What Causes Sudden Knee Pain?
Disease description:
My knee suddenly started hurting. When it hurts, I feel some swelling around the knee, and bending or straightening it isn't very smooth. I haven't been doing any strenuous exercise either. What could be causing this?
Doctor's answer (1)
Dr. Chen Jian
Sudden knee pain can be caused by various factors. The following are some common causes of sudden knee pain:
1. Sports injuries: such as knee sprains, meniscus injuries, or cruciate ligament injuries. These acute injuries can cause sudden knee pain, accompanied by swelling and possible joint weakness.
2. Trauma or injury: This is one of the most common causes, including sprains, falls, or direct impact to the knee. Such injuries may lead to ligament tears, meniscus damage, or patellar dislocation.
3. Overuse: Prolonged exercise or activity, especially movements that place significant stress on the knees such as running, jumping, and squatting, may lead to overuse injuries like tendonitis, patellofemoral pain syndrome, or iliotibial band friction syndrome.
4. Metabolic diseases: such as gout. When uric acid crystals deposit in the knee joint, they can trigger an acute attack of gouty arthritis, causing sudden severe knee pain.
5. Arthritis: osteoarthritis or other types of arthritis may cause sudden knee pain during acute episodes, especially under triggers such as cold weather or fatigue.
6. Synovitis: the synovium is the tissue lining the inside of the joint and is responsible for secreting lubricating fluid. When the synovium becomes inflamed, it can cause knee pain and swelling.
