What Could Be the Cause of Morning Knee Pain?

Are you waking up with knee pain but haven’t had an injury? Studies show that nearly 1 in 4 adults experience knee pain at some point, even without a clear injury. 

If your knee bothers you first thing in the morning, it could be due to a lack of movement throughout the night. This causes the muscles and tissues around the knee joint to tighten. However, if the knee pain remains consistent, there could be an underlying cause.

When you experience knee pain without a specific injury, it’s incredibly confusing, and several conditions may be causing the issue. Non-injury-related knee pain can often stem from underlying conditions like arthritis or inflammation.

Bursitis

Bursitis is a condition that involves the inflammation of the bursae, which are small fluid-filled sacs located throughout the body, including around the joints. These bursae act as cushions between bones, tendons, muscles, and skin, reducing friction and allowing smooth movement of these structures. Activities or professions involving repetitive motions or prolonged pressure on specific joints can increase the risk of bursitis.

Tendinitis

Tendinitis, or tendonitis, refers to the inflammation or irritation of a tendon, which is the thick fibrous tissue attaching muscle to bone. It typically occurs due to overuse, repetitive movement, or sudden injury, causing pain, tenderness, and sometimes swelling near the affected tendon.

Baker’s Cyst

Baker’s, or popliteal cyst, is a fluid-filled swelling that develops behind the knee. This cyst occurs when excess joint fluid collects and forms a lump, leading to a bulge at the back of the knee. It’s often associated with conditions like arthritis or knee joint injuries.

In many cases, Baker’s cysts resolve on their own, but treatment might be necessary if they cause significant discomfort or limit mobility.

Osteoarthritis 

Osteoarthritis is commonly known as “wear-and-tear” arthritis. It occurs when the protective cartilage cushions the ends of bones within a joint and gradually wears down over time. This condition might be due to aging, joint injury, obesity, overuse of the joint, or genetic factors. 

Research shows that over 30 million Americans suffer from osteoarthritis, making it a prevalent cause of knee discomfort.

Rheumatoid Arthritis 

Unlike osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis can affect multiple joints simultaneously. It typically causes inflammation, pain, swelling, and stiffness in joints, particularly the smaller joints in the hands and feet. Over time, it may lead to joint damage and deformity. 

This condition is an autoimmune disorder where the immune system mistakenly attacks the synovium, the lining of the membranes surrounding the joints. The cause of this immune response is not fully understood, but it’s believed to involve a combination of genetic and environmental factors.

If you are experiencing persistent knee pain without a clear injury, it is advisable to seek professional guidance. But if you are trying to manage the pain for the time being or seeking treatment, here is what you could do: 

• Rest
• Ice
• Use anti-inflammatory medication 
• Rehabilitation/Physical therapy
• Targeted exercises/stretches
• Weight management
• Orthotic support 

In more severe cases, surgical intervention may be necessary to enhance mobility and quality of life. Here are some procedures that could be a treatment option: 

• Arthroscopic Surgery: a minimally invasive procedure to diagnose and treat issues like damaged cartilage.
• Total Knee Replacement: Replace damaged joints with artificial parts to reduce pain and improve function.
• Partial Knee Replacement: Replaces only the affected portion of the knee joint.
• Knee Ligament Reconstruction: Repairs or rebuilds torn ligaments for stability.
• Cartilage Repair: Various techniques stimulate new cartilage growth or replace damaged areas.
• Lateral Release: Addresses patellar issues by releasing tight structures around the kneecap.
• Synovectomy: removes the inflamed joint lining (Synovium) to reduce pain and swelling.

These surgeries are only considered based on the specific condition, its severity, and when conservative treatments aren’t effective.