Pain on the Outside of the Knee: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment

Common causes of pain on the outside of the knee

One of the most common causes of pain on the outside of the knee is runner's knee , also known as iliotibial band syndrome. This condition is caused by overuse and irritation of the iliotibial band, a thick band of tissue that runs along the outside of the thigh from the hip to the knee. The symptoms of runner's knee are usually sharp pain on the outside of the knee, which worsens with physical activity and is often relieved by rest. Pain on the outside of the knee when running is a typical sign of this condition.

Another common cause of pain on the outside of the knee is meniscus damage. The meniscus is a cartilage structure in the knee that acts as a shock absorber. Damage to the outer meniscus can cause pain on the outside of the knee. This often occurs when the knee is twisted and can cause symptoms such as swelling, pain on the outside of the knee when bending, and a feeling that the knee is "locking."

Knee injuries caused by ligament damage, especially to the outer ligament (lateral collateral ligament), can also lead to pain on the outside of the knee. This usually occurs when the knee is twisted, where the lower leg is turned inward. Damage to this ligament can cause pain, swelling and a feeling of instability in the knee joint. Osteoarthritis of the knee can also cause pain on the outside, especially in older people, where the cartilage gradually breaks down.

Knee osteoarthritis, a degenerative joint disease that causes the cartilage in the knee joint to wear down, is another cause of pain on the outside of the knee. Osteoarthritis is more common in older people and causes stiffness, swelling, and pain that often worsens with weight-bearing.

Pain on the outside of the knee can present as a sharp or dull ache and can be caused by swelling around the knee joint. The knee often becomes stiff, and the pain worsens with physical activity. In some cases, you may also experience a feeling of instability in the knee and difficulty bending or extending the knee fully. Pain on the outside of the knee when bending is a common symptom that can occur with several different knee problems.

Treatment of pain on the outside of the knee

For acute pain on the outside of the knee, it is important to follow the POLICE principle, which stands for Protection, Optimal Loading, Ice, Compression and Elevation. This means protecting the knee from further injury, gradually returning to physical activity, using ice to reduce swelling and pain, applying compression with an elastic bandage and elevating the knee to reduce swelling.

Physiotherapy is often an important part of the treatment of pain on the outside of the knee. Through individually adapted exercises, a physiotherapist can help you strengthen the muscles around the knee and correct movement patterns, especially in the case of recurring pain when, for example, running . The physiotherapist can also advise on techniques to correct any incorrect movement patterns or biomechanics, especially important in the case of pain on the outside of the knee when running.

Pain relief can also be achieved with the help of painkillers and anti-inflammatory drugs. It is always a good idea to consult a doctor before starting any new medication to ensure proper treatment.

Surgery

In some cases, surgery may be necessary for severe pain on the outside of the knee, especially in cases of severe meniscus or ligament damage. However, this is usually a last resort when conservative treatment has not yielded the desired results.

Preventive measures

To reduce your risk of pain on the outside of your knee, you can take several preventative measures. It's important to warm up properly before exercising, gradually increase your exercise intensity, and use proper technique when running or playing other sports to avoid pain on the outside of your knee while running. Also, wear shoes that are appropriate for your foot type and activity, and maintain a healthy weight to reduce the strain on your knees. Regular exercise to strengthen the muscles around your knees is also beneficial. Correct your technique when playing sports, especially if you experience knee pain when bending.

When should you seek medical attention?

Contact your healthcare provider if you experience severe pain on the outside of your knee, instability in your knee that affects your ability to walk, pain that does not improve after a few days of rest and self-care, or signs of infection such as redness, warmth, or fever.

Conclusion

Pain in the outer knee can be troublesome, but with the right treatment and Knee Comfort™, many can regain mobility and quality of life. Use Knee Comfort™ regularly along with other treatment methods to get long-lasting relief from pain in the outer knee.