Persistent knee pain at night – Causes, Diagnosis & Treatment

Causes:

• Osteoarthritis: A common cause of knee pain, especially in older adults. Pain often worsens with activity and at night.
• Rheumatoid Arthritis: An autoimmune disease that causes joint inflammation, often affecting multiple joints, including the knees. Pain and stiffness can be worse in the morning and after periods of inactivity, but can also be present at night.
• Meniscus Tear: A tear in the cartilage that cushions the knee joint can cause pain, swelling, and sometimes a clicking or locking sensation. Pain may be more noticeable at night or with certain movements.
• Bursitis: Inflammation of the bursae (fluid-filled sacs) around the knee joint can cause pain, especially with kneeling or bending. Pain can be worse at night.
• Tendinitis: Inflammation of the tendons around the knee can cause pain, especially with activity.
• Baker’s Cyst: A fluid-filled sac that develops behind the knee, often associated with arthritis or other knee problems. Can cause pain and stiffness, especially at night or after activity.
• Osgood-Schlatter Disease: A condition affecting adolescents, causing pain and swelling below the kneecap. Pain is often worse with activity and may persist at night.
• Referred Pain: Pain from other areas, such as the hip or back, can sometimes be felt in the knee.

Diagnosis:

• Physical Exam: Assessing range of motion, tenderness, swelling, and stability of the knee joint.
• Patient History: Gathering information about the onset, duration, nature of the pain, any other symptoms, and relevant medical history.
• Imaging: X-rays to rule out fractures or arthritis. MRI scans may be used to visualize soft tissues like ligaments, tendons, and cartilage.

Treatment:

• Rest: Avoiding activities that aggravate the pain.
• Pain Relief: Over-the-counter or prescription pain medication.
• Ice/Heat: Applying ice or heat to the affected area.
• Physical Therapy: Exercises to improve strength, flexibility, and range of motion.
• Injections: Corticosteroid injections to reduce inflammation.
• Knee Brace: To provide support and stability to the knee.
• Surgery: May be necessary in some cases, such as for severe meniscus tears or osteoarthritis.

Important Considerations:

• Consult a healthcare professional for persistent or severe knee pain, especially if accompanied by other symptoms like swelling, redness, warmth, or difficulty bearing weight.
• Early diagnosis and treatment are important to prevent further damage and improve outcomes. Don’t delay seeking medical advice for persistent knee pain.