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Have you ever felt a burning pain in the knee? If so, you’re not alone. It is a common problem encountered by both men and women.
A burning pain in your knee can be extremely uncomfortable. It may be a mild, dull, pain or you may feel a sharp pain.
The burning pain can occur at various times of the day. You might find it is worse while you are awake or when you are sleeping. It may become difficult to sleep or it may cause you to wake up often.
When we are tired, sometimes pain feels even worse.
In most cases, burning in your knee indicates a problem in the knee joint. In some cases it can be caused by a problem somewhere else in your body such as lower back pain.
First we will look at what may be wrong in the knee joint and then go on to look at other things in the body that can cause burning in the knee.
8 Reasons For A Burning Pain In The Knee
No. 1 The first sign of arthritis is pain. This can feel like a dull ache or a burning sensation. Pain often starts after you have used the joint a lot.
It can occur after athletic activity, too much gardening, or even going up and down stairs frequently.
No. 2 Burning in the front of the knee can be caused by overuse. This injury can also be referred to as Runner’s Knee.
Runners’ Knee is common in athletes but also may be the result of overuse (such as from a job). When Runner’s Knee becomes inflamed it may cause a burning sensation in your knee.
No. 3 Damage to your knee cartilage, especially your meniscus can often cause pain and burning. The meniscus helps cushion the joint when you are walking, running, and jumping.
If the knee twists forcefully, it can cause a tear in the knee cartilage.
No. 4 Gout can cause a burning sensation in the knee. Gout is an inflammatory condition that is caused by high levels of uric acid in the bloodstream.
Gout pain usually comes on fast without warning. It can feel like your knee is on fire.
The joint can feel hot to the touch and can become red and swollen. It can become difficult to walk and very painful. Gout usually lasts a few weeks, but can come back. Some people have multiple bouts with gout.
No. 5 Bone on bone can also cause pain and a burning sensation. When your cartilage wears out you will eventually have bone articulating on bone in your knee.
I had two meniscus operations in my twenties. By the time I was in my late 50’s I had very little cartilage left. Before my TKR at age 66, I experienced grinding, pain and burning in my knee because I had no cartilage, just bone on bone.
I especially felt a burning pain after long hikes.
No. 6 Bursitis of the knee is quite common and can cause a burning sensation in the knee. There are bursa sacs filled with fluid around your knee.
The sacs sit between your soft tissue and your bone to allow smooth movement. There are 15 bursa sacs around your knee and when they become inflamed, they can cause a burning sensation and swelling in your knee.
No. 7 Neuropathy refers to peripheral nerve damage. Nerves carry signals between your brain, spinal cord and the rest of your body.
The nerves that are in close proximity to the knee are susceptible to injury. Damage to the nerves around your knee may result in numbness and weakness in your knee. You may also experience a burning sensation.
The damage can occur anywhere along the path of the nerve down your leg or at the source, along the spine.
No. 8 One of the less frequent causes of burning in the knee is infection. If bacteria enters the body and travels to the knee the joint can become infected causing severe pain and burning.
There can be redness and swelling. Your doctor will probably treat the infection with antibiotics.
Management For A Burning Pain In The Knee
If you are having trouble with burning in your knee consult your physician. Learn what activities cause the burning and try to avoid them.
Find alternative activities that do not cause pain or burning in your knee. Use ice, compression and elevation to help relieve your pain.
You can also use over the counter anti-inflammatory medicines.
Stretch and strengthen the muscles around the knee joint on a regular basis. Often with pain we avoid exercise and then the muscles around our knee atrophy.
Conclusion
You may feel mild to severe burning in your knee.
Burning in your knee joint can be caused by several reasons. You can try to self-diagnose and treat the pain yourself. If you have ongoing or severe burning in your knee you need to consult your physician.
The pain is not always the result of damage to your knee joint itself. You may discover that you have gout, nerve damage or back issues. You may have trouble sleeping.
You may feel mild to severe burning in your knee.
Remember to stay fit, exercise and eat wisely.