Osteoarthritis is the most common type of arthritis that causes knee pain. When the cartilage that surrounds your joints deteriorates, the joint no longer has enough cushion between the bones. This causes joint inflammation, which causes varying degrees of pain and dysfunction.

Ligaments join our bones together. The ligaments in your knee function similarly to leather straps in holding the bones together and keeping your knee stable. Ligaments can be stretched or torn during sudden movements.

Anterior cruciate ligament (ACL): It is located in the center of the knee and controls rotation and forward movement of the shin bone.

Posterior cruciate ligament (PCL): It is located in the back of the knee and controls the backward movement of the shin bone.

Medial collateral ligament (MCL): The medial collateral ligament is on the inside of your knee and provides stability to sideway motions.

Lateral collateral ligament (LCL): The lateral collateral ligament is on the outside of your knee and provides stability to the sideways motions.

Knee bursitis

Bursae are closed, fluid-filled sacs that cushion and aid in the creation of a smooth gliding surface to reduce friction between body tissues. These fluid sacs protect the tendons from the bone. An injury or overuse can cause bursitis (inflammation of the bursae), which prevents tendons from gliding smoothly over the joint and can be painful or even debilitating.

There are two common types of cartilage injuries:

Meniscus tear: The meniscus acts as a shock absorber and aids in knee stability. When the knee twists suddenly, either contact or non-contact activity can cause a meniscus tear. Normal wear and tear can also cause this injury.

Articular cartilage damage: The articular cartilage is a smooth covering on the bones that allows for frictionless sliding from one bone to the next. Direct trauma or wear and tear both cause damage to articular cartilage.

The cartilage in your knee may be damaged if you twist it quickly while bearing weight on it or if you sustain another type of trauma. Prolonged inactivity or repetitive movements can also cause fraying and, eventually, tearing of the cartilage.

Tendons are fibrous connective tissues that connect muscles to bones. Tendinitis occurs when a tendon becomes inflamed as a result of repeated movements. It is common in jumping and landing motions, as well as sports such as skiing, cycling, and hurdling.

The patellar tendon is the tendon that connects the patella (kneecap) to the shinbone, allowing you to kick, run, and jump. Patellar tendinitis is common in runners, skiers, cyclists, and people participating in jumping sports.

Knee tendinitis can make it difficult to walk, get out of a chair, climb stairs, or participate in sports. Our physical therapists can diagnose and treat knee pain, allowing you to get back to doing what you enjoy.

Fractures

In a car accident, the knee bones, particularly the kneecap (patella), can be damaged. Simply taking the wrong step and landing awkwardly or directly on the knee cap can result in a knee fracture. A thorough evaluation by a licensed physical therapist at our Miami, FL physical therapy clinic is the best way to determine the true cause of your knee pain and assist you in finding effective solutions!