The pain in the knee associated with walking may be frightening, but widespread. Knowing the root causes of knee hurting while walking can enable you to control the discomfort and assess when to visit the doctor.
Understanding Knee Anatomy and Function
Components of the Knee Joint
The knee is a hinge joint that includes the femur or thigh bone, tibia or shinbone, and the patella or kneecap. The support structures present within the knee are:
- Ligaments: ACL, PCL, MCL, and LCL are present for stability.
- Menisci: Menisci act as shock absorbers and stabilizers within the joint.
- Tendons: Connect muscles to the bone to enable movement.
- Bursae and Synovial fluid: Reduced friction.
Any damage to these components can result in knee pain while walking or even during rest, depending on the severity.
How Knees Work During Walking
Knee flexion and extension happen during the process of walking to absorb shock and prevent the accumulation of body weight. Moving forward involves the coordination of the quadriceps, hamstrings, and calves to facilitate ease in movement. Any misalignment, loss of stability, or shock absorption can be a reason for knee pain while walking.
9 Common Causes of Knee Pain While Walking
1. Osteoarthritis
Osteoarthritis is a condition that causes wear and tear of the joint cartilage, further causing the bones to rub together, causing pain, stiffness, and swelling. This often results in knee pain after walking, especially on inclined or off-level surfaces between walking.
2. Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome
Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome is also referred to as runner’s knee, and it is one of those knee problems that creates pain around the kneecap because of improper alignment or overuse. People typically feel knee pain walking up stairs, downstairs, or sitting down in one position for too long.
3. Meniscus Tears
Torn meniscal cartilage frequently causes sharp pain, swelling, and difficulty straightening the knee. Twisting during walking can trigger symptoms, leading to discomfort and clicking sensations.
4. Ligament Injuries (ACL, MCL, LCL)
Ligament sprains or ruptures (usually of sudden twisting) may lead to pain, swelling, wobbling with walking and a feeling of instability, and the knee buckling.
5. IT Band Syndrome
IT Band Syndrome is extremely prevalent in runners and walkers, and the condition aggravates through routine knee bending. It leads to an inflammation of the iliotibial band that extends between the hip and shin and leads to lateral pain of the knee.
6. Bursitis
Pain can also occur due to inflamed knee bursae , which are fluid-filled pouches on either side of the knee and result in the formation of swellings, especially when walking on uneven surfaces.
7. Tendinitis
Tendon inflammation of tendons like the patellar or hamstring tendons leads to pain over their attachment sites, making it uncomfortable and results in knee pain while walking and standing, particularly on inclines or stairs.
8. Baker's Cyst
This event, when the fluids amass behind the kneecap, causes a cyst, thereby causing swelling and tightness accompanied by pain during straightening of the knee or walking.
9. Gout
Normally, crystalline arthritis may cause the knee to swell up and cause sharp pain after consuming substances like fatty food and alcohol. In periods of flare-ups, it is difficult to walk.
Symptoms to Watch For
Pain Location and Quality
The presence of pain around the kneecap is an indication of patellofemoral syndrome. Meniscal injury or bursitis can be caused due to the inner pain in the knee. Acute, severe pain and instability, or a sound of popping, indicate a tear or damage to the ligaments.
Associated Symptoms
- Swelling or warmth suggests inflammation or injury
- Stiffness after inactivity
- Instability or locking during walking
- Redness or fever could suggest infection or gout
If these symptoms persist, it’s important to determine the reason for knee pain while walking through a proper medical evaluation.
At-Home Treatment Options
RICE Protocol
RICE Protocol refers to Rest, Ice, Compression, and Elevation immediately after the pain onset or a mild injury. This helps in reducing the swelling and enhances injury recovery.
Over-the-Counter Pain Relief
NSAIDs such as ibuprofen or naproxen reduce inflammation and pain associated with walking knee pain causes like bursitis or tendinitis, and help manage walking discomfort.
Gentle Exercises and Stretches
- Quadriceps and hamstring stretches
- Calf and IT band foam rolling
- Low-impact exercises like swimming
These exercises help maintain mobility and can reduce knee pain while walking by improving flexibility and reducing strain on the joint.
When to See a Doctor
Red Flag Symptoms
The patients should seek immediate medical attention if they experience any red flag symptoms like the following:
- Severe pain, rapid swelling
- Inability to bear weight
- Knee instability, locking, or giving way
- Fever, redness, or warmth
Persistent Pain Indicators
The patients should consult a specialist if the pain continues beyond two weeks of home treatments, or if it recurs with an activity or stiffness in the morning.
Professional Treatment Options
Physical Therapy
At Alleviate Pain Clinic, physiotherapists create individual programmes with a focus on:
- Muscle strengthening
- Posture correction
- Neuromuscular re-education
- Gait training
Medical Interventions
The treatments are dependent on the cause of the injury and may include:
- Corticosteroid injection for joint inflammation.
- PRP or prolotherapy for tissue healing.
- Braces or orthotics.
- Referral to orthopaedics, when required. The transition between services involves meeting with orthopaedics as necessary and reviewing doctors.
Prevention Strategies
- Maintain muscle balance and strength.
- Choose appropriate footwear.
- Warm up and cool down before the activity.
- Incorporate rest days.
- Monitor walking surfaces.
- Avoid sudden mileage increases.
Following these measures helps in preventing knee pain while walking and maintaining overall joint health.
There are numerous possible causes of knee pain when walking, including arthritis, injury to soft tissues, etc. It is essential to recognise the patterns of pain, early intervention, and the outside boundaries of medical care. At Alleviate Pain Clinic, we provide a wide range of support, including thorough assessment, customised physiotherapy, imaging-guided therapy, and non-operative support. Our focus is to eliminate pain and get you back into walking without restriction. In case you continue to experience knee pain or the pain increases, visit our experts to get the right diagnosis and treatment. Visit Alleviate Pain Clinic to start your journey to pain-free walking and long-term joint health.
FAQs
Pain in the knee during walking can be caused by osteoarthritis, tears in the meniscus of the knee, or diseases associated with patellofemoral pain syndrome. The disorders tend to make it uncomfortable to move, but pain can decrease when at rest, as joint pressure is less
You should not cease walking, but decrease activity and stop provoking moves. Moderate exercise, such as gentle walking, when combined with a good pair of shoes and stretching, can enhance healing. See a doctor when the pain does not go away or increases when exercising.
Yes, chronic knee injury when walking can reflect more serious problems like damage to ligaments, tendonitis, or a tear in the meniscus. When pain persists, becomes worse, or is swollen or unstable, prompt professional care must be considered.
Treatment options include the RICE protocol, physical therapy, stretching exercises, and over-the-counter drugs. Sometimes, interventions such as injections or orthopaedic consultation will be needed concerning long-term alleviation and normalization of the ability to move with no pain.
To prevent knee pain, maintain a healthy weight, use proper footwear, warm up before activity, strengthen supporting muscles, and avoid prolonged walking on uneven surfaces. Practicing good walking posture and addressing early symptoms also helps significantly.
