Knee Pain
11% of VIDA users currently have knee pain. The third most common area of pain.
Whether you're an athlete or someone who spends most of the day sitting, knee pain is an issue that can affect anyone. This article will help you understand your knee, learn why it might be causing you discomfort, and provide you with actionable steps to manage and potentially prevent the pain.
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Did you know?
The knee joint is the most complicated in the body, operating like a hinge that allows the joint to bend and straighten, but it can also rotate slightly, mostly when the leg is bent.
How your knee works
The knee, which connects the thigh bone (femur) to the shin bone (tibia) and includes the kneecap (patella), relies on 10 different muscles to function.
It's supported by a network of muscles, tendons, and ligaments, which together provide both flexibility and strength. Interestingly, babies are born without kneecaps — these only start to develop between 2 to 6 years of age!
Did you know?
For every kilo you weigh, your knees bear four times the amount of stress!
What to do and not do?
When you experience knee pain, remember the R.I.C.E. protocol: Rest, Ice, Compress, and Elevate. Minimize activities that aggravate the pain and consult with a healthcare professional.
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Avoid high-impact activities such as running or jumping, which can intensify your pain. Prolonged periods of standing or sitting with a bent knee can also exacerbate your symptoms.
Things to do
Things to avoid
Common causes of
knee pain
Knee pain can result from various conditions, including arthritis, meniscus tears, ligament sprains, bursitis, and tendinitis, among others. You can explore common causes in detail here.
Did you know?
Women are more likely than men to experience knee pain due to certain biomechanical factors
Recovery, prevention, &
duration of pain
Managing knee pain involves appropriate exercises, rest, and lifestyle modifications. Your VIDA Pain Coach program includes multiple helpful exercises tailored to aid in recovery and prevention. However, always consult a healthcare professional before starting any new regimen.
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The duration of knee pain can greatly vary. Mild knee pain might improve within a few days or weeks, while more severe or chronic conditions could last for several weeks or months. Maintaining a healthy lifestyle, including quality sleep, a balanced diet, and stress management, plays a significant role in recovery and prevention of knee pain.
Knowing when to seek help
While some knee pain can be managed at home, severe pain, swelling, or inability to put weight on the knee should prompt medical attention. Persistent pain, even if not severe, also warrants a check-up.