Knee pain is a common complaint among elderly population. But it also affects adults equally. While ageing, osteoarthritis and wear and tear of knee joint are some of the common causes of knee pain. Here is a list of other causes that may be causing you knee pain.

• Congenital abnormalities:

  Knee abnormality may be associated with a wider syndrome of disorders. The congenital abnormality of the knee may be unilateral, symmetrical, bilateral or asymmetrical. The abnormality in the knee may include:
  • Diseases of the bone and cartilage
  • Soft tissue disorders
  • Intrinsic joint disorders

• History of trauma/accident:

  Individuals with a history of knee injury due to trauma/accident are more prone to develop knee pain and are likely to develop knee osteoarthritis (KOA) with a greater risk of falls in future.

• Knee pain in athletes:

  Recurrent and chronic activity and overuse of knee are the common causes of knee pain in young adults, athletes and children. Syndrome like patellofemoral pain syndrome is the most common cause of knee pain in athletes.

• History of childhood infection:

  Childhood infection like septic arthritis is the most common infection found to affect children. The infection results in the joint fluid and tissues and may also reach the joints through the bloodstream causing knee pain. In some cases, the infection related knee pain can be due to injection, surgery, or injury.

• Any fracture/ligament tear neglected during young age

  Types of knee injury are of various types since there are several parts that constitute knee and knee joint. It's possible that any fracture/ ligament tear that occurs during childhood may not cause extreme pain and can be treated with the RICE (rest, ice, compression and elevation) method. But the pain neglected in childhood can aggravate the condition and turn a minor sprain into tear.

• Lack of Calcium/Vitamin D leading to osteoporosis

  Research studies suggest that insufficient amount of Vitamin D/Calcium can result in osteoporosis, and bone fractures especially in women. It is also one of the most common reasons that causes knee and joint pains, disability, as well as psychological symptoms, including depression.

• Lack of muscle strength due to poor nutrition:

  Poor nutrition not only give rise to knee pain but also numerous health conditions, including muscle atrophy. Evidence based studies show that diets low in lean protein, vegetables, fruits, and nuts can cause loss of muscle mass which in turn may increase the risk of injuries.

• Autoimmune diseases like Rheumatoid Arthritis / Gout

  Patients with knee osteoarthritis (OA), autoimmune diseases like Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) and gout may experience reduced functional capacity which may lead to stiffness, joint pain, knee pain and loss of muscular strength of the lower extremity muscles.

Now that you are well aware about the various causes of knee pain, try consulting your doctor immediately if you experience one.