Understanding Knee Pain Causes in Young Adults

Knee pain caused in young adults can be difficult to understand. Knowing the various factors contributing to this type of discomfort is important. This article aims to provide an overview of the potential knee pain causes in young adults and how to best address this issue.

What is knee pain?

Knee pain is a common complaint among young adults, with an estimated 19% of individuals aged 18 to 34 experiencing this type of pain. There are various degrees of knee pain, and the cause can be anything from injury, overuse and medical conditions. The V1600 code is used to identify knee pain in medical settings.

Fortunately, there are several ways to relieve knee pain. Resting the affected knee, icing the area, and elevating and compressing the area can relieve swelling and discomfort. Strengthening exercises and stretching can also help improve knee stability and prevent future injuries. If knee pain persists, medical intervention such as physical therapy or surgery may be necessary.

You can also read out this amazing blog to relive your knee pain without medicines- 10 Foods to Relieve Knee Pain.

What are the common knee pain causes in young adults?

Suffering from knee pain at any age is possible, but it is ubiquitous in young adults who engage in high-impact activities or sports. There are several knee pain causes in young adults, and the most common ones include injuries, overuse, and certain medical conditions.

Ligament Injuries

Young adults often experience knee pain due to tearing the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) or spraining the medial collateral ligament (MCL) sprain. They can be caused by sports activities or sudden twisting or pivoting motions.

Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome

As well as being known as a runner's knee, it is among the most common causes of knee pain in young adults. It is characterised by pain around or behind the kneecap, which worsens with activities that involve bending the knee, such as running, squatting, or climbing stairs

Meniscal Tears

Meniscal tears are prevalent among young adults and can result from sports-related injuries or sudden twisting motions. The menisci are cartilage discs that cushion the knee joint. When they tear, it can cause pain, swelling, and difficulty fully extending or bending the knee.

Osteochondritis Dissecans

Osteochondritis dissecans is a condition that affects the cartilage and underlying bone in the knee joint. It commonly occurs in young athletes who engage in repetitive activities or experience trauma to the knee. Symptoms include pain, swelling, and joint locking or catching.

Patellar Tendinitis

Patellar tendinitis, also known as jumper's knee, occurs when the patellar tendon is inflamed, connecting the kneecap to the shinbone. It typically occurs in individuals involved in sports that require repetitive jumping or running. Pain and tenderness are often felt below the kneecap.

Bursitis

Knee bursitis occurs when the bursae, fluid-filled sacs that cushion the knee joint become inflamed. It can be caused by repetitive kneeling or direct trauma to the knee. Bursitis leads to localised pain, swelling, and warmth around the affected area.

Iliotibial Band Syndrome

Runners and cyclists commonly suffer from iliotibial band syndrome among runners and cyclists. During repetitive knee flexion and extension activities, the iliotibial band, an external band of tissue on the thigh, becomes inflamed and irritated, leading to knee pain, especially during repetitive knee flexion and extension activities. It's important to note that these are just some common causes of knee pain in young adults. When determining the cause of knee pain and developing an appropriate treatment plan, a proper diagnosis must be obtained from a healthcare professional Dr Sachin Gupta who knows for their expertise in knee replacement surgery you can contact them anytime for a consultation.

How to relieve knee pain

To relieve knee pain in young adults, here are some short points:

• Keep the pain at bay by resting and avoiding activities that worsen it.

• If you are experiencing pain or inflammation, cold compresses or ice packs can relieve it.

• Put on a knee brace or compression bandage to provide support and swelling reduction.

• Elevate the leg to reduce swelling and improve blood circulation.

• Take over-the-counter NSAIDs for pain and inflammation relief.

• Follow a physical therapy program to strengthen muscles and improve flexibility.

• Reduce knee strain by maintaining a healthy weight.

• Wear supportive and well-fitting shoes.

• Avoid high-impact activities.

• Warm up and stretch before exercise or physical activity

Also read, Tips to Keep Knees Healthy and Strong and Make your knees Healthy.

Is knee pain a symptom of anything?

There is often a connection between knee pain and an underlying condition or injury. It only sometimes indicates a serious problem, but it is essential to understand the potential causes. One common cause of knee pain in young adults is overuse or repetitive stress on the knee joint. This can be due to running, jumping, or playing sports. Another common cause is a sudden injury or trauma to the knee, such as a sprain or strain. In some cases, knee pain may be a symptom of a more serious condition, such as arthritis or a tear in the knee cartilage. It is important to seek medical attention if the pain is severe, lasts for an extended period, or is accompanied by swelling, redness, or instability in the knee joint.