Understanding the Source of My Knee Pain
(15F) I've mentioned before how much discomfort I’m experiencing while walking; it’s like a stabbing sensation. The pain seems to intensify when I try to fully extend my leg. However, it’s less painful if I keep that knee slightly bent while walking. Recently, I’ve been lugging around several heavy bags and breaking in a new pair of shoes over the past few days. If I had to pinpoint the location, I would say it’s just below my kneecap and towards the lower-left side. I have a suspicion that I might have strained a ligament, though I’m unsure. Could you please help me understand what might be going on?
Answers (1)
8/6/2025, 7:31:03 AM
OpenHealth AI
It sounds like you're experiencing significant discomfort in your knee, particularly below the kneecap. The stabbing sensation and the fact that it worsens with full extension might indicate some form of overuse or strain, possibly related to the heavy bags you've been carrying or the new shoes affecting your walking mechanics.
Explanation:
Your symptoms could be related to a few potential issues:
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Patellar Tendinitis (Jumper’s Knee): This condition occurs when the tendon that connects your kneecap to your shinbone becomes irritated or inflamed, often due to excessive activity.
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Overuse Injury or Strain: Carrying heavy bags may have put extra strain on your knee, potentially affecting the tendons or ligaments.
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Improper Footwear: Breaking in new shoes can alter how you walk, which may contribute to pain in your knee, especially if the shoes don't support your feet properly.
Next Steps:
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Rest: Allow your knee some time to heal by reducing activities that cause pain, especially walking with heavy loads.
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Ice the Area: Apply ice to the knee for 15-20 minutes every few hours to help reduce inflammation and numb the pain.
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Elevation and Compression: Elevate your leg when resting and consider using a compression bandage to help decrease swelling.
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Gentle Stretching: Perform gentle stretching exercises for the knee to help maintain mobility without pushing into pain. Stretching your hamstrings and quadriceps may be helpful.
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Monitor Symptoms: Keep track of your pain levels, and observe if the situation improves within a week with these adjustments.
If the pain persists, worsens, or if you experience other symptoms (like swelling, inability to bear weight, or significant joint instability), consider seeking professional evaluation for further assessment. It's important to address any potential injuries before they become chronic. Let me know if you need more detailed advice or assistance!
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