What causes knee pain when walking?
Nov 11, 2024
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Chen Jian
Introduction
In general, knee pain while walking may be caused by factors such as improper footwear, muscle strain, ligament injury, rheumatoid arthritis, or patellofemoral pain syndrome, and should be managed according to the specific cause. If knee pain during walking persists over a long period, it is recommended to seek timely medical evaluation at a hospital to determine the underlying cause and receive appropriate treatment.
Generally, knee pain while walking may be caused by inappropriate footwear, muscle strain, ligament injury, rheumatoid arthritis, patellofemoral pain syndrome, and other conditions. Appropriate management depends on the specific situation.
1. Inappropriate footwear: If shoes lack sufficient cushioning and support or are ill-fitting, the biomechanics of walking may be altered, increasing stress on the knees and causing pain. It is recommended to switch to shoes with good elasticity and cushioning and to choose the correct size.
2. Muscle strain: Inadequate warm-up before exercise may result in reduced flexibility and extensibility of muscles, making them prone to strain. It is recommended to wrap the affected area with an elastic bandage and apply appropriate compression to help reduce swelling.
3. Ligament injury: Accidental falls or sprains during daily activities, such as slipping on a wet surface, can cause injury to the knee joint while it is in a twisted position. It is recommended to immobilize the knee joint with a brace or cast under the guidance of a physician to maintain joint stability and promote ligament healing.
4. Rheumatoid arthritis: Rheumatoid arthritis mainly occurs when the immune system mistakenly attacks the body's own joint tissues, causing inflammation of the joint synovium. It is recommended to take medications such as methotrexate tablets, leflunomide tablets, and aspirin tablets under medical supervision.
5. Patellofemoral pain syndrome: Excessive use of the knee joint or prolonged weight-bearing walking can cause repeated compression of the patellofemoral cartilage, leading to wear and tear and high pressure in the patellofemoral joint. It is recommended to reduce excessive use of the knee joint and, under medical guidance, undergo treatments such as ultrasound therapy and shock wave therapy to relieve pain and inflammation in the patellofemoral joint and promote cartilage repair.
If knee pain while walking persists for a long time, it is recommended to seek timely medical consultation at a hospital to determine the exact cause and receive targeted treatment.
