A dull pain below the knee
Jun 01, 2023
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Lin Yunfei
Introduction
In general, dull pain below the knee may be caused by trauma, patellar tendinitis, or Osgood-Schlatter disease (tibial tubercle osteochondritis). In addition, it could also result from bursitis or meniscal injury. Patients are advised to seek timely medical attention at a hospital when experiencing severe knee pain, to determine the underlying cause and receive appropriate treatment under a doctor's guidance.
Generally, dull pain below the knee may be caused by trauma, patellar tendinitis, or tibial tubercle osteochondritis. Specific analysis is as follows:
1. Trauma
If the area below the patient's knee joint is accidentally injured—such as from falling, impact, or bumping—it may lead to a dull ache below the knee. If the injury is not severe, symptoms usually improve after ice application.
2. Patellar Tendinitis
The patellar tendon lies between the patella and the tibial tubercle. Excessive jumping or repetitive strain can overstretch the patellar tendon over time, causing inflammation and resulting in pain below the knee. Patients may take medications such as ibuprofen suspension or acetaminophen tablets under medical guidance for treatment.
3. Tibial Tubercle Osteochondritis
This condition commonly occurs in adolescents following repeated knee sprains or a major traumatic injury that damages the tibial tubercle, leading to tibial tubercle osteochondritis. Its main symptom is a dull, persistent pain below the knee. In such cases, patients may follow medical advice to take medications like glucosamine hydrochloride granules or Sanqi tablets to relieve symptoms.
In addition, other possible causes include bursitis or meniscal injuries. It is recommended that patients seek timely medical evaluation at a hospital when experiencing severe knee pain to determine the underlying cause and receive appropriate treatment under professional medical guidance.
