Sudden knee pain while walking
Jun 05, 2023
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Lin Yunfei
Introduction
The knee refers to the knee joint. Sudden knee pain during walking may be caused by overuse of the knee joint, ligament injury, meniscus injury, osteoarthritis, synovitis, or other factors. It is recommended to seek timely medical evaluation at a hospital to determine the underlying cause and receive targeted treatment. In daily life, maintain healthy habits and avoid consuming spicy and irritating foods such as pepper, chili, and garlic, as they may hinder recovery.
Generally speaking, the term "knee" refers to the knee joint. Sudden knee pain during walking may be caused by factors such as overuse of the knee joint, ligament injury, meniscus damage, osteoarthritis, or synovitis. It is recommended to seek timely medical evaluation at a hospital to determine the underlying cause and receive targeted treatment. Specific analyses are as follows:
1. Knee Joint Overuse
If the knee joint is continuously used for heavy physical labor or intense exercise, minor injuries can accumulate over time, leading to swelling and pain in the knee joint. If the pain is mild, a brief period of rest may help. Heat therapy, performed according to a doctor's advice, can also aid in relieving symptoms.
2. Ligament Injury
During sports activities or due to external impact, the ligaments in the knee may become injured, resulting in pain and swelling. Patients can use non-steroidal anti-inflammatory analgesics as directed by a physician to alleviate symptoms, such as diclofenac sodium sustained-release tablets or ibuprofen sustained-release capsules. In cases of complete ligament rupture, surgery—such as ligament reconstruction—is typically required.
3. Meniscus Injury
This type of injury is commonly caused by a twisting force—for example, when the lower leg is fixed in a bent-knee position while the thigh suddenly rotates inward or outward, placing significant torsional stress on the knee joint, which may lead to meniscal damage. After injury, walking—especially bending and straightening the knee joint—can compress and irritate the damaged meniscus, causing pain. Immediately after an acute injury, activity should be stopped and ice applied to reduce pain and swelling. Immobilization using a knee brace or plaster cast may be used to restrict movement and promote healing.
4. Osteoarthritis
This is a chronic joint disease characterized by degenerative changes in articular cartilage and secondary bone overgrowth. Factors such as aging, obesity, trauma, and excessive joint use can contribute to the development of osteoarthritis. As the articular cartilage wears down, the joint surface becomes uneven, causing friction between joint surfaces during walking, which leads to pain—particularly noticeable during weight-bearing activities such as climbing stairs or prolonged walking. Patients may take medications such as glucosamine sulfate tablets, glucosamine hydrochloride tablets, or Gukang capsules under medical guidance to relieve symptoms.
5. Synovitis
Synovitis is often caused by acute knee trauma or chronic overuse, such as joint sprains or prolonged weight-bearing walking. When the synovium is irritated, it triggers an inflammatory response and produces excessive synovial fluid, leading to joint swelling and pain. Movement during walking further stimulates the inflamed synovium, worsening the pain. Patients may take medications such as methylprednisolone tablets, ibuprofen capsules, or celecoxib capsules under a doctor’s supervision to alleviate discomfort.
In daily life, it is important to maintain healthy habits and avoid consuming spicy or irritating foods such as pepper, chili peppers, and garlic, as these may hinder recovery.
