Imagine you woke up with knee pain but have no injury — it can surely raise alarm bells. The knee is a complex joint with many moving parts, making it more prone to wounds and abrasions. Therefore, it is not uncommon to experience sudden twists, strains, or missteps. However, there are times when sudden onset knee pain takes place without injury, which might indicate an underlying issue. Continue reading this article to learn the reasons behind the random knee pain!
Reasons Behind Knee Pain Without Injury
Here are some possible reasons you woke up with knee pain without injury:
- Bursitis: Your knee contains tiny sacs of fluid that cushion the bones. Infection and irritation can affect the fluid sacs, causing inflammation and ultimately leading to a condition called bursitis. If you have bursitis, you may experience knee pain without injury. Moreover, you will notice redness and tenderness around the joint. Fever is also a possible occurrence due to bursitis.
- Tendinitis: Tendons are the tissues that join muscles to the bones, and when they become inflamed, tendinitis can take place. It is a common cause of knee pain without injury, with a dull ache in the joint. Usually, resting can alleviate the discomfort resulting from tendinitis, but medical intervention is necessary for severe cases.
- Baker’s Cyst: Another common reason behind sudden knee pain without injury is Baker’s cyst, which refers to a fluid-filled swelling that occurs at the back of the knee. You might feel restriction in movements due to the swollen area, a possible sign of an undiagnosed knee injury. Also known as a popliteal cyst, it generally goes away on its own. In some cases, fluid drainage from the cyst is necessary for treatment.
- Osteoarthritis: You may not have a recent wound that caused the random knee pain but an old injury acting up. Yes, osteoarthritis occurs when inflammation and swelling of the knee joint cause discomfort. Deterioration of the knee might be responsible for this condition, and poor posture, obesity, or past injury are some factors that could result in osteoarthritis.
- Rheumatoid Arthritis: Similar to osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis can be why you wake up with knee pain when you have no injury. This autoimmune disease can be signified by swelling, pain, and stiffness. Furthermore, it is not limited to a single joint.
Woke Up With Knee Pain, No Injury — Treatment Options
If you woke up with knee pain but have no injury, it is best to visit a doctor. They can thoroughly examine your knee and proceed with suitable treatment.
Here are some possible knee pain treatment options based on your condition:
- Bursitis: Rest, ice, and NSAIDs will work best to resolve knee pain due to bursitis. Stretching and exercises help too.
- Tendinitis: Anti-inflammatory medications, rest, physical therapy, and non-invasive treatments are used to improve the symptoms.
- Baker’s Cyst: Cold compress, pain management medications, and rest can reduce discomfort. Fluid drainage works for severe cases.
- Osteoarthritis: Medications and physical therapy might help with the condition. However, cortisone injections or joint replacement might work in serious cases. Steroid injections for joint pain also show promising results.
- Rheumatoid Arthritis: NSAIDs or anti-inflammatory drugs are commonly prescribed; steroids might be needed for severe cases. Surgery and some at-home treatment strategies also help manage the symptoms.
What Should I Do?
Bursitis, tendinitis, Baker’s cyst, osteoarthritis, and rheumatoid arthritis are some possible reasons you woke up with knee pain, even with no injury. You can visit your doctor for a proper examination and treatment to improve your condition.
You can talk to our experts at Genesis Pain Clinic; we care about your overall well-being. Dial (913) 871-9888 now to book an appointment or visit us at 6700 W 121st St, Suite 300, Overland Park, KS 66209.