Medical expert of the article
New publications
Pain in the knee when flexing
Last reviewed: 23.04.2024
All iLive content is medically reviewed or fact checked to ensure as much factual accuracy as possible.
We have strict sourcing guidelines and only link to reputable media sites, academic research institutions and, whenever possible, medically peer reviewed studies. Note that the numbers in parentheses ([1], [2], etc.) are clickable links to these studies.
If you feel that any of our content is inaccurate, out-of-date, or otherwise questionable, please select it and press Ctrl + Enter.
Pain in the knee during flexion is the most common reason why people visit trauma doctors. The knee is the largest bearing joint in the body, which undergoes considerable stress when a person walks, runs or actively engages in sports. The knee often bends, unbends and straightens, and because of this, the pain in it is felt even more. The knee joint can also slide and rotate. Pain in bending the knee is a sign of injury or injury in the joint. We list the main diseases, which can cause pain in the knee when flexing.
[Diseases that cause pain in the knee during flexion
Arthritis
Several types of arthritis can affect the health of the knee. Doctors of the Mayo Clinic believe that osteoarthritis is the most common type of arthritis that affects large joints, such as the knee. Other types that can potentially affect the knee are septic arthritis, rheumatoid arthritis and gout, and also one form of conventional arthritis. People with arthritis experience varying degrees of pain while standing and walking, suffer from swelling, stiffness and loss of flexibility, including due to difficulty and pain when bending the knee.
Tendonitis of the patella
Tendonitis is an irritation or inflammation of one or more tendons that support the connection of the knee joints. Often this is the result of overtraining or too much activity when walking and running. According to the Mayo Clinic, athletes are more prone to tendon patella than people with moderate physical activity. The tendon connects the quadriceps muscle in the anterior part of the thigh with the shin bone. Runners, skiers and cyclists are more prone to the risk of pain due to tendonitis, because their ligaments and joints are in constant tension. They may experience pain during normal flexion, even without a heavy load on the knee.
Pine-hip pain syndrome
People with this syndrome may feel pain under or around the patella. The pain increases with bending or after sitting for a long period of time. The American Academy of Family Physicians recommends that people who have experienced this dangerous damage try to rest from their activities. Doctors also recommend that they put ice on their knee several times a day and change the type of footwear they use to a more comfortable one. Exercises also help to strengthen the muscles around the patella and ease the pain in the knee.
Bursitis
It is an inflammation of a small pouch of fluid that softens the knee joint. According to the Mayo Clinic, bursitis causes considerable pain in the knee when flexing, especially if the knee carries an increased load. For example, when driving on a ladder up or down. People with bursitis can also experience symptoms such as redness, swelling, heat, or fever.
Osgood Schlatter disease
Osgood-Schlatter disease is an inflammation of bones, cartilage and tendons in the upper part of the shin. According to children's surgeons, this disease often affects only one knee, usually in adolescents who are more prone to injury, because they are more physically active. Osgood-Schlatter disease usually progresses during growth spikes and more often in adolescents who engage in sports involving twisting, running or jumping. Pain in the knee can range from mild to severe and persistent. It worsens through exercise and flexion.
Baker's cyst
Baker's cyst is a disease that is an accumulation of fluid that forms under the knee. It can be caused by a hernia of the knee joint, rupture of the capsule or rupture of the meniscus, damage to the cartilage of the knee joint. The thrombus formed in this case may present an immediate danger and requires immediate medical attention.
Who should I contact if you have knee pain when flexing?
If you have knee pain when flexing, consult a doctor as soon as possible. Diagnosis usually presents no difficulties, but it is necessary to determine the correct picture of the disease and make an accurate treatment plan. Methods of diagnosis can be palpation, x-rays, arthroscopy of the knee joint or diagnostic puncture.