Overview
Just imagine waking up with recurrent and radiating knee pain. Upon looking, you find out there is no injury. “What did I do”? This will be the first thought crossing your mind, but to your surprise, it definitely can happen without an injury because of various underlying causes. Some of these are bursitis (Inflammation in fluid-filled sacs), tendinitis, osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, and baker’s Cyst. Rest is the first and most important part of the treatment when it comes to knees that definitely affect mobility, but some of the other treatment options, including pain killers, NSAIDs, Cold or hot compress, physical therapy from a trained professional, and steroidal injections, could be a lifesaver.
What can cause knee pain without injury?
Knee pain, even without any external injury, can affect mobility and day-to-day activities. For this reason, a medical consultation and diagnosis of an exact cause are crucial. Some of the most prominent and known causes of knee pain without any injury from external factors involved could be:
1. Bursitis
Bursitis is an inflammatory condition that affects the knee’s mobility. It’s an infection that affects the fluid-filled sacs present in our bones and joints. Fever can be the end result of bursitis. Redness can also be viewed in some areas, as it is not visible as injured.
2. Osteoarthritis
Osteoarthritis is the injury and inflammation of the knee joint. It usually affects the mobility leading to pain and extreme discomfort. It can also show up one day when you wake up or stays recurrent at low intensity throughout days. Pain in the knee either sudden or recurrent should not be ignored and get diagnosed.
There could be a possibility of old injury being active again due to any pressure or exercise. Make sure to get the needed consultation for the right diagnosis. Obesity can also be one of the prominent cause of pain in your knee.
3. Baker’s Cyst or popliteal Cyst
It occurs at the back knee in which fluid filled area with restriction of movements cant happen and cause extreme pain. It can also be the sign of an undiagnosed injury in your knee. Usually the pain due to popliteal Cyst can go away on its own, but sometimes it needs to be treated properly by taking the fluid out through a minor surgical procedure.
4. Tendinitis
Tendons are the tissues that bridge the muscles with the bones in the knees. Tendons, when they get inflamed along with the sharp pain, are called tendinitis. Resting along with a good diet can cause tendinitis pain and swelling to go away. Over-the-counter NSAIDs can help you with the pain relief temporarily. In case of persistent pain and swelling, get consulted for the effective treatment option.
5. Rheumatoid Arthritis
It’s an autoimmune disease; like osteoarthritis, it can cause pain, swelling, stiffness, and immobility. It usually spreads to other parts of the body as well and does not necessarily affect only the joints of the knees.
What causes knee pain to flare up?
Knee pain can flare up or arise due to a number of conditions, including
- Obesity.
- Exercise when obese
- Running/jumping,” runner’s knee.”
- Injury that affected the joints
- Any autoimmune disorder like arthritis.
- Sprained ligaments, meniscus tears
Flare-ups usually arise and get triggered when the previous or existing injury or running affects your new joints previously and not yet recovered. Even after recovery, some triggering elements can cause the injury or swelling to come back. A proper X-ray examination by healthcare professionals is needed to diagnose the right cause and prescribe the right treatment.
What is the best painkiller for knee pain?
The best painkiller OTC options for treating the new pain are :
- Acetaminophen (Tylenol)
- Ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin)
- Naproxen (Aleve)
- Aspirin
- Diclofenac (Voltaren) – available OTC as a topical gel
They do not require prescription and can provide the necessary but temporary relief from the pain. Its important to note the OTC pain relievers should not be used more than 3 days. In case of continued pain, get yourself checked and examined by healthcare provider for the timely diagnosis and treatment plan.
Some of the best prescription painkillers for knee pain are:
- Celecoxib (Celebrex)
- Tramadol (Ultram)
They require a prescription along with the proper diagnosis and physical examination from your healthcare provider for effective relief.
How long is too long for knee pain?
Knee pain for more than a week is serious and needs medical consultation. With pain relievers , intensity can be lowered down, but consistent pain in the knee for more than a week needs consultation for the diagnosis of an underlying cause.
When should you not ignore knee pain?
The knee joint bent or deformed, along with the creaking sound in the knee, should not be ignored. In case of such instances, make sure you get connected to a doctor and get a physical examination along with X-rays and treatment for an underlying cause.
The deformity in your knee joints can indicate a number of serious medical conditions, weight-bearing, or other causes like autoimmune disorders.
When to consult a doctor?
If you’re experiencing knee pain without any obvious injury, it’s wise to consult a doctor if:
- Pain persists for more than a few weeks despite rest and home remedies.
- Swelling, redness, or warmth around the knee is present.
- Difficulty bearing weight or walking occurs.
- Knee instability or locking is experienced.
- Nighttime pain disrupts sleep.
These could be signs of an underlying condition like arthritis, tendinitis, or a meniscus tear, requiring professional evaluation and treatment.
FAQs about the sudden knee pain without injury
Vitamin D deficiency causes knee pain and swelling, which affects daily life by disrupting mobility. After the diagnosis, your healthcare provider or doctor will prescribe you the right set of prescription medications.
Tendonitis in the knee often presents as pain and tenderness around the patellar tendon, typically just below the kneecap. You may experience swelling, stiffness, and discomfort that worsens with activity, especially movements involving bending or jumping. The pain can also intensify after prolonged periods of rest or after engaging in physical exercise.
The healing time for knee pain varies depending on the cause and severity. Generally, mild knee pain from overuse or minor strain may improve within a few weeks with rest and proper care. However, more persistent or severe pain, especially if related to underlying conditions, can take several months to heal and may require medical intervention and rehabilitation.
Avoid activities that exacerbate the pain, such as high-impact exercises or heavy lifting. Refrain from ignoring the pain and pushing through discomfort, as this can worsen the condition. Additionally, avoid excessive rest without movement, as this can lead to stiffness and weakened muscles.
