The Facts on Knee Pain:

KNEE PAIN 101

Image showing a person holding knee due  to knee pain. 

At one time or another, some of us may experience some level of knee pain. The largest joint in your body, your knee takes quite a beating between the running, jumping, standing, bending, kicking, dancing … all the moving you do. So when knee pain strikes, it can quickly put the brakes on your life, either slowing you down or stopping you from moving altogether.

WHAT CAUSES KNEE PAIN?

Many factors can contribute to achy knees. Weakness, instability or excess forces from exercise and other activity – and sometimes specific conditions or diseases – they all can be a cause of knee pain.

Most commonly, however, knee pain comes from everyday exertions that put stress and strain on your knees.

Did you know your knees are subject to a lot of force? For example, if you weigh 100 pounds, going up and down stairs feels like carrying 300-500 pounds to your knees. This can stress the tendons and ligaments that support your knees and kneecaps.

DON’T LET KNEE PAIN SLOW YOU DOWN

Unless you have a more serious, chronic condition, there are some simple tips that can help you get the knee pain relief you need. For example:

  • Use insoles or inserts that provide a combination of shock absorption, cushioning and support for your feet, which in turn can help relieve knee pain and move more comfortably
  • Avoid repetitive stress on your knee joints, such as that sustained during running or jumping
  • Lose weight if you need to. Every one pound you lose can reduce the burden on your knees
  • Exercise to strengthen the lower body muscles