What Causes Burning Knee Pain
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One common condition that can seriously impair your mobility and quality of life is burning knee pain. There are several ways that this discomfort might appear, ranging from a dull aching to a severe, stinging feeling. While the knee burning sensation itself can be concerning, it’s crucial to understand the underlying cause for effective treatment.
Unveiling the Culprits: Common Causes of Burning Knee Pain
There are several causes of burning knee pain. Below is a summary of the most common offenders:
Injury: Trauma to the knee joint, such as a sprain, strain, or ligament tear, can trigger inflammation and burning pain. Additionally, this often occurs following a fall, sports injury, or a direct blow to the knee.
Overuse Injuries: Repetitive activities like running, jumping, or squatting that stress the knee joint can lead to conditions like patellar tendinitis, iliotibial band syndrome (ITBS), or pes anserine bursitis. Furthermore, these overuse injuries cause inflammation and burning pain in specific areas of the knee.
Arthritis: Osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis are degenerative joint diseases that can cause inflammation, stiffness, and burning pain in the knee. Additionally, these conditions damage the cartilage that cushions the bones within the joint.
Meniscus Tears: The meniscus is a segment of cartilage with a crescent shape that cushions the impacts on the knee. Particularly when twisting or bending the knee, a meniscus tear can result in pain, edema, and a burning feeling.
Baker’s Cyst: A fluid-filled sac that appears behind the knee is called a Baker’s cyst. It may be brought on by underlying diseases such as meniscus tears or arthritis. While not always painful, a Baker’s cyst can press on nerves and cause a burning sensation in the back of the knee.
Also read: What causes Inner Knee Pain
Why Does My Knee Burn When I Kneel or Bend It?
Burning knee pain when kneeling or bending can be caused by several factors, depending on the location of the pain:
Front of the Knee: Burning pain in the front of the knee when kneeling could indicate patellar tendinitis, which involves inflammation of the tendon connecting the kneecap to the shinbone. Arthritis of the kneecap can also cause this discomfort.
Back of the Knee: Burning pain when bending the knee might be due to a Baker’s cyst pressing on nerves or inflammation of the hamstring muscles.
Inner or Outer Side of the Knee: A burning sensation on the inner or outer side of the knee when kneeling could be a sign of ITBS (outer side) or a meniscus tear (inner or outer side).
When to Seek Medical Attention
Seeking medical attention is imperative if your burning knee pain is severe, continuous, or accompanied by edema, redness, or instability. Prompt identification and intervention can avert more harm and facilitate a quicker recuperation.
Strategies for Relief: How to Treat Burning Knee Pain
The following are some practical methods for treating searing knee pain:
RICE Technique: The RICE method (Rest, Ice, Compression, and Elevation) is an essential component of the first treatment protocol for acute knee injuries. The following measures can greatly lessen discomfort and inflammation: resting the knee, placing cold packs on it for fifteen to twenty minutes several times a day, using compression wraps to minimize swelling, and raising the knee above the heart.
Over-the-counter pain relievers: Acetaminophen and ibuprofen are two examples of medications that can help reduce pain and inflammation.
Physical Therapy: Exercises for physical therapy can relieve joint tension and ease discomfort by strengthening the muscles surrounding the knee joint, increasing flexibility, and improving stability.
Knee Bracing: Depending on the cause of the pain, a knee brace can provide support and stability, promoting healing and reducing discomfort.
Weight Management: Retaining a healthy weight alleviates knee joint tension. Losing excess weight can significantly improve knee pain.
Natural Remedies for Burning Knee Pain Relief
While they shouldn’t be used in place of medical care, some natural therapies can help reduce discomfort even more:
Heat Therapy: After the initial inflammation subsides, applying heat with a heating pad or warm compress can improve blood flow and promote healing.
Topical Pain Relievers: Topical menthol or capsaicin-containing lotions or gels can provide momentary pain relief.
Turmeric: Because of the anti-inflammatory qualities of this spice, pain and inflammation may be lessened. Turmeric supplements or topical creams can be beneficial.
Living with Burning Knee Pain: Prevention and Long-Term Management
Here are some tips for preventing burning knee pain and managing it in the long term:
Maintain good posture: Proper alignment of your body helps distribute weight evenly across your joints, reducing stress on the knees.
Warm up before exercise: Prepare your muscles and joints for physical activity with dynamic stretches and light cardio to improve flexibility and blood flow.
Strengthen the muscles around your knee: Develop strength in the muscles surrounding your knees. Robust hamstrings, quadriceps, and calves support and stabilize the knee joint, lowering the chance of pain and damage.
Select low-impact pursuits: Choose lower-impact activities for your knees, such as swimming, cycling, or elliptical training.
Wear proper footwear: Supportive shoes with good shock absorption are essential for everyday activities and exercise.
Pay attention to your body: Steer clear of activities that make your pain worse. When necessary, take days off from work and progressively up your exercise level.
Read to prevent knee pain at night
Conclusion: Finding Relief and Getting Back on Track
Burning knee pain can be a frustrating and limiting condition. You can, however, find relief and resume enjoying your life by comprehending the possible causes, putting efficient treatment plans into place, and taking preventive precautions.
If you’re experiencing burning knee pain, don’t hesitate to seek professional help. Dr. Faheem Abbasi at New Jersey Pain, Spine & Sports Associates is a leading expert in diagnosing and treating knee pain. With an emphasis on long-term pain management, he provides a holistic strategy that blends cutting-edge diagnostic methods with individualized treatment programs. Make an appointment with Dr. Abbasi right now to begin your journey towards a future free from pain.
FAQs
Why does my knee burn when I kneel on it?
Kneeling can put pressure on various structures in the knee, leading to burning pain. The specific location of the pain can offer clues about the underlying cause:
- Front of the knee: Patellar tendinitis or arthritis of the kneecap.
- Inner or outer side: ITBS (outer side) or a meniscus tear (inner or outer side).
- Back of the knee: Baker’s cyst or hamstring inflammation.
Why does my knee burn when I bend it?
As with kneeling, depending on where the pain is, bending the knee might irritate different structures:
- Patellar tendinitis or kneecap arthritis in the front of the knee.
- Popliteal bursitis, hamstring tightness, or Baker’s cyst in the back of the knee.
What are some exercises to strengthen the muscles around my knee?
You may strengthen the muscles that support your knee joint by doing a variety of activities. Here are a few examples:
Squats: Squats strengthen your quadriceps, hamstrings, and glutes when performed with proper form.
Lunges: These target your quadriceps, hamstrings, and calves, improving stability.
Calf raises: This exercise strengthens your calf muscles, which are crucial for shock absorption.
Straight leg raises: Lying on your back and raising your straightened leg strengthens your quadriceps.
Never forget that you should always get medical advice before beginning a new workout regimen, particularly if you already have knee pain.