What Are the Causes of Intermittent Knee Pain?

Intermittent knee pain, as opposed to constant pain, is often the result of a knee that has been overused and is injured as a result.

Overuse Injuries

• Overuse knee injuries include bursitis, tendinitis and muscle strain, according to Bigkneepain.com. The pain starts out mildly and intermittently and then it worsens over time. When tendons or muscles are pushed beyond their capabilities, tiny tears will occur and inflammation results as the healing process begins, which causes pain.

Injured Bursae

• Bursitis is the result of an injury to the small sacs of fluid (the bursae) that cushion the outside of the knee joints so that the ligaments and tendons are able to slide over the joint smoothly. If the bursae has been injured, you may experience pain as you climb up stairs or as you descend. Stiffness and aching may occur intermittently. Your knee will swell, feel warm and turn red. If the kneecap bone becomes infected, this will cause fever, pain and swelling.

Tendons Become Inflamed

• Tendinitis occurs when the thick cords that attach the muscles to the bones, which are the tendons, become inflamed and irritated. Swelling and pain will get worse when you are active.

Arthritis

• Osteoarthritis pain can come and go. Some days your knees may feel fine and the next day they may feel as though they are going to shatter. Rheumatoid arthritis, septic (infected) arthritis and reactive synovitis can all result in the intermittent sensation that your knee is going to give out on you, accompanied by sudden and sharp pain, notes Londonkneeclinic.com.

Expert Insight

• The Mayo Clinic notes that intermittent knee pain can be caused by chondrocalcinosis, which is peudo-gout, which primarily afflicts older people. Severe inflammation and swelling of the large joints will occur.