Knee pain is a common concern why many visit their doctors. It is important to note that the knee is the biggest joint in the body that bears weight and takes substantial stress when an individual walks, plays sports or runs. The knee can perform certain actions such as extension (straightening) and flexion (bending). On the other hand, the knee can also slide and pivot minimally. If knee flexion pain occurs, it can indicate damage or injury within the joint.
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Arthritis
There are certain types of arthritis that can affect the knee. Osteoarthritis is a common type of arthritis that affects the large joints such as the knee. The other types that can affect the knee include septic arthritis, gout and rheumatoid arthritis. Those who have arthritis can experience varying degrees of pain while walking or standing, loss of flexibility, stiffness as well as difficulty and pain upon flexion.
Patellar tendinitis
Tendinitis involves the irritation or inflammation of one or more tendons that support a joint. This is often caused by overuse. Those who play sports face a higher risk for patellar tendinitis. The tendon joins the quadriceps muscle that is anterior to the thigh to the inferior leg bone. Cyclists, runners and skiers depend on this action in order to aid in their performance, putting them at risk for overuse. Individuals can experience knee flexion pain with or without bearing weight.
Bursitis
Bursitis is the inflammation of the small-sized sac of fluid that cushions the exterior of the knee joint. The condition can lead to severe pain during flexion while bearing weight such as going up or down the stairs. Aside from knee flexion pain, those with bursitis can also experience swelling, redness and fever.
Patellarfemoral pain syndrome
Those who have patellarfemoral pain syndrome can experience pain beneath or around the kneecap. The pain tends to worsen during flexion or after sitting for an extended time. It is recommended that individuals who are experiencing this overuse injury must take a break from activities. As basic first aid, you can apply ice on the affected knee several times in a day and check the type of footwear used by the individual.
Exercises that can help strengthen the muscles surrounding the kneecap and can even relieve the pain.
Baker’s cyst
Baker’s cyst occurs due to the accumulation of fluid behind the knee. This can be caused by the herniation of the knee joint capsule or tearing of the meniscal cartilage of the knees. If a Baker’s cyst ruptures, it is distinguished from a blood clot that can cause the similar pain during flexion of the knee. On the other hand, a blood clot requires immediate emergency care.
Osgood-Schlatter disease
Osgood-Schlatter disease is the inflammation of the bone, tendon and cartilage situated at the top of the shinbone. It is important to note that only one knee is typically affected and adolescents who are active are susceptible to this condition. The condition usually strikes during the growth spurt and adolescents who play sports that involve running, jumping and twisting movements. The knee flexion pain involved can range from mild to severe and consistent.