What causes sudden knee pain?
May 14, 2024
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Xu Shuai
Introduction
Sudden knee pain may be caused by intense exercise, trauma, physical growth, fractures, gout, etc. It is recommended to seek medical attention promptly and receive treatment after the underlying cause is identified. If you have engaged in strenuous activities such as sprinting or ball games, it may lead to injuries of muscles, ligaments, or other tissues, resulting in sudden knee pain, often accompanied by symptoms such as swelling and limited mobility.
The knee refers to the knee joint. In general, sudden knee pain may be caused by intense exercise, trauma, growth spurts, fractures, gout, or other conditions. It is recommended to seek medical attention promptly to determine the underlying cause and receive appropriate treatment. Specific causes are analyzed as follows:
1. Intense Exercise
If engaging in vigorous activities such as sprinting or playing sports, it may lead to injury of muscles, ligaments, or other tissues, resulting in sudden knee joint pain. This may also be accompanied by symptoms such as swelling and limited mobility. Usually, no specific treatment is required; adequate rest typically leads to gradual improvement.
2. Trauma
Sudden impacts or falls may result in knee fractures or ligament tears, causing pain, as well as possible symptoms including joint swelling, deformity, and restricted movement. It is recommended to apply ice packs or cold wet towels for cold compresses within the first 24 hours, followed by hot compresses with a heating pad or warm towel after 48 hours to relieve discomfort.
3. Growth Spurts
During periods of rapid growth and development, bones may grow faster than surrounding muscles and nerves, leading to temporary incoordination and sudden knee pain. This may also be associated with muscle cramps and joint stiffness. Generally, no special treatment is needed, and symptoms tend to resolve gradually as physical development progresses.
4. Fracture
This is usually caused by sudden events such as traffic accidents, which may result in a fracture of the knee joint, leading to sudden pain, swelling, and deformity. Treatment may require immobilization with a cast or surgical interventions such as reduction and internal fixation under medical supervision.
5. Gout
This is typically caused by abnormal uric acid metabolism, leading to deposition of urate crystals in the joints, resulting in sudden pain, often accompanied by redness, swelling, and warmth. Medications such as benzbromarone tablets, colchicine tablets, or allopurinol tablets may be used under medical guidance for treatment.
In daily life, it is important to maintain healthy habits, such as going to bed early and waking up early, aiming to sleep before 11 p.m. each night, avoiding staying up late, and ensuring sufficient sleep.
