Why Does My Knee Hurt When I Walk?

If you’re experiencing knee pain, you’re not alone. Knee pain is a common complaint among people of all ages and can be caused by a variety of factors, from injury to wear and tear. In this article, we’ll discuss why your knee might hurt when you walk, and what you can do for relief.

Before we delve into the reasons behind knee pain, it’s important to understand the structure of the knee joint. The knee joint is made up of the femur (thigh bone), tibia (shin bone), and patella (kneecap). These bones are connected by ligaments and surrounded by cartilage, which helps absorb shock and prevent the bones from rubbing against each other.

Now, let’s take a look at some of the most common causes of knee pain:

• Knee Injuries: Knee injuries are a common cause of knee pain. They can be caused by a sudden impact, such as a fall or collision, or by overuse. Common knee injuries include:
  • Sprains: A sprain occurs when the ligaments in the knee are stretched or torn.
  • Strains: A strain occurs when the muscles or tendons in the knee are stretched or torn.
  • Meniscus Tears: The meniscus is a band of tissue that acts as a shock absorber between the femur and tibia. A tear in the meniscus can cause pain and stiffness in the knee.
• Arthritis: Arthritis is a condition that causes inflammation in the joints, including the knee joint. There are many types of arthritis, but the two most common are osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. Osteoarthritis is caused by wear and tear on the joints, while rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disorder that causes the immune system to attack the joints.
• Runner’s Knee: Runner’s knee is a common condition among runners. It’s caused by overuse and can result in pain on the side of the knee when straightening the leg.
• Bursitis: Bursitis is a condition that occurs when the bursae, small fluid-filled sacs that cushion the joints, become inflamed. This can cause pain and swelling in the knee.
• Patellar Tendinitis: Patellar tendinitis is a condition that occurs when the tendon that connects the kneecap to the shinbone becomes inflamed. This can cause pain and tenderness in the knee, particularly when kneeling or jumping.

If you’re experiencing knee pain, there are several things you can do to relieve the discomfort:

• Rest and Ice: If your knee pain is the result of an injury or overuse, the first step is to rest and ice the affected area. Resting will help reduce inflammation, while ice can help numb the pain and reduce swelling. Apply an ice pack to the affected area for 15 to 20 minutes at a time, several times a day.
• Elevate Your Knee: Elevating your knee can also help reduce swelling and pain. Prop your leg up on a pillow or cushion so that your knee is above your heart.
• Strengthen Your Muscles: Strengthening the muscles that support your knee can help reduce the risk of knee pain in the future. Focus on exercises that strengthen your quadriceps and hamstrings, as well as exercises that improve your balance.
• Wear Proper Shoes: Wearing proper footwear can also help prevent knee pain. Choose shoes that provide good support and cushioning, particularly if you’re engaging in activities that put a lot of stress on your knees, such as running.

Once we’ve identified the cause of your knee pain, we’ll work with you to develop a personalized treatment plan that meets your unique needs. Our minimally invasive pain treatments can help relieve your pain and get you back to your normal activities without surgery or opioids.

Some of the treatments we offer include:

• Corticosteroid Injections: Corticosteroid injections are a common treatment for knee pain. They reduce inflammation in the knee joint, which can relieve pain and improve mobility.
• Hyaluronic Acid Injections: Hyaluronic acid injections are another type of injection that can be used to treat knee pain. Hyaluronic acid is a substance that occurs naturally in the body and helps lubricate the joints. Injections of hyaluronic acid can help reduce pain and improve mobility in people with knee osteoarthritis.
• Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) Therapy: PRP therapy is a regenerative medicine treatment that uses your body’s own platelets to help promote healing in the knee joint. This treatment involves drawing a small amount of your blood, processing it to concentrate the platelets, and injecting the platelets back into the knee joint.
• Radiofrequency Ablation (RFA): RFA is a minimally invasive procedure that uses heat to destroy the nerves that are responsible for transmitting pain signals from the knee joint. This can help relieve pain and improve mobility in people with chronic knee pain.
• Physical Therapy: Physical therapy can also be an effective treatment for knee pain. Your physical therapist will work with you to develop an exercise program that helps strengthen the muscles around your knee joint and improve your balance and mobility.

Knee pain can be a frustrating and debilitating condition, but it doesn’t have to be. By taking steps to prevent knee pain and seeking medical attention when necessary, you can reduce your risk of knee pain and get back to the activities you love.

At New York Knee Pain Doctor, we’re here to help. We have two convenient locations in Midtown Manhattan and the Financial District. Our Midtown Manhattan location is opposite Grand Central Station and Penn Station and walking distance from many landmarks. Our Financial District location is near the 9/11 Tribute Museum and the New York Stock Exchange. schedule a consultation and take the first step towards living a life free of knee pain.