Why Do My Knees Ache? The Causes, Types, and Treatments Explained
Often times, we are asked in our clinic why do knees ache and if it’s something to worry about? According to the CDC, by 2040, about 78 million US adults 18 and older will be diagnosed with arthritis.
In this article, we will cover the different types of knee pain and when you should come into our office. Read on to figure out why your knees ache, and find relief in Mill Creek, Washington!
What Causes Knee Pain?
Your knee consists of 3 bones:
- Kneecap
- The upper part of the shinbone
- The lower part of the thighbone
Your knees also have tendons and strong ligaments that support these 3 bones. Below the kneecap and between the bones, you can find cartilage. The cartilage acts as stabilization for your knees. When you experience a disease or damage to your knee, this can lead to pain.
Some different causes are:
- Bone tumors
- Chondromalacia patella (damaged cartilage)
- Baker’s cyst
- Gout
- Bursitis
- Torn ligament
- Meniscus tear
- Dislocation
- Tendinitis
Types of Knee Pain
From inner knee pain when walking to overweight knee pain, we’ve heard it all in our office in Mill Creek, Washington. A common type of knee pain is actually knee arthritis.
There are 2 types of knee joint arthritis:
- Rheumatoid arthritis
- Knee osteoarthritis
Rheumatoid arthritis is considered an autoimmune disease since your immune system attacks many joints in the body. You might experience warmth, redness, swelling, and pain if this is the case.
Rheumatoid arthritis can get better with activity.
Knee osteoarthritis is caused when there’s damage to the cartilage in your knee. It’s most common in those 50 years and older.
Knee Strengthening Exercises
Certain exercises can help alleviate knee pain since it improves your range of motion and flexibility. If you’re not moving your knee, that can make the pain worse since it can stiffen.
1. Heel and Calf Stretch
This is a great stretch for your lower leg and calf muscles.
First, stand and face a wall. Next, have your hands on the wall and have one leg forward. Ensure you have your feet and toes facing forward and your heels flat.
Make sure you have a slight bend in your knees. Lean into this stretch and hold it for 30 seconds. If done correctly, you should feel a stretch in your back leg.
Next, change legs and repeat the above 2x on each side.
2. Hamstring Stretch
This exercise will stretch out the muscles in the back of your thigh.
Make sure you have a mat handy to lay on and have your legs straight. Practice lifting one leg off the floor at a time.
Next, have your hands behind your thigh and below your knee. Pull your knee toward your chest for a slight stretch. Hold this for 30 seconds. Then, lower and switch your legs. Repeat this 2x on each side.
Knee Pain Treatment
Are you wondering how to get rid of knee pain? Also, how to prevent knee pain?
Besides the exercises above that’ll help alleviate some of the pain, you can also try yoga poses. Make sure you drink plenty of water throughout the day. Water will hydrate the ligaments around your knee.
Call your chiropractic knee specialist today if you:
- Can’t flex your knee
- Can’t fully extend your knee
- Have a deformity in your knee or leg
- Severe knee pain from an injury
- Have a fever along with redness and swelling
- Can’t have weight on your knee
- Swollen knee
When you visit your specialist in Mill Creek, Washington, you might have an MRI, CT scan, X-ray, or Ultrasound done. We will also check for any swelling, warmth, and check the structure of your knee.
Knees Ache Treatment
Now that you’ve explored this guide on different reasons for knees ache you should have a better idea of what’s going on.
Are you ready to finally have relief from your knee pain? Call us today at (425) 737-5343 or fill out our form below and we will come up with a plan specific for you at our office in Mill Creek, Washington. We look forward to seeing you soon!
