what causes knee pain
Conditions that cause knee pain. Tendonitis. This is an overuse injury causing swelling of the tendons, the bands of tissue that connect your bones and muscles. This is sometimes called 'jumper's knee' as it is common in sports involving jumping, such as basketball.
Arthritis: One of the most common causes of knee pain that doctors see is arthritis, says Jonathan Shook, MD, an orthopedic surgeon in Indianapolis. Osteoarthritis causes the smooth, protective layers of cartilage in the knee to become worn, leading to damage in the bones in the knee.
It can be caused by overuse of the knee, injuries to the joint, or having a kneecap that's not properly in line. The damage to the cartilage can be mild or severe. Patellofemoral pain syndrome: Also called runner's knee, this is a common cause of knee pain.