Knee Pain When Bending? Here's What You Can Do About It

Are you experiencing knee pain when bending? If so, you're not alone. Many people suffer from this type of pain, which can range from mild to severe. There are many possible causes of pain when bending your knees, so it's important to see a doctor to get an accurate diagnosis. Once the cause is determined, treatment options can be discussed. In the meantime, there are some things you can do to help ease the pain. Read on for more information.

Causes of knee pain

Knee pain when bending is a common problem for many people and can have numerous underlying causes. Osteoarthritis, meniscus tears, bursitis, ligament strain, and tendonitis are some of the most common causes. Bone fractures or infections in the joint may also cause knee pain. Often, knee pain can occur due to overuse or an unexpected increase in physical activity. Additionally, obesity or misalignment of the hips (such as hip aberration) can lead to increased pressure and tension on the knees that can cause pain while bending them.

Steps to prevent knee pain when bending

Proper bending form is one of the most important steps to take in order to reduce knee pain while bending. Bending the knees deeply and keeping them in line with your feet helps alleviate stress on the joint. Try to stand up straight, keep your back straight while you bend, and never twist or turn when trying to lift something heavy.

Additionally, strengthening the muscles that support your knee can help prevent injury by increasing overall stability and providing extra cushioning for the joint. Incorporating exercises such as squats and lunges into your regular routine will increase muscular strength and reduce pressure on your knees when you are actively bending. Remember to warm up prior to activity and stretch during cool-down periods after exercise. Taking steps to proactively prevent knee pain can keep you active and limit potential damage down the road.

Exercises to improve flexibility and range of motion

Exercise can play an important role in improving knee flexibility and range of motion. Stretching regularly is the simplest way to increase knee flexibility and may even help reduce knee pain. Lunges, squats, hip extensions, knee circles, and side leg lifts are all excellent exercises for stretching the knee joint. Adding strength training exercises to your routine can also help build knee stability. Exercises like squats and leg curls involve knee movement against resistance from weights or bodyweight, allowing for improved range of motion and muscle control, which helps improve joint stability over time. Even simple exercises like ankle rotations can improve circulation around your knee joint and keep it healthy. Whether you do stretching or strengthening exercises for knee flexibility or range of motion, regular exercise can bring tremendous benefits.

When to see a doctor about knee pain

Managing knee pain often involves a combination of lifestyle changes and medical treatments in order to determine which works best for you. Depending upon factors like the type, intensity and duration of pain, various treatment options may be available. In some cases, physical therapy, massage or acupuncture may be a viable option, while other scenarios may call for medications, ranging from over-the-counter medications such as aspirin or ibuprofen to prescription pain relievers, muscle relaxers and antidepressant medications.

Knee pain can be a sign of many different medical conditions and should not be taken lightly. If your knee pain persists for more than a couple of days, it is important to see a doctor to diagnose the cause correctly. Additionally, if you experience any redness or swelling around your knee, you should also make an appointment with your doctor right away. In some cases, further tests such as an X-ray or MRI may be needed in order to properly assess the problem. By seeing a doctor promptly, you can ensure that your knee will heal quickly and safely.

Knee pain when bending can have many causes, but fortunately, there are also many options for pain management. If the pain is severe or does not go away with at-home treatments, it is important to see a doctor. There are also steps that can be taken to prevent knee pain, such as exercises to improve flexibility and range of motion. Schedule an appointment with a Guthrie Orthopedics provider today to get started on finding relief from your knee pain.