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Experiencing pain on the outside of the knee when bending and straightening can be a frustrating issue, affecting many different aspects of your daily life.
There are several causes, with different treatments depending on what’s causing you the pain.
Today, we’ll explore the common causes of lateral knee pain, how it’s diagnosed, and what the best available treatment options are.
Let’s jump in!
Causes of Pain On Outside Of Knee When Bending and Straightening
Several conditions can lead to pain on the outside of the knee when bending and straightening.
Understanding these causes is the first step toward effectively treating it, helping you make informed decisions.
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Iliotibial Band Syndrome
Iliotibial Band Syndrome (ITBS), also called Runner’s Knee, is one of the most common causes of lateral knee pain, especially among runners and cyclists.
The iliotibial band is a thick band of tissue that runs from the hip to the shin.
When this band becomes tight or inflamed, it can rub against the outer part of the knee, causing pain.
Symptoms:
- Sharp or burning pain on the outside of the knee
- Pain that worsens with activity, particularly running or cycling
- Tenderness on the outside of the knee
Lateral Meniscus Tear
The menisci are C-shaped pieces of cartilage that act as shock absorbers in the knee.
A tear in the lateral meniscus can result in pain on the outside of the knee when bending and straightening.
Symptoms:
- Pain on the outer side of the knee
- Swelling and stiffness
- Catching or locking sensation in the knee
- Difficulty fully straightening the knee
Osteoarthritis
Osteoarthritis is a degenerative joint disease that can affect any joint in the body, including the knee.
When osteoarthritis affects the lateral compartment of the knee, it can cause pain on the outside of the knee when bending and straightening.
Symptoms:
- Pain and stiffness in the knee
- Swelling and tenderness
- Decreased range of motion
- Grinding or clicking sensation in the knee
Contusion
A contusion, or bruise, on the outside of the knee can also cause pain.
This is often the result of a direct blow or impact to the knee, which is common in sports like hockey and football.
Symptoms:
- Pain and tenderness at the site of the injury
- Swelling and discoloration
- Limited range of motion due to pain and stiffness
Lateral Collateral Ligament Injury
The lateral collateral ligament (LCL) runs along the outside of the knee and helps stabilize the joint.
An injury to the LCL, such as a sprain or tear, can cause pain on the outside of the knee when bending and straightening.
Symptoms:
- Pain on the outside of the knee
- Swelling and tenderness
- Instability or a feeling of the knee giving way
- Difficulty moving the knee
Pain On Outside of Knee When Squatting
Squatting is a common movement that can really cause pain on the outside of the knee
This pain can be due to any of the conditions mentioned above.
When squatting, the knee undergoes significant stress and pressure, which can aggravate existing issues.
Common Triggers:
- Deep squats or heavy lifting
- Poor squatting technique
- Weakness or imbalance in the muscles around the knee
- Previous knee injuries
How Is Pain On Outside Of Knee When Bending and Straightening Diagnosed?
Diagnosing the cause of pain on the outside of the knee when bending and straightening involves a thorough evaluation by a medical professional.
At Orthobiologics Associates, our multispecialty team uses advanced diagnostic techniques to pinpoint the source of your pain.
Medical History & Physical Examination
A detailed medical history and physical examination are the first steps in the diagnostic process.
Your healthcare provider will ask about your symptoms, activity level, and any previous injuries.
They will also perform a physical examination to assess the knee’s range of motion, stability, and areas of tenderness.
Imaging
Imaging like X-rays, MRI, or ultrasound may be used to get a clearer picture of the knee’s internal structures.
These imaging techniques can help identify issues such as meniscus tears, ligament injuries, or signs of osteoarthritis.
Diagnostic Injections
In some cases, diagnostic injections may be used to help identify the source of pain.
By injecting a local anesthetic into specific areas of the knee, your healthcare provider can determine which structures are causing pain.
Treating Pain On Outside Of Knee When Bending and Straightening
At Orthobiologics Associates, we offer a range of minimally invasive therapies to treat pain on the outside of the knee when bending and straightening.
Our goal is to harness the power of living cells to stimulate and accelerate the healing process, providing long-lasting relief.
Bone Marrow Aspirate
Bone marrow aspirate involves painlessly extracting bone marrow from the patient’s bones and processing it to concentrate the stem cells.
These stem cells are then injected into the knee to promote healing and tissue regeneration.
PRP Therapy
Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) therapy uses the patient’s own blood to promote healing.
The blood is processed to concentrate the platelets, which are then injected into the knee.
PRP therapy can help reduce inflammation and promote tissue repair.
Stem Cell Therapy
Stem cell therapy involves using stem cells to repair damaged tissues.
These cells have the ability to differentiate into various types of cells, promoting healing and regeneration in the knee – on top of stem cell therapy for knees, there’s also stem cell therapy for back pain, hip pain, and much more!
Also called orthobiologics, our cell treatments use the body’s own natural healing mechanisms to treat injuries.
Integrative Medicine & Healing
Integrative medicine combines conventional medical treatments with complementary therapies to promote overall health and well-being.
This approach can include nutritional counseling, supplementation, and lifestyle medicine to support knee health and reduce pain.
Functional Rehabilitation
Functional rehabilitation focuses on restoring strength, flexibility, and function to the knee.
This approach includes physical therapy exercises and techniques to improve knee stability and reduce pain.
Radiofrequency Ablation (RFA)
Radiofrequency ablation (RFA) is a minimally invasive procedure that uses heat to reduce pain signals from the nerves around the knee.
This can provide long-lasting pain relief for patients with chronic knee pain.
Peptide Therapy
Peptide therapy involves using specific peptides to promote healing and reduce inflammation in the knee.
These peptides can help stimulate the body’s natural healing processes and improve knee function.
Conclusion
Pain on the outside of the knee when bending and straightening can significantly impact your daily life, but it doesn’t have to be a permanent issue.
At Orthobiologics Associates, our team of medical professionals is dedicated to providing advanced, minimally invasive treatments to help you find relief and improve your quality of life.
Whether you’re dealing with ITBS, a lateral meniscus tear, osteoarthritis, or another condition, we offer a range of therapies tailored to your unique needs.
By understanding the causes and treatment options for lateral knee pain, you can take the first step toward a pain-free future.
FAQs
How do you treat outer knee pain?
Treatment plans may include PRP (Platelet-Rich Plasma) therapy, stem cell therapy, and functional rehabilitation. Our approach focuses on harnessing the power of living cells to stimulate and accelerate the healing of dysfunctional and damaged tissues.
What can be mistaken for IT band syndrome?
Several conditions can mimic the symptoms of Iliotibial band syndrome (ITBS), including lateral meniscus tears, lateral collateral ligament (LCL) injuries, and patellofemoral pain syndrome. Accurate diagnosis is key for effective treatment, and our team utilizes advanced diagnostic techniques to ensure proper identification of the condition.
Why does my knee hurt outside the knee but no swelling?
Pain on the outside of the knee without swelling can be due to various conditions, such as IT band syndrome or lateral meniscus tears. Our medical professionals conduct thorough assessments to determine the underlying cause and recommend an appropriate treatment plan.
How long does side knee pain take to heal?
The healing time for side knee pain varies depending on the underlying cause and the treatment method used. With our advanced therapies, many patients experience significant improvement within a few weeks to a few months. Our minimally invasive treatments aim to expedite the healing process while minimizing downtime.
How do you fix iliotibial band syndrome?
Our approach to treating IT band syndrome includes a combination of therapies such as PRP therapy, stem cell therapy, and functional rehabilitation. These treatments are designed to reduce inflammation, promote tissue regeneration, and improve overall knee function.
Is walking good for IT band syndrome?
Walking can be beneficial for IT band syndrome, but it should be done mindfully. Avoid overexertion and opt for flat, even surfaces. Our team can guide you on appropriate exercises and modifications to ensure that your activities support your healing process.
What does a torn IT band feel like?
A torn IT band typically presents as sharp or stabbing pain on the outside of the knee, especially during activities like running or cycling. You might also experience a snapping sensation.
How do I tell if I tore my LCL?
Signs of an LCL tear include pain on the outer side of the knee, instability, and difficulty bearing weight. Physical examination and imaging tests like MRI can help in diagnosing an LCL tear.
Is walking good for outer knee pain?
Walking can be beneficial for outer knee pain, provided it is done correctly. It is important to avoid uneven surfaces and excessive strain.
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