Knee pain is a major problem that affects many people today, regardless of age. It can cause anything from mild discomfort to severe pain that makes it impossible to even walk. The main causes are:
Osteoarthritis: This is the most common cause of knee pain. The cartilage between the joints wears down with age and the bones rub against each other. This causes severe pain and swelling.
Obesity: The knees bear the entire weight of the body. When you gain weight, the knee joints experience more stress than they can handle, leading to rapid wear and tear and pain.
Ligament Injuries: The ligaments in the knee (for example, the ACL) can be damaged during sports or falls. This causes weakness in the knee and sudden severe pain.
Gout: When uric acid levels in the blood increase, it forms crystals in the joints. This can cause sudden redness, severe swelling, and pain in the knees.
Unhealthy lifestyle and lack of exercise: Sitting for long periods of time weakens the muscles in the knees. Lack of exercise can reduce joint flexibility and cause pain when moving.
