What causes pain on the side of the knee?
Disease description:
Recently, the side of my knee has been hurting frequently, and the pain becomes more noticeable when going up or down stairs. Sometimes, I also feel that my knee is slightly swollen. I would like to know what might be causing this—could it be due to excessive exercise?
Doctor's answer (1)
Dr. Chen Jian
Pain on the side of the knee is a common symptom that can be caused by various factors. The following are some common causes that may lead to pain on the side of the knee:
1. Trauma: Impact from incidents such as car accidents or blows from objects can potentially cause fractures in the distal femur or proximal tibia, resulting in pain.
2. Ligament injury: Improper sports activities or sprains may lead to ligament tears or damage, especially to the collateral ligaments on the inner (medial collateral ligament) or outer (lateral collateral ligament) sides of the knee joint, which can cause significant pain after injury.
3. Meniscus injury: The menisci in the knee are two C-shaped cartilage pads located between the thigh bone and the shin bone. When these cartilage pads are damaged, they may cause pain on the side of the knee, often accompanied by swelling, a sensation of joint locking, or instability.
4. Arthritis: Knee arthritis, especially when inflammation affects the sides of the joint, can cause pain. Arthritis is usually caused by degeneration of the knee cartilage or bone spurs, and is more common among middle-aged and elderly individuals.
5. Bursitis: There are multiple bursae around the knee; these are small fluid-filled sacs that serve to reduce friction between muscles, tendons, and bones. When these bursae become inflamed, they can cause pain, particularly on the side of the knee.
6. Muscle or ligament strain: Muscles and ligaments around the knee can also cause pain if they are overstretched or injured. This may be caused by sudden movements, improper training, or accidental injuries during daily activities.
