain, improve mobility, and prevent further degeneration. In severe cases, knee replacement surgery may be required.
Knee Pain Relief in Chelmsford and Woburn
Knee pain is a common issue among athletes and can stem from a variety of causes, including overuse, trauma, or degenerative conditions. Whether you’re dealing with a rotator cuff injury, patellar tendonitis, or osteoarthritis, understanding the underlying cause of your knee pain is crucial to developing an effective treatment plan.
While rest and medication can help, chiropractic care, physical therapy, and rehabilitation exercises are essential for addressing the root causes of knee pain, restoring mobility, and preventing future injuries. If you’re experiencing knee pain, it’s important to consult a healthcare professional to determine the cause and receive appropriate treatment to keep you in the game. For a personalized chiropractic care plan, schedule an appointment with Evolved Health Chiropractic. Call 978-505-7813 for our Chelmsford location or 781-460-0939 for our Woburn location today.