Knee pain when bending can develop from multiple factors. The knees already bear a lot of body weight during daily activities like walking — and they bear even more weight during bending motions. Overuse, sports accidents, malalignment, weak leg muscles, foot abnormalities or an underlying joint condition like arthritis can contribute to injuries that cause pain during bending.
If you’re experiencing knee pain when bending, keep reading to learn more about what could be causing it.
What Conditions Cause Pain During Bending Movements?
There are several conditions and injuries that can cause pain when you’re bending or squatting. The location of your pain can help determine its exact cause — keep reading to learn common injuries associated with different areas of the knee.
Behind the Knee
If bending causes pain behind the knee, you may be experiencing:
- A calf injury. A calf strain, tear or cramp can cause pain, stiffness and spasms behind the knee.
- A hamstring injury. A hamstring sprain, tear or cramp can cause pain, stiffness and spasms behind the knee.
- Baker’s cyst. A Baker’s cyst develops when the knee joint produces too much fluid, causing a fluid-filled cyst to build up behind the knee. If the cyst presses against nearby tendons or nerves, it can lead to pain, pressure, stiffness and tingling at the back of the knee.
Above or Around the Kneecap
If bending causes pain in front of, above or around the kneecap, you may be experiencing:
- Patellofemoral pain syndrome. Commonly known as “runner’s knee,” patellofemoral pain syndrome develops when the tissues around and under the kneecap become irritated and inflamed. Runner’s knee causes pain, stiffness and grinding or creaking sounds in the knee.
- Quadriceps tendinitis. The quadriceps tendon sits above the knee and connects the quadriceps muscle to the kneecap. Overuse can cause the tendon to become thickened, inflamed and torn, leading to knee pain and stiffness.
- Patellar tendinitis. The patellar tendon sits below the knee and connects the shinbone to the kneecap. Overuse can cause the tendon to become thickened, inflamed and torn, leading to knee pain and stiffness.
- Bursitis. The knee joint contains several fluid-filled sacs that cushion the bones, ligaments, tendons and muscles. When one or more of the bursae becomes inflamed, it can cause knee pain and stiffness over the kneecap.
On the Outside of the Knee
If bending causes pain on the outside of the knee, you may be experiencing:
- Iliotibial (IT) band syndrome. The IT band is a thick band of tissues that runs from the outside of the hip down to the knee. When the IT band becomes tight, irritated and inflamed, it can lead to pain on the outside of the knee.
Sharp Pain and a Popping Sound
If you experience a sharp pain and popping sound when bending, you may have:
- A ligament tear. The knee has four primary ligaments that stabilize and support the joint. A direct blow or sudden twisting motion can overstretch or tear any of the ligaments in the knee. Ligament injuries typically cause sudden, sharp pain, swelling, and a popping sound at the time of injury.
- A meniscus tear. The knee has two C-shaped discs of cartilage on either side of the joint, called the menisci. A forceful twisting motion can cause either meniscus to tear. Meniscus tears typically cause a popping sound at the time of injury. Pain can be immediate or it can develop over the next several days.
Pain, Stiffness and Decrease in Range of Motion
If you’re experiencing pain, stiffness, and a decrease in range of motion while bending or straightening the knee, you may have:
- Osteoarthritis. Osteoarthritis is a degenerative condition that develops when the cartilage covering joint surfaces begins to wear away. Joint cartilage reduces friction between the bones of the joint, and gradual erosion of the protective covering can lead to the bones rubbing painfully together. Osteoarthritis also causes pain, stiffness and loss of movement within the joint. Symptoms come on slowly and gradually worsen over several months or years.
What Does a Treatment Plan Look Like?
If you’re suffering from a knee injury, you may be able to find relief with at-home care. If you’ve only recently started having mild pain or discomfort, try the following:
- R.I.C.E. — rest, ice, compression and elevation
- Over-the-counter pain relievers
- Alternating high-intensity exercises with joint-friendly activities like walking and swimming
- Incorporating knee strengthening exercises into your workout routines
If your pain is moderate to severe, and not responsive to home care, it’s time to see your doctor. A medical treatment plan might include:
- Pain medications
- Corticosteroid injections
- Braces or orthotics
- Physical therapy
- Surgery
When Should I Contact iO-Core for Knee Pain?
Contact us if you’re experiencing chronic pain and loss of movement from arthritis or a non-healing knee injury, or if you’ve been told that joint replacement surgery is the only treatment option left for you.
Our team can help you determine if the iO-Core™ procedure is a viable treatment option for you. iO-Core™ is a minimally invasive procedure that combines orthopedics and biologics to treat degenerating cartilage and underlying bone and tissue damage caused by arthritis and joint injuries. Many people who were told they needed a total joint replacement surgery have found long-term pain relief and greater mobility from iO-Core™ instead.
Call our team today to see if you qualify for the iO-Core™ procedure.