How to treat burning knee pain

How to treat burning knee pain
Feeling sharp or burning sensation in the knee? The pain can vary in intensity and occur in different parts of the knee joint. This guide will discuss the causes of burning sensation in the knee and explore various treatment options, along with preventative measures.

Symptoms of Burning Knee Pain
Symptoms of burning sensation in the knee vary in severity. You may feel pain constantly or occasionally in your knee joint but, regardless, some symptoms are common:

  • Persistent burning feeling
  • Swelling and inflammation
  • Stiffness and reduced range of motion
  • Redness and warmth around the affected area

Causes of Burning Knee Pain
There are numerous potential causes behind burning sensation in knee, including:

  • Overuse Injuries: Repetitive activities or motions can strain the knee, leading to conditions like tendonitis or bursitis. These injuries are common among athletes or individuals whose knees are subjected to repetitive motion.
  • Degenerative conditions: Conditions such as osteoarthritis or rheumatoid arthritis cause the cartilage to wear off. This results in inflamed knees and causes burning pain in the knees.
  • Traumatic injuries or falls: Injuries from accidents or falls can damage the knee's structures, resulting in burning pain. Some more injuries such as fractures or ligament injuries affect the knees in various ways and cause burning knee pain. Some of these injuries are:
    • ACL injuries are the most common type of ligament injuries that occur from sudden stops or direction changes.
    • PCL injuries are caused by direct blows to the front of the knee.
    • MCL is frequently injured by impacts to the outer knee
    • LCL injuries are less common but occur from impact to the inner knee.

Diagnosing Burning Knee Pain

  • When to See a Doctor

On feeling burning sensation in knee, it is important to consult a healthcare professional in case of the following symptoms:

    • Persistent pain that does not improve with rest and self-care: Continuous pain may indicate a more serious underlying issue. You will find it difficult to perform daily activities with ease.
    • Swelling or inability to bear weight on the knee making it difficult to walk
  • Diagnostic Methods

An orthopedist uses methods to diagnose and find the root cause of burning knee pain in a patient. Some of them are as follows:

  • Physical examination like checking the knee's range of motion, swelling, and areas of tenderness.
  • X-rays, MRIs, or CT scans: With the correct visualization of the knee structure in case of fractures,  tissue injuries, etc., doctors can easily diagnose and provide the best treatment for burning knee pain.
  • Blood tests or joint fluid tests: These tests help to detect infections or inflammatory conditions that cause burning knee pain. These tests help pinpoint conditions like gout or septic arthritis.
  • Electromyography: It is a type of nerve study that helps to diagnose nerve-related causes of knee pain efficiently.

Treatment Options for Burning Knee Pain

  • Home Remedies and Self-Care Tips

For moderate burning sensation in knee, self-care tips are highly effective:

    • Rest: Avoid activities that increase the pain and allow ample resting time for the knee to heal properly.
    • Hot and cold therapy: Ice packs are recommended in the first 48 hours after the injury to reduce inflammation, whereas hot compresses can help relax muscles and improve blood flow.
    • Compression: This is the most effective method as it improves blood circulation around the knee joint and reduces swelling. Using a knee wrap or strap provides effective compression.
    • Elevation: Keeping the knees elevated reduces fluid buildup around the knee and minimizes swelling. It also increases the flow of blood and nutrients to the knee.
  • Medical Treatments

Over-the-counter medication like pain relievers helps to relieve knee pain and inflammation. These medications can provide temporary relief. In case of severe infections, it becomes necessary to consume anti-inflammatory drugs or corticosteroid injections to reduce inflammation.

  • Surgical Options

Till now we have discussed all the treatment options, but in rare cases, knee pain becomes unbearable, not just hindering daily activities but making it difficult to walk or even stand. In such conditions, doctors proceed with surgical methods such as:

    • Arthroscopy where the loose bodies or the damaged tissue in the knee is either repaired or removed.
    • Joint Replacement: In severe arthritis, replacing the damaged joint surfaces with artificial components becomes crucial. Partial or total knee replacement surgery might be done.
    • Ligament Reconstruction is performed by replacing the torn ligament using grafts, especially in case of an ACL injury.
  • Preventing Burning Knee Pain

So far we have discussed various causes and treatments for burning knee pain. Prevention is better than cure. With the right preventive measures, one can easily maintain optimal knee health.

  • Lifestyle Changes
    • Regular Exercise: Low-impact activities like swimming or cycling maintain joint health. Regular exercise strengthens the muscles around the knee and improves flexibility.
    • Weight Management: Excess weight increases the load on the knee joints, adding to pain or discomfort and even degeneration. Therefore, it is important to maintain appropriate weight to keep the knees healthy.
    • Proper Footwear: Supportive shoes reduce strain on the knees. Also, footwear with good arch support and cushioning enhance knee alignment.
  • During Workout

Using proper techniques and equipment during physical activities can prevent knee injuries:

    • A proper warm-up increases blood flow and reduces the risk of injury. This also prepares the muscles and joints before exercise.
    • Use knee wrap during workout sessions, especially during high-impact activities. The Knee wrap/knee strap offers protection to the knee, absorbs shock and promotes overall well-being.
    • Ensuring proper form during workouts reduces the chances of overuse injuries and strain on the knees.
  • Diet and Nutrition

A balanced diet rich in nutrients is quite beneficial to improve overall joint health:

    • Anti-inflammatory foods like fatty fish, nuts, and leafy greens are rich in omega-3, fatty acids and antioxidants that reduce inflammation.
    • Adequate intake of Calcium and Vitamin D helps in maintaining strong bones and preventing the risks of osteoporosis - a disease that develops when bone density decreases.

Conclusion
Burning knee pain can be energy draining. Hence, understand the causes and follow the correct treatment to find relief. With a proactive approach, you can take care of your knees and live life fully. 

FAQ's
Can burning knee pain be a sign of something serious?
On experiencing any of the symptoms of burning knee pain, consult a healthcare professional for proper diagnosis. If left untreated, you could get serious conditions such as arthritis, infection, or nerve damage. 

How is burning knee pain different from regular knee pain?
Burning knee pain specifically involves a burning sensation in knee, accompanied by symptoms like swelling, stiffness, and redness. Other types of knee pain may present as aching, sharp, or dull pain.

Is it safe to exercise with burning knee pain?
One should engage in low-impact exercises and activities that do not exacerbate the pain. But depending on the severity and underlying cause of the pain it is best to consult with a healthcare expert before starting any exercise. Also, it is advised to use Knee wrap/knee strap for enhanced knee support and stability and prevent burning sensation in knee. 

How long does it take to recover from burning knee pain?
Recovery time varies with the cause and severity of the pain. With proper rest, you may recover in a few days to weeks in case of mild pain, while severe cases require medical treatment and take several weeks to months to heal completely.