Knee pain is a common complaint among many people. It is usually caused due to the general wear and tear of the knee from everyday activities. The problem is far more prevalent among athletes who undergo severe and extreme physical strain and older people due to aging. Knee pain could also be a symptom of other health conditions and issues. Identifying the underlying cause can help manage the pain better and prevent it from reoccurring.

Iliotibial band syndrome
The iliotibial band is a strong band of tissue that starts from the hips and ends toward the knees. When this band of tissue becomes too tight, it rubs against the thighbone, leading to knee pain. Distance runners and cyclists generally suffer from this problem.

Dislocated kneecap
This is among the most common conditions linked to knee pain. A dislocated kneecap occurs when the patella, or the triangular bone at the front of the knee, moves from its usual location. It leads to severe pain in the affected knee during any movement.

ACL injury
The anterior cruciate ligament, or ACL, connects the shinbone to the thighbone. A sudden jerking movement can sometimes lead to a tear in this ligament. The knee pain-causing injury is generally observed among those who play sports like soccer and basketball.

Osteoarthritis
A common type of degenerative arthritis, osteoarthritis usually results from general wear and tear of the cartilage in the knee. It is a common condition in those above 50 years. Frequent knee pain and joint stiffness are commonly observed symptoms of this arthritis.

Rheumatoid arthritis
An autoimmune and inflammatory condition, rheumatoid arthritis is one of the most debilitating types of arthritis. It occurs when the immune system erroneously attacks the healthy cells in the body, leading to swollen and painful joints. It can affect any joint of the body, including the knees. Rheumatoid arthritis is often categorized as a chronic health condition.