Why do your knees ache?

There are various reasons why your knees may ache. Some of the common causes include:

1. Overuse: Repetitive stress or excessive physical activity can strain the muscles and ligaments supporting the knee, leading to knee pain.

2. Injury: Knee pain can result from an injury, such as a ligament tear, cartilage damage, or bone fractures.

3. Arthritis: Osteoarthritis (degenerative joint disease), rheumatoid arthritis (an autoimmune disorder), and other types of arthritis can cause knee pain, stiffness, and inflammation.

4. Meniscus tear: The meniscus is a piece of cartilage that cushions the knee joint. A tear in the meniscus can cause pain, swelling, and clicking or catching sensations in the knee.

5. Patellofemoral pain syndrome (runner's knee): This condition affects the cartilage under the kneecap and causes pain in the front of the knee, especially during activities like running or climbing stairs.

6. Tendonitis: Inflammation or irritation of the tendons, which connect muscles to bones, can cause knee pain, particularly around the kneecap (patellar tendonitis) or behind the knee (popliteal tendonitis).

7. Baker's cyst (popliteal cyst): A fluid-filled sac behind the knee can put pressure on surrounding nerves and cause knee pain.

8. Iliotibial band syndrome (IT band syndrome): The IT band is a thick band of tissue that runs along the outer thigh and can become tight and inflamed, causing pain on the outside of the knee.

9. Bursitis: Inflammation of the small fluid-filled sacs (bursae) around the knee, such as the prepatellar bursa in the front of the knee, can cause pain and swelling.

10. Infection: Rarely, knee pain can result from an infection in the knee joint or surrounding tissues.

If you are experiencing persistent or severe knee pain, it is advisable to consult a healthcare professional for proper evaluation, diagnosis, and appropriate treatment.