Knee pain can often range from muscle strain to spinal problems. The main causes are:
1. Osteoarthritis
This is the most common cause of knee pain. As you age, the cartilage between the bones wears down. This causes the bones to rub against each other, causing severe pain and swelling.
2. Increased uric acid (Gout)
When uric acid levels in the blood increase, they form crystals in the joints. This can cause sudden, severe pain and redness and swelling.
3. Ligament Injuries
The ligaments (tissues that connect bones together) in the knee can become bruised or torn during sports or a fall. This causes weakness and pain in the knee.
4. Obesity
When the body weight increases, the knees experience more stress than they can bear. With each additional kilo of weight, the stress on the knee joints doubles. This causes rapid wear and tear.
5. Vitamin D and calcium deficiency
A decrease in calcium and vitamin D in the body, which are necessary for bone strength, can lead to knee pain and early fractures.
6. Using the wrong shoes
Regularly using improper shoes or high heels can affect the natural movement of the knees and lead to pain over time.
3 simple ways to reduce knee pain:
Manage your weight: Losing weight can help reduce the stress on your knees.
Moderate exercise: Get into the habit of walking and cycling that does not put strain on your joints.
Apply heat and cold: If you have swelling, applying ice packs and rubbing warm water on your muscles can provide relief.