Knee pain when bending is a common symptom that involves discomfort or pain in the knee joint during movements such as walking, squatting, or climbing stairs. This pain can arise from various causes, such as injury to the knee structures (ligaments, cartilage, or tendons), arthritis, or overuse. The pain's varying severity and type may impact movement and everyday activities.

Causes Of Knee When Bending

This problem can be caused by different factors, including -

Arthritis. Gout, rheumatoid arthritis, and osteoarthritis can all be painful, particularly when moving the knee.
Meniscus Tears. Activities that rotate or apply pressure to the knee joint may cause a tear in the meniscus, a portion of cartilage in the knee.
Ligament Injuries. Activities that rotate or apply pressure to the knee joint may cause a tear in the meniscus, a portion of cartilage in the knee.
Tendonitis. Inflammation of the tendons around the knee, often due to overuse, can cause pain during movement.
Bursitis. A source of pain when bending the knee could be inflammation of the bursae, which are tiny sacs filled with fluid that cushion the knee joint.
Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome. Also known as runner's knee, this condition is characterised by pain around the kneecap and is common in athletes.
Chondromalacia Patellae. This results in pain when bending the knee, as the cartilage on the underside of the kneecap softens and breaks down.
Osgood-Schlatter Disease. Common in adolescents, this condition causes pain and swelling just below the knee due to inflammation of the patellar tendon.
Iliotibial Band Syndrome. Knee pain can be brought on by tightness or inflammation in the iliotibial band, a ligament that runs down the outside of the thigh.
Previous Injury. A previous knee injury can result in chronic pain, particularly when knee bending.

Treatment Options for Knee Pain When Bending

Depending on the underlying reason, the following methods are frequently used to treat knee discomfort that occurs after bending-

Rest and Ice. Rest the knee and apply ice packs to reduce swelling and pain, especially after activities that exacerbate the pain.
Pain Relief Medications. Over-the-counter analgesics such as ibuprofen or paracetamol can help manage pain and reduce inflammation.
Physiotherapy. A physiotherapist can provide exercises to strengthen the muscles around the knee, improving stability and flexibility and reducing pain.
Supportive Devices. Knee braces or orthotics can provide support and alleviate stress on the knee.
Activity Modification. Avoid activities that worsen the pain, and consider low-impact exercises such as swimming or cycling.
Weight Management. If overweight, losing weight can reduce pressure on the knees, alleviating pain.
Stretching and Strengthening Exercises. Regular stretching exercises and strengthening the leg muscles can help reduce pain and improve knee function.
Injections. In severe cases, injections of corticosteroids into the knee may be suggested to lessen pain and inflammation.
Surgery. In cases where conservative treatments fail and the pain is due to structural issues in the knee, surgery might be necessary.

Conclusion

Knee pain when bending, resulting from various factors such as injuries, arthritis, or overuse, significantly impacts mobility and daily life. Effective management through appropriate treatments and lifestyle adjustments can alleviate symptoms and improve knee function.

FAQs About Knee Pain When Bending: Causes and Treatment

Q1. Does walking help with knee pain?
A1. You can reduce knee pain by walking for 30 minutes daily at a moderate pace. Pay attention to the surfaces you decide to walk on. Going barefoot on cobblestone streets, pebbled highways, or hard marble surfaces is inappropriate. The uneven surfaces can put more strain on your knee joints. Also, apart from walking, swimming and cycling can be helpful for patients with knee pain.

Q2. What exercises should you avoid with knee pain?
A2. Exercises with a lot of impact might aggravate knee pain worse. Steer clear of impacting exercises such as kickboxing, jogging, and jumping. Exercises that strain your knees excessively, such as lunges and deep squats, should also be avoided. These can exacerbate discomfort and result in harm if not used properly.

Q3. How long should I rest my knee?
A3. Resting your knee for a day following an accident is critical to reduce swelling and inflammation. But don't oversleep; 48 hours is enough rest for a minor injury. Make an appointment to examine your joint if you try resting your knee and the discomfort persists.

Q4. What foods make your knees stronger?
A4. Bioflavonoid-rich foods, such as cherries, blueberries, apples, green tea, onions, and tomatoes, offer anti-inflammatory properties and improve vitamin C absorption, strengthening tissue. As a result, the capillary and blood vessel walls are sufficiently stiff to minimise oedema.

Reference link:

https://www.hingehealth.com/resources/articles/knee-pain-when-bending/.
https://www.healthline.com/health/knee-pain-when-bending