What causes a burning pain in the knee?

Generally speaking, the term "knee" refers to the knee joint. A burning pain in the knee joint may be caused by excessive exercise, cold stimulation, knee arthritis, knee synovitis, knee meniscus injury, and other reasons. If discomfort occurs, timely medical consultation is recommended. A detailed analysis is as follows:

1. Excessive Exercise

When engaging in high-intensity or prolonged physical activity, the muscles, ligaments, and other soft tissues surrounding the knee joint may accumulate significant amounts of lactic acid due to repeated pulling and friction. This lactic acid can irritate nerve endings, leading to a burning sensation of pain in the knee joint. It is recommended to warm up adequately before exercising, gradually increase exercise intensity and duration, stretch and relax after exercising, and avoid excessive fatigue.

2. Cold Stimulation

In cold environments, blood vessels around the knee joint may constrict, resulting in poor circulation, reduced nutrient supply to local tissues, and accumulation of metabolic waste. Under these conditions, nerve sensitivity increases, which can cause burning pain in the knee joint. It is important to keep the knee joint warm, add clothing timely according to weather conditions, and wear knee protectors, especially during cold seasons.

3. Knee Arthritis

Knee arthritis is primarily caused by degeneration and wear of the joint cartilage. Reduction of joint cartilage may lead to uneven joint surfaces and friction during movement, causing a burning sensation of pain. Symptoms such as joint stiffness, swelling, and limited movement may also occur. Treatment may include medications like ibuprofen tablets, celecoxib capsules, and indomethacin tablets, as directed by a physician.

4. Knee Synovitis

Knee synovitis is a non-infectious inflammatory condition of the knee joint caused by trauma or overuse. Inflammation of the synovium due to irritation leads to increased joint fluid secretion and joint swelling, thereby causing pain. Symptoms such as joint swelling, warmth, and fluid accumulation may also accompany. Treatment, as directed by a physician, may involve non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs such as etoricoxib tablets, indomethacin tablets, prednisolone tablets, and other medications. Joint aspiration may be necessary when required.

5. Knee Meniscus Injury

There are various causes of knee meniscus injury, including knee sprains and cumulative damage from long-term weight-bearing. The meniscus is a cartilage structure within the knee joint that serves to cushion and stabilize the joint. Meniscus injury may lead to uneven joint surfaces and abnormal friction during movement, thus causing pain. Symptoms such as joint locking, clicking sounds, and functional impairment may also occur. Immobilization with a cast may be taken under a doctor's guidance, and surgical repair or removal of the damaged meniscus may be necessary to restore the smoothness of the joint surface.

In daily life, appropriate exercises can be performed to strengthen the muscles around the knee joint and improve stability, such as straight leg raises and static squats.