Knee pain when bending or walking is a common complaint that can greatly affect daily activities. The knee is a complex joint that bears the full weight of the body and provides mobility, making it susceptible to various injuries and conditions. Pain when bending the knee or walking indicates an issue with one of the structures of the knee, often involving inflammation that gets aggravated by movement. Determining the cause is key to proper treatment and relief.
Common Causes of Knee Pain When Bending
There are several possible causes of knee pain that gets worse when bending:
Arthritis
Arthritis is inflammation of the joint that progressively damages the cartilage cushioning the bones. Osteoarthritis is the most common type of knee arthritis, caused by aging and wear and tear to the joint over time. Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune condition. In either case, the inflamed, damaged joint surfaces rub together when bending the knee, resulting in pain. Arthritis pain tends to worsen over time.
Tendonitis
The quadriceps and patellar tendons in the front of the knee attach the quadriceps muscles to the shinbone. Tendonitis is inflammation of a tendon, usually from overuse or injury. Bending the knee pulls on inflamed tendons, aggravating the irritation. Patellar tendonitis (jumper’s knee) and quadriceps tendonitis are common knee problems.
Meniscal Tears
The menisci are rubbery cushions of cartilage between the shin and thighbones. Twisting motions and injuries often cause tears in the menisci. Pieces of torn meniscus can catch between the bones when bending the knee, leading to pain, swelling, and catching sensations.
Bursitis
Bursae are fluid-filled sacs that reduce friction around joints. Knee bursitis is inflammation of these bursae. Bending the knee repeatedly squishes inflamed bursae, eliciting pain. Infrapatellar bursitis (clergyman’s knee) and pes anserine bursitis are common knee bursitis conditions.
Common Causes of Knee Pain When Walking
Several issues that do not necessarily cause bending pain could still elicit knee pain when walking:
Osteoarthritis
While osteoarthritis causes knee pain when bending, the joint damage also leads to pain when walking as body weight presses the inflamed joint surfaces together. The pain often lessens a bit once the joint warms up after moving around for a few minutes.
Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome
Sometimes called runner’s knee, this common overuse condition results from irritation around the kneecap (patella) from repetitive movements. Walking down stairs or hills tends to aggravate the pain more as added pressure is placed on the patellofemoral joint.
Iliotibial Band Syndrome
The iliotibial band runs along the outside of the knee attaching the hip muscles to the shinbone. When it gets tight from overuse, it rubs against the outer knee joint, causing pain and inflammation. Walking down hills often worsens the irritation.
Baker’s Cyst
This fluid-filled swelling behind the knee joint often stems from an underlying condition like arthritis or meniscal tear. As the knee moves when walking, the cyst can stretch tissues behind the knee and cause pain. The cyst may rupture, causing more swelling and pain.
Other Possible Causes
While the above represent the most common causes, other less frequent issues can also lead to knee pain when bending or walking:
- Injuries like fractures, sprains, ACL tears
- Chondromalacia patellae (patellofemoral syndrome)
- Infection in the knee joint or bone
- Bone tumors around the knee joint
- Referred pain from nerve irritation or hip joint issues
Diagnosing the Cause of Knee Pain
Since many conditions can cause knee pain, getting an accurate diagnosis from a doctor is important before initiating any treatment. The doctor will perform a physical exam of the knee joint, inspecting for swelling, tenderness, range of motion, muscle strength, and stability. They may order some of these tests:
- X-rays – Visualizes bones and joint space narrowing suggesting arthritis
- MRI – Provides detailed images of soft tissues like ligaments, cartilage, tendons
- CT scan – Better visualizes bone issues
- Joint fluid analysis – Tests for infection, gout, bleeding
- Blood tests – Helps diagnose gout, rheumatoid arthritis, and other systemic conditions
Based on the results, the doctor can determine the underlying cause and best course of treatment.
Treatments for Knee Pain with Bending and Walking
The goal of treatment is to reduce pain and inflammation allowing return to normal functioning. Options depend on the specific diagnosis but often include:
Rest and Ice
Taking a break from activities that aggravate the knee along with ice packs helps calm inflammation. This may provide temporary relief.
Medications
Over-the-counter nonsteroidal anti-inflammatories (NSAIDs) like ibuprofen and naproxen reduce swelling and pain. For more severe arthritis pain, prescription NSAIDs or steroids injections into the knee joint provide stronger anti-inflammatory effects.
Physical Therapy
Stretching, strengthening exercises, and modalities like ultrasound, heat/cold treatments can improve function and reduce pain. Taping or bracing may provide support.
Orthotics
Inserts or shoes that improve foot alignment and mechanics reducing strain on the knee.
Surgery
If non-invasive options fail, surgery like meniscus repair, knee replacement or realignment procedures may be warranted depending on the diagnosis.
Lifestyle Changes
Maintaining a healthy weight to avoid overloading the knees, choosing lower impact exercises, wearing supportive footwear, and using proper movement mechanics can help manage knee problems.
Preventing Knee Pain
While some amount of knee pain is often unavoidable with aging or injuries, these prevention tips can help maintain healthy knees:
- Exercise regularly to build muscle support around the knee
- Warm up and stretch before activities
- Use proper form when exercising
- Wear supportive shoes for daily activities and exercise
- Lose excess weight to avoid overloading the knee joint
- Listen to your body and rest when you feel knee pain starting
- Use knee braces or sleeves to help stabilize joints with existing problems
Seeking prompt treatment for injuries, staying active but avoiding overdoing activities, maintaining a healthy weight, and building leg muscle strength and flexibility can go a long way in avoiding chronic knee issues that cause pain when bending and walking. Speak to your doctor if knee pain persists despite some self-care measures.
When to See a Doctor
In most cases, home treatment can alleviate temporary knee discomfort caused by minor sprains or overuse. However, see a doctor right away if you experience:
- Sudden, severe knee pain after an injury or fall
- Significant swelling or inability to walk
- Locking, buckling or giving out of the knee
- Intense pain at night or pain at rest
- Warmth, redness, drainage indicating possible infection
- Popping, clicking or crunching sounds
Getting an accurate diagnosis is crucial for proper treatment of ongoing knee problems. Seek medical care if knee pain does not improve after a few days of self-care or if it starts interfering with your normal activities.
Conclusion
Knee pain when bending or walking is very common but should not be ignored. In most cases, it indicates an underlying condition causing inflammation or injury to the knee joint structures. Arthritis, tendonitis, meniscal tears, and bursitis make up the majority of causes. Getting a proper diagnosis allows targeted treatment to resolve symptoms and prevent progression. While some knee pain is inevitable with aging, being proactive with exercise, joint protection, and healthy weight can help ward off chronic issues in the knees. See a doctor promptly if knee pain is affecting your normal function to get back on track.