Knee pain is a common physical problem in both the elderly and the young. It can be caused by anything from simple muscle aches to serious joint diseases. The main causes are:
Osteoarthritis: The most common cause of knee pain is the wear and tear of the cartilage in the joints. As we age, the bones rub against each other, causing severe pain and swelling.
Gout: When the level of uric acid in the blood increases, it accumulates in the joints as crystals. This causes sudden severe pain and red swelling in the knee.
Ligament Injuries: Injuries to the ligaments in the knee (ACL, MCL) during sports or falls can cause swelling. Such injuries that affect the stability of the knee can become chronic pain if not treated properly.
Obesity: The knees bear the entire weight of the body. Overweight people put more stress on their knee joints, leading to rapid wear and tear and swelling.
Rheumatoid Arthritis: This is a condition in which the body’s immune system attacks the joints. This causes chronic swelling in the knees and severe stiffness when you wake up in the morning.