Knee pain is a frustratingly common complaint affecting people of all ages and activity levels. While a severe injury can cause it, many cases stem from everyday wear and tear or even misconceptions about knee health. At the Singapore Sports and Orthopaedic Clinic (SSOC), we understand how knee pain can disrupt your life.
Let’s dive into some familiar causes and debunk some common myths together.
Causes of Knee Pain
- Overuse: Repetitive activities like running or jumping can irritate the tissues around your knee, leading to pain. This is especially common in athletes or people who suddenly increase their activity level.
- Injury: Trauma to the knee joint, like a fall or sports injury, can damage ligaments, tendons, or cartilage, causing pain, swelling, and instability.
- Arthritis: Osteoarthritis, the breakdown of cartilage in the knee joint, is a leading cause of knee pain, particularly in older adults.
- Meniscus Tears: The meniscus are C-shaped pieces of cartilage that act as shock absorbers in your knee. Tearing a meniscus can cause pain, swelling, and catching sensations in the knee.
- Bursitis: Bursae are fluid-filled sacs that cushion your knee joint. Inflammation of these bursae, called bursitis, can cause pain and tenderness.
Debunking Knee Pain Myths
- Myth: “No pain, no gain.” Pushing through pain during exercise can worsen knee problems. Listen to your body and rest when necessary.
- Myth: “Cracking your knees is bad for them.” While it might sound unpleasant, it doesn’t cause arthritis or other damage.
- Myth: “Weak knees” cause all knee pain. Knee pain often arises from muscle imbalances or improper form, not weak knees. Strengthening the muscles around your knee can significantly improve stability and reduce pain.
- Myth: “Weight loss is the only answer for knee pain.” While weight management can help, especially if you’re carrying extra pounds, strengthening the muscles around your knee can significantly improve stability and reduce pain.
- Myth: “Kneeling is bad for your knees.” Kneeling occasionally is perfectly fine for healthy knees. However, kneeling for extended periods can irritate the joint if you have knee pain.
- Myth: “Icing is always the best treatment for knee pain.” While icing can help reduce inflammation in acute injuries, heat therapy can be more beneficial for chronic knee pain.
- Myth: “Surgery is the only option for severe knee pain.” Many cases of knee pain can be effectively managed with non-surgical treatments like physical therapy, medication, and lifestyle modifications.
Understanding knee pain is a decisive first step, but early diagnosis and proper treatment are essential to avoid long-term damage.
At Singapore Sports and Orthopaedic Clinic (SSOC), our team of experienced sports physicians and physiotherapists can:
- Assess your knee pain: We’ll get a complete picture of your situation.
- Determine the cause: We’ll identify the root of your discomfort.
- Recommend the most effective treatment: We’ll create a personalised plan to get you back in motion.
Visit Singapore Sports and Orthopaedic Clinic today! Find our clinic and start your treatment.
