Healthy knees are essential for mobility. Numerous tasks require us to bend our knees. It can be for climbing stairs, sitting on a chair, or doing exercises like squats. However, if your knees hurt when you bend, it could signal a knee problem or some other health condition.
Everyday activities take a toll on knee health. Additionally, knees have several bones, muscles, ligaments, and tendons. Issue(s) with any of these structures may give rise to knee pain while bending.
When it is due to non-serious causes, the knee bending problem may be treated at home. At other times, it may require medical intervention. Let’s have a look at some potential reasons behind bending-induced knee pain and treatment options.
What Causes Knee Pain While Bending
| Knee Condition | Part of the Knee Affected | Type of Pain |
| Patellofemoral syndrome | Front part of the knee | Dull pain |
| Patellar tendonitis | Base of the kneecap | Burning and pain |
| Iliotibial (IT) band syndrome | Outer part of the knee with spreading to the thigh or hip | Burning pain |
| Hamstring tendonitis | Back part of the knee and thigh | Pain |
| Quadriceps tendonitis | Above or in front of the knee | Pain |
| Knee bursitis | Over or below the knee | Inflammation, warmth, and pain |
| Osteoarthritis | Entire knee | Pain, swelling, stiffness (in the morning) |
| Knee trauma (knee injury) | Injured knee joint or ligaments | Sharp pain, swelling, and difficulty moving the knee |
| Baker’s cyst | Behind the knee | Tightness and swelling |
Here are probable causes of knee pain, depending on the location and intensity of knee pain when bending:
| Location/Intensity of Knee Pain When Bending | Possible Causes |
| Pain behind the knee | – hamstring tendonitis – meniscus tear – ACL injury – PCL injury – Baker’s cyst |
| Very sharp pain in the knee | – knee or patellar fracture – torn ligament or meniscus – patellar tendonitis – osteoarthritis |
| Pain above the kneecap | – Osteoarthritis – quadriceps tendonitis – knee bursitis |
| Pain in front of the kneecap | – patellar tendonitis – patellofemoral pain syndrome – knee bursitis – quadriceps tendonitis – patellar fracture |
Treatment Options for Knee Pain That Occurs While Bending
Avoid activities that result in pain
It is advisable not to engage in activities that cause knee pain till the time your knee heals. Instead, you should take rest to speed up recovery.
Change your exercise to low-impact ones.
If you exercise on a daily basis and choose high-impact exercises like running, jogging, aerobics, etc., it would be better to switch to low-impact exercises that put less stress on your knees. To exemplify, you can take up cycling, swimming, or walking
Use the RICE formula
- Give rest to your knee.
- Apply ice as it may help reduce swelling. Wrap a piece of ice in a clean cloth or plastic bag. Apply it to the affected part. Do it for 20 minutes, and repeat the exercise multiple times a day.
- Use compression – wrap your knee with an elastic bandage while taking care that it is not too tight.
- Elevate your knee by placing a pillow or something else under it – higher than the level of your heart. It helps reduce swelling.
Apply heat in case of stiffness
Applying heat gives relief by improving blood circulation
Take NSAIDs for pain and swelling
Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs are easily available over the counter. Taking these medications may help reduce pain and swelling. Make sure you follow the directions for dosage and frequency.
Massage by a Therapist
Therapists apply appropriate pressure on your muscles, tendons, and ligaments with their hands. It may help you get relief from knee pain.
Knee Exercises and Physiotherapy
Strengthening exercises work on the muscles that support your knee(s). Healthy and strong muscles translate into less stress on the knee.
Stretching exercises are generally recommended as they help lower tension in the surrounding muscles. This further reduces pressure on the knee joint.
Exercises should be done on the advice of a professional physiotherapist. They advise you on the right exercises according to your knee condition, and help improve your knee’s strength, mobility, and flexibility.
Be mindful not to rush. Move at a slow pace. If a particular exercise hurts, discontinue it immediately.
Orthotic Support
Orthotics are shoe inserts that help reduce pressure on your knee by stabilising your ankle and foot. This can alleviate pain. You can get them at a pharmacy store or opt for custom-made orthotics.
Avoiding Movement
Your orthopaedic specialist may advise you to wear a cast or brace if an injury has caused your knee pain. These aids protect your knee and prevent you from moving it, which helps the knee recover and gives you relief from pain.
Knee Surgery
If none of the above-mentioned non-surgical knee bending pain treatments prove effective, surgery may be your final option. Typically, only severe cases need surgery. Here are some examples:
- A torn ACL may need anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction surgery
- A torn meniscus may be treated with meniscus repair surgery
- Minor issues may be handled with arthroscopy
- Damage to one part of the knee may be managed with partial knee replacement
- Serious damage to the entire knee may require total knee replacement
When to Visit a Knee Doctor
If you experience mild knee pain when you bend, it is not generally a matter of concern. However, we advise you to see a doctor if any of the following symptoms persist:
- Severe knee pain
- Inability to straighten or bend your knee
- Inability walking properly
- Swelling, redness, or other such changes in the knee
- Knees feel unstable
- Popping sounds accompany pain
- Fever
For expert advice on knee pain while bending or any other knee-related issue, visit Sohana Hospital in Mohali, and get the most advanced treatment at the most affordable prices. The hospital has not only highly expert doctors and physiotherapists but also cutting-edge treatment facilities for patients of all ages.