Knee pain is a common musculoskeletal condition characterized by discomfort or pain in the knee joint, which connects the thigh bone (femur) to the shinbone (tibia).
Here’s an overview of its symptoms, causes, and treatments:

Knee pain can range from mild, occasional discomfort to severe, debilitating pain that affects mobility and daily activities. It can be acute (lasting less than 12 weeks), subacute (lasting 4-12 weeks), or chronic (lasting more than 12 weeks).

Symptoms of knee pain may include:

Pain: Dull aching, sharp, or stabbing pain in the knee joint, which may worsen with movement or weight-bearing activities.
Swelling: Swelling or inflammation around the knee joint, which may be accompanied by warmth or redness.
Stiffness: Stiffness or limited range of motion in the knee joint, making it difficult to fully extend or flex the knee.
Instability: Feeling of instability or “giving way” of the knee, particularly during weight-bearing activities or sudden movements.
Clicking or Popping: Clicking, popping, or grinding sensations in the knee joint, often indicating cartilage damage or injury.

Knee pain can be caused by various factors, including:

Injuries: Sprains, strains, ligament tears (such as anterior cruciate ligament or ACL tears), meniscus tears, or fractures can cause acute knee pain.
Overuse or Repetitive Stress: Overuse, repetitive movements, or prolonged kneeling or squatting can strain the muscles, ligaments, or tendons around the knee joint.
Degenerative Conditions: Osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, or other degenerative joint diseases can cause gradual deterioration of the knee joint cartilage, leading to chronic pain and inflammation.
Medical Conditions: Conditions such as patellar tendinitis, bursitis, or iliotibial band syndrome can cause inflammation and pain around the knee joint.
Obesity: Excess weight or obesity can increase stress on the knee joint, leading to accelerated wear and tear and increased risk of developing knee pain.

Treatment options for knee pain depend on the underlying cause, severity of symptoms, and individual preferences, and may include:

Rest and Activity Modification: Resting the knee and avoiding activities that aggravate symptoms, such as high-impact sports or activities, can help reduce pain and inflammation.
Physical Therapy: Strengthening, stretching, and range of motion exercises to improve knee stability, flexibility, and muscle strength.
Pain Management: Over-the-counter or prescription medications such as NSAIDs, analgesics, or corticosteroid injections may be recommended to relieve pain and inflammation.
Bracing or Support: Using knee braces, supports, or orthotic devices to stabilize the knee joint and reduce stress during activities.
Heat or Cold Therapy: Applying heat packs or cold packs to the knee can help reduce pain, swelling, and inflammation.
Injections: Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injections, hyaluronic acid injections, or corticosteroid injections may be recommended for severe or persistent pain not responding to conservative treatments.
Surgery: In severe cases or when conservative treatments fail to provide relief, surgical interventions such as arthroscopic surgery, knee replacement surgery, or ligament reconstruction may be considered.