Types and Causes of Common Knee Injuries and Problems

There are three main categories of knee injuries: Acute (sudden) injuries, Overuse Injuries, and Knee problems caused by other systemic (bodily) conditions.

Acute (Sudden) Knee Injuries

Acute injuries to the knee can be caused by a direct blow to the knee, but most often occur because of a direct and sudden event leading to abnormal twisting, stretching or bending of the knee.
Acute injuries to the knee take the joint through a greater range of motion than it can tolerate, and thus stress the knee.

Acute injuries to the knee include (among others):

Muscle tension Injuries (sprains or strains)
MCL Injuries
ACL Injuries
Meniscus Tears
Bursa Inflammation
Patellar (Knee Cap) injuries

Overuse Injuries to the Knee

Overuse Injuries occur when there is repeated or prolonged pressure on the knee.
Activities such as skiing, biking, jogging, or jumping are a few examples of causes of overuse knee problems.
Overuse injuries happen over time.
Overuse injuries occur when there is repeated stress on the joints
Overuse injuries lead to irritation and inflammation to the knee.

Overuse injuries of the knee include:

Bursitis: inflammation of the the small sacs of fluid that cushion and lubricate the knee.
Tendinitis: Inflammation of the tendons surrounding the knee
Tendinosis: small tears in the tendons surrounding the knee
Plica syndrome: Thickening or folding of the knee ligaments
Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome: Pain in the front of the knee from overuse, Injury, excess weight, or problems in the knee cap

Knee Pain and Problems Caused by Systemic (Bodily) Conditions

Various chronic conditions can cause problems in or around the knee and cause pain, swelling, and stiffness :

Osteoarthritis: the most common form of arthritis, affecting millions of people worldwide. It occurs when the protective cartilage on the ends of your bones wears down over time. Osteoarthritis frequently affects the knee.
Auto-immune conditions: Rheumatoid Arthritis, Gout, and Lupus can also cause knee pain, swelling and stiffness.
Osgood-Schlatter Disease: Osgood-Schlatter disease can cause a painful lump below the kneecap in children and adolescents experiencing growth spurts during puberty.
Popliteal (Baker’s) cyst: A Baker's cyst is a fluid-filled cyst that causes a bulge and a feeling of tightness behind your knee. The pain can get worse when you fully flex or extend your knee or when you're active. This type of knee condition is usually the result of a problem with your knee joint, such as arthritis or a cartilage tear. Both conditions can cause your knee to produce too much fluid, which can lead to a Baker's cyst
Cellulitis: This condition occurs when bacteria, most commonly streptococcus and staphylococcus, enter through a crack or break in your skin. The incidence of a more serious staphylococcus infection called methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) is increasing.
Septic Bursitis: inflammation or infection of the small sacs of fluid that cushion and lubricate the knee
Infectious Arthritis or infection of the joint
Osteomyelitis or infection of the bone
Osteochondritis dissecans: (os-tee-o-kon-DRY-tis DIS-uh-kanz) is a joint condition in which bone underneath the cartilage of a joint dies due to lack of blood flow. This bone and cartilage can then break loose, causing pain and possibly hinder joint motion.

Learn about the Types and Causes of Common Knee Injuries and Problems

Our goal at OSMI is to provide our patients quality, cutting-edge orthopedic treatments, both surgical and non-surgical. If you have questions about knee arthroscopy or surgery, knee joint pain, or physical therapy, please submit an online appointment request or contact our office at 817-529-1900.

The Orthopedic and Sports Medicine Institute (OSMI)