Pain in the knee when bending can be caused by multiple conditions, including injuries, inflammation, or wear-and-tear issues.
Common Causes of Knee Pain When Bending
- Meniscus tears and torn ligaments : Often cause sharp pain and may involve swelling and instability.
- Patellar tendinitis : Inflammation of the tendon connecting kneecap to shinbone, causing sharp or burning pain in front of the knee.
- Osteoarthritis : Wear-and-tear arthritis often causes diffuse pain, stiffness, and swelling, worsening with movement.
- Patellofemoral pain syndrome : Causes dull ache around the front of the kneecap, worsened by bending.
- Bursitis : Inflammation of fluid-filled sacs cushioning the knee causes swelling and tenderness.
- Baker’s cyst : Fluid-filled swelling behind the knee causing tightness and pain when bending.
- Other causes : Quadriceps tendonitis, iliotibial band syndrome, hamstring tendonitis, or old untreated injuries.
Symptoms and Considerations
- Location of pain (front, behind, above kneecap) helps narrow down cause.
- Sharp pain may indicate injury such as fractures or tears.
- Pain accompanied by swelling, warmth, or instability warrants medical evaluation.
- Overuse, muscle weakness, or misalignment can contribute to pain over time.
Getting a precise diagnosis may involve physical exams, imaging (X-ray, MRI), and possibly lab tests. Treatment varies from rest, ice, compression, and elevation (RICE) for injuries to physical therapy, anti-inflammatory meds, and in some cases surgery. Low-impact exercises and proper bending technique can help prevent aggravation. If knee pain when bending is persistent, severe, or worsening, consulting a healthcare professional is important for a correct diagnosis and appropriate treatment plan.
