18 Surprising Reasons Your Knees Are Bothering You

7. Iliotibial Band Syndrome

Iliotibial band syndrome is a condition in which the iliotibial band, the connective tissue that runs from an individual’s hip to their shinbone, becomes damaged over time. It is considered an overuse injury. Unfortunately, it can be quite painful and irritating, since the iliotibial band is a vital part of stabilizing the knee as individuals extend and flex the joint. Aside from knee pain, symptoms of this syndrome include tenderness, aching, and burning around the knee. Patients often experience a clicking or popping sensation as well. Warmth and redness around the knee are common as well. Treatment for iliotibial band syndrome includes rest, cool compresses, as well as pain medication. Physical therapy is also helpful in relieving pain and regaining full mobility. Severe cases may require cortisone injections.

8. Hip Or Foot Pain

Many individuals will deal with hip or foot pain. Causes of hip and foot pain include arthritis, sprains, bursitis, bunions, or trauma. Unfortunately, both hip and foot pain can result in knee pain over time. The reason is that many individuals dealing with these types of pain will adjust how they walk. This is typically done in an effort to reduce their hip or foot pain. However, the new way of walking can put additional stress on the individual’s knees. If the individual continues to walk in this new way, the additional stress on their knees can eventually result in knee pain. Cool compresses and pain medication can relieve this pain temporarily, but the best treatment is treating the cause of the patient’s hip or foot pain, since this should allow them to walk normally again.