Knee Pain: What Could Be Going On?
Today began like any other day for me as a typical 18-year-old guy weighing about 72 kg. I attended school, going about my usual routine without engaging in any exercise. However, during lunchtime, I began experiencing discomfort in my knees. Specifically, when I attempted to bend down, similar to a squat position, I felt a sharp pain in my kneecaps that became increasingly intense beyond a certain angle. Although I find no trouble walking, issues arise when I need to bend my knees, like when sitting down on a toilet; that's when the pain kicks in. Could this be indicative of a more serious problem, or is it advisable to wait for a day or two to see if it improves, especially since visiting a doctor isn't an immediate option?
Answers (1)
6/25/2025, 2:40:40 PM
OpenHealth AI
It sounds like you're experiencing knee pain when bending, which can be concerning, especially when it affects your daily activities. While it’s common for knee discomfort to occur from minor injuries, improper posture, or overuse, it’s also essential to consider a few specific factors related to your symptoms.
What could be going on:
- Overuse or strain: You mentioned that you didn't engage in exercise recently, which can sometimes lead to stiffness or strains from regular activities.
- Patellar tendinitis: Also known as "jumper's knee," this condition can cause pain around the kneecap, especially when bending.
- Cartilage issues: Conditions like chondromalacia (softening of the cartilage under the kneecap) could also cause pain when bending.
- Minor injuries: You might have strained a muscle or ligament while bending or sitting.
Next Steps:
- Rest: Avoid activities that cause pain, particularly bending or squatting. Try to keep your knees as still as possible.
- Ice: Apply ice packs to your knees (wrapped in a cloth to avoid direct contact) for 15-20 minutes at a time, several times a day, especially after any activity that causes discomfort.
- Elevation: Keep your legs elevated when resting to help reduce any swelling.
- Gentle stretching: If the pain allows, you can perform gentle stretching for your quadriceps and hamstrings to maintain some flexibility without aggravating your knee.
- Monitor symptoms: Keep track of how the pain changes over the next few days: note whether the pain increases, decreases, or persists when doing certain activities.
If the pain does not improve in a few days, or if you experience swelling, difficulty moving your knee, or if the pain becomes severe, consider seeking medical attention when possible. It’s always best to consult with a healthcare provider if the pain persists or worsens in the future. Remember to listen to your body, and take care of yourself!
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