Knee pain can be a frustrating and debilitating condition. It can range from a sharp, acute pain to a dull, chronic ache, and can make it difficult to perform everyday activities. One common symptom of knee pain is a feeling of discomfort when bending or straightening the knee. Understanding the cause of this pain can help you to seek the appropriate treatment and get back to living an active life.
Knee Pain Symptoms
Knee pain when bending or straightening the knee can be caused by a variety of different issues. It may start suddenly after an injury or it can build up over time. Common symptoms associated with knee pain include:
• Pain when bending or straightening the knee
• Swelling and tenderness around the knee joint
• Difficulty putting weight on the knee
• A clicking or popping sound when moving the knee
• Weakness and instability in the knee
Diagnosing the Cause
If you are experiencing knee pain when bending or straightening the knee, it is important to get a proper diagnosis from your doctor. Your doctor will likely ask you questions about the symptoms you are experiencing, as well as any underlying medical conditions you may have. They may also order imaging tests, such as an X-ray or MRI, to get a better understanding of the cause of your pain.
Common causes of knee pain when bending or straightening the knee include:
• Arthritis: Inflammation of the joint can cause pain when moving the knee.
• Meniscus tear: The meniscus is the cushioning cartilage between the bones of the knee joint. Tears in the meniscus can cause pain when bending or straightening the knee.
• Tendonitis: Inflammation of the tendons, the bands of tissue connecting the bones and muscles, can cause pain when bending or straightening the knee.
• Baker’s cyst: Fluid buildup in the knee joint can cause pain when bending or straightening the knee.
Knee pain when bending or straightening the knee can be a sign of an underlying medical condition. It is important to get a proper diagnosis from your doctor to identify the cause of your pain and determine the best treatment plan. With the right treatment, you can get back to living an active life.
Knee pain is a common complaint, and one of the most frequent causes of knee pain is the joint’s working too hard. Many people experience a sharp pain in their knee when they bend it and when they try to straighten it back out. This condition is known as “knee flexion contracture.”
A knee flexion contracture, or KFC, is a condition in which the knee becomes stiff, resulting in limited motion or bending of the leg. It is also sometimes referred to as a “flexion contracture” or a “flexion deformity.” KFC typically affects the front of the knee, making it difficult to fully straighten the leg from a bent position.
The cause of KFC is typically unclear and many times is attributed to injuries, such as car accidents or falls, and degenerative conditions, such as arthritis. This condition may also be caused by an underlying medical condition, such as polio or cerebral palsy. In some cases, KFC occurs without an explanatory cause.
The treatment of KFC varies, depending on the severity of the condition. If the knee flexion contracture is mild, the doctor may prescribe a brace or a physical therapy program. The goal of physical therapy will be to gradually increase knee range of motion, muscle strength and flexibility. In more severe cases, surgery may be necessary to correct the knee deformity.
Knee pain caused by a flexion contracture can limit physical activity and be very painful. If you experience knee pain when bending and straightening your knee, it is important to speak to your doctor about diagnosis and treatment. Don’t let knee pain keep you from doing the activities you enjoy.