Chronic knee pain is a common ailment affecting roughly 25% of American adults. Knee issues can affect a person's quality of life, limiting how well they can stand, sit, walk, jump, and pivot on their heels. There are several reasons your knee might hurt temporarily, such as a sprain, but chronic issues with the joint can lead to long-term pain, inflammation, and sensitivity to touch. Here's a closer look at the most common causes of persistent pain in this joint.

What Causes Knee Pain That Won't Go Away?

1. Torn Ligament

Ligaments are tough fibrous tissues that connect bone to bone. In the knee, the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) is one of four ligaments that connect the shinbone and thighbone. Athletes like basketball and soccer players often tear or sprain their ACL because they frequently shift their knees and change directions while moving. 

The posterior cruciate ligament (PCL) and lateral and medial collateral ligaments (LCL and MCL, respectively) are the other three present in the knee. A torn or sprained knee ligament produces swelling and pain, making walking difficult. In mild cases, compression, icing, and elevation can help. However, ligament repair might be needed if other solutions don't improve the situation.

2. Arthritis 

The most common cause of chronic knee pain is arthritis, particularly osteoarthritis. It's a degenerative disease that affects joint cartilage by causing it to wear away gradually. Without cartilage within a joint, the bone will grind on bone, which is painful. Middle-age and older people frequently experience osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis, an autoimmune inflammatory disorder. 

This version of arthritis is not due to natural wear and tear of the knee joint. Instead, the body produces an autoimmune response that attacks the joint's cartilage. The condition causes substantial swelling, pain, and bone erosion. Rest, ice, and elevation at home can often provide relief, but in many cases, physical therapy and surgery are recommended.

3. Tendonitis

Tendonitis is inflammation of injured tendons, which attach bone to muscles. The condition commonly develops due to overuse. For the knee, tendon overuse includes frequent running, jumping, cycling, or any other repeated activity that puts pressure on the knee joint. 

If you have tendonitis of the knee, the chronic knee pain will worsen when you walk on an incline or stairs. Physical therapy can effectively strengthen and stretch the muscles around the knee, which often relieves much of the burden.

If you experience chronic knee pain, turn to the professionals at Regenerative Joint Clinics in Riverdale, GA. This medical care facility specializes in joint care and offers various knee treatments to address joint pain, including knee injections and noninvasive surgery. Their treatment program also includes personalized rehabilitation and physical therapy to reduce pain and discomfort while increasing mobility. Call (470) 895-0610 or visit them online to learn more about this medical center.