Do one feel pain in the knees when they straighten or bend it? Even though there is no swelling. So the query my knee hurts when i bend it and straighten it but no swelling. There are many people experience this kind of discomfort and while it may seem strange. There are various reasons why it occurs.
So in this blog we will discuss the known causes of knee pain in layman term. It is so you can know what may be going on. Before reading this blog this is for learning not medical advice. If you are experiencing this always check with a doctor if the knee pain does not go away.
How Does Knee Work?
Please first learn how the knee works. The knee is a joint that connects the high bone that is femur to the shin bone that is tibia. It also consists of a smaller bone known as the knee cap or patella.
- Cartilage: It is the smooth tissue. It cushions the bones and permits them to move.
- Tendons and Ligaments: These are strong bands of tissue that hold the bones together and support the knee move.
- Muscles: It gives the knee strength and aid it bend and straighten.
Top Reasons for Knee Pain Without Swelling
So my knee hurts when i bend it and straighten it but no swelling then the following can be the cause.
Inflamed Tendons or Tendonitis
Tendons connect the muscles to the bones. Overuse or repetitive motions such as running, jumping or squatting can damage the tendon sometime.
It weakens the patella tendon. If it left untreated it can lead the tendon to tear. So this is common in men research tells twice as many male non elite athletes have jumper knee compared with female non elite athletes.
What Feels Like
How can you differentiate it is an inflamed tendon? Sharp or burning pain. It is mainly when you bend or straighten the knee.
What Causes It
Overdoing physical activities or not warming up before exercising.
Patellar Tracking Disorder
This when our kneecap does not work properly as the knee straightens and bends. So instead of sliding smoothly it may move slightly off track. So this dislocation accounts for 2 to 3 percent of all knee injuries. It happens when the kneecap slides out of its place.
What Feels Like
There is a clicking feeling or dull ache in the front of the knee.
What Causes It
Weak thigh muscles, tight tissues around the kneecap or bad posture while walking or exercising.
Meniscus Tear
It is a piece of cartilage that cushions the knee. It can tear during sports or sudden twisting motions.
What Feels Like
A popping sensation, difficulty straightening the knee or pain when twisting.
Common Causes
Sports injuries, sudden pivots or falls.
Wear and Tear or Osteoarthritis
It is when the cartilage in the knee wears away over time. It is a mostly in older but adults younger people can also have it. It is mainly after knee injuries.
OA is mainly older people and over 73% of people with OA are 55 plus years old. The knee is the commonly involved joint and 365 M people across the globe have knee OA.
What Feels Like
Stiffness, pain and difficulty moving the knee.
What Triggers It
Age, previous injuries or repetitious stress on the joint.
Iliotibial Band Syndrome or IT
IT band is a thick tissue running from the hip to the knee. When it is too tight it can rub against the outside of the knee.
What Feels Like
Sharp pain on the outer side of a knee.
Who is at Risk
Cyclists, runners or anyone doing repetitive leg movements.
Bursitis
Bursitis when the small fluid filled sacs in the knee become irritated.
What Feels Like
There is a pain when you move or press on the knee.
What Causes It
Repeated kneeling, pressure or an awkward fall.
Muscle Strains
Overworking the knee muscles can lead to strains or fatigue. Hence it causes the pain when bending or straightening the leg.
What Feels Like
It is a dull ache or sharp discomfort.
Common Triggers
It causes by the over exercising, sudden activity increases or poor rest habits.
Runner knee
Runner knee also called as chondromalacia patella. It is a cas that affects runners. It occurs when the cartilage behind the kneecap breaks down. Due to this the kneecap rubs against the thigh bone. Hence it causes pain.
Common Tiggers
Runner knee is seen in person who do sports that put redundant stress on the knee like running. People who are overweight are also at greater risk because of the raised pressure on their knee joints.
How to Lessen Pain at Home
My knee hurts when i bend it and straighten it but no swelling here are some tips to feel better. Let us have a look.
Rest Your Knee
Avoid activities that cause pain. Resting gives the knee time to heal.
Apply Ice
Use an ice pack for 15 to 20 mins every few hours to relieve discomfort.
Do Gentle Stretches
Stretching can ais loosen tight muscles hence improve flexibility. Try the following.
Hamstring Stretch
Sit with one leg straight and reach toward the toes.
Quadriceps Stretch
Stand and pull one foot toward the buttock holding the ankle.
Strengthen Your Knee
Simple exercises can make the knee stronger.
Straight Leg Raises
Lie flat and lift one leg while keeping it straight.
Wall Sits
Lean against a wall with the knees bent. Hold the position for a few seconds.
Wear Proper Shoes
Supportive shoes reduce stress on the knees.
Use Over the Counter Pain Relievers
There are many medicines that can reduce the pain. Medications such as ibuprofen can reduce mild pain but only use them as directed. There are also NSAID that works great in it.
How to Prevent Knee Pain in the Future
Warm Up Before Activity
Stretching prepares the muscles and decreases injury risk.
Strengthen the Legs
Strong muscles around the knee offer better support.
Practice Good Posture
Avoid slouching or uneven weight distribution.
Keep a Healthy Weight
Extra pounds can strain the knees.
Never Overdo It
Listen to th body and take breaks when needed.
Other Tips for Long Term Knee Health
Stay Active
Regular low impact exercises such as swimming or walking can enhance joint health.
Hydrate Well
Proper hydration helps keep healthy cartilage.
Know Your Limits
Please avoid overtraining or pushing via intense pain.
FAQs
When You See a Doctor?
Sometimes home remedies are not enough. Please visit a doctor if experience the following.
• Pain remains longer than a week.
• Trouble putting weight on the knee.
• Knee instability, locking or buckling.
• Worsening pain over time.
Can I still exercise with knee pain?
It depends. Low impact work out such as light stretching or swimming safe but avoid exercises that worsen the pain.
How long does it take for the knee pain to go reduce?
Mild knee pain from overuse may improve in a few days with rest and care. But more serious injuries might take weeks or need medical attention.
Are knee braces helpful?
Yes. Knee braces can offer support and stability. We advise you to talk to a healthcare provider to find the right type for your condition.
Can being overweight cause knee pain?
Yes. Carrying extra weight puts pressure on the knees. So it double the chance of pain or conditions like osteoarthritis.
What should one do if the knee locks or buckles?
If the knee locks or gets stuck in buckles or one position feels like it may give way see a healthcare right away. These may be signs of a serious issues such as a ligament injury or cartilage damage.
Should one stop all activity if they have knee pain?
Not just. Rest is a must but gentle low impact activities like walking or stretching can keep your knee flexible. Avoid anything that makes the pain worse.
Conclusion
So to the query my knee hurts when i bend it and straighten it but no swelling has various reasons. Knee pain when bending or straightening without notable swelling can be tricky but it occurs by simple issues like overuse, poor posture or minor strains. Activities such as prolonged sitting, sudden increases in physical activity or improper footwear can lead to discomfort. Sometimes conditions like tendonitis or cartilage wear might be the culprits.
The good news is that on can manage many of these issues with rest, gentle exercises and proper care. Simple steps such as stretching and strengthening the muscles around the knee. Also avoid activities that worsen the pain can help greatly.
However if the pain remains or gets worse please consult a doctor. Timely medical advice can stop further complications and ensure the joints stay healthy.
Your knees are must for daily life. So treat them with care and attention to keep moving pain free. But do ask for medical help if the condition is sever as it can leads to some serious issues.
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