Why Do My Knees Hurt? The Top 12 Culprits To Watch For

Lisette Marie

7. Meniscus Tears – The Cartilage Conundrum

Senior woman holding her painful knee. Photo Credit: Envato @tommyandone

The meniscus is a crucial component of the knee joint, providing cushioning and stability. Tears in the meniscus are a common source of knee pain, especially in athletes and older adults. These tears can result from acute trauma, such as a sudden twist or turn, or from degenerative changes over time. Symptoms include pain, swelling, and a popping sensation during movement. Treatment options depend on the tear's location and severity and may include rest, physical therapy, or surgical intervention. Understanding the role of the meniscus in knee function is vital for diagnosing and treating tears effectively, ensuring optimal recovery and preventing long-term complications.

8. Gout – The Metabolic Menace

Senior man suffering from pain in his knee at home. Photo Credit: Envato @BLACKDAY

Gout is a form of inflammatory arthritis caused by the accumulation of uric acid crystals in the joints, leading to sudden and severe pain, redness, and swelling. While gout can affect any joint, the knees are commonly involved, causing intense discomfort. Risk factors for gout include a diet high in purines, obesity, and certain medical conditions like hypertension and kidney disease. Managing gout involves lifestyle modifications, such as dietary changes and weight loss, alongside medications to reduce uric acid levels and control inflammation. Recognizing gout as a potential cause of knee pain is crucial for implementing effective treatment strategies and preventing recurrent attacks.

BACK

(4 of 8)

<div class="ads ads-1 collapse-container group-display-adsense unit-2024-desktop-rail-336x600-long zone-slideshow-desktop-rail-bottom">
<script async src="https://pagead2.googlesyndication.com/pagead/js/adsbygoogle.js?client=ca-pub-6736552601239305"
     crossorigin="anonymous"></script>

<ins class="adsbygoogle"
     style="display:inline-block;width:300px;height:600px"
     data-ad-client="ca-pub-6736552601239305"
     data-ad-slot="7087745678"></ins>
<script>
     (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({});
</script>
<script>
  addBlurHandler('sdr-bottom', function (el, zone) {
    if (cf_utm_source === 'bing') {
        uetqApi('outbound_click', {
            'event_category': 'PPC',
            'event_label': 'Adsense',
            'event_value': '1'
        });
        console.log('Fired bing.');
    }
	
	if (cf_utm_source === 'google') {
		gtag('event', 'conversion', {
			'send_to': 'AW-17008664059/yUYKCMCtl7kaEPu7rq4_',
			'value': 0.0,
			'currency': 'USD'
		});
    	console.log('Fired Google Conversion.');
	}
	
    console.log('Fired pixel.');
});
</script>
</div>

OpenAI Playground 2025-05-13 at 10.55.45.png

<div class="ads ads-1 collapse-container group-display-adsense unit-2024-desktop-rail-336x280-sticky zone-slideshow-desktop-rail-sticky">
<script async src="https://pagead2.googlesyndication.com/pagead/js/adsbygoogle.js?client=ca-pub-6736552601239305"
     crossorigin="anonymous"></script>

<ins class="adsbygoogle"
     style="display:inline-block;width:300px;height:280px"
     data-ad-client="ca-pub-6736552601239305"
     data-ad-slot="9869999824"></ins>
<script>
     (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({});
</script>
<script>
  addBlurHandler('sdr-sticky', function (el, zone) {
    if (cf_utm_source === 'bing') {
        uetqApi('outbound_click', {
            'event_category': 'PPC',
            'event_label': 'Adsense',
            'event_value': '1'
        });
        console.log('Fired bing.');
    }
	
	if (cf_utm_source === 'google') {
	  gtag('event', 'conversion', {
		'send_to': 'AW-17008664059/yUYKCMCtl7kaEPu7rq4_',
		'value': 0.0,
		'currency': 'USD'
	  });
	  console.log('Fired Google Conversion.');
  	}

console.log('Fired pixel.');
});
</script>
</div>

7. Meniscus Tears – The Cartilage Conundrum

8. Gout – The Metabolic Menace

MORE FROM HealthPrep