Stabbing knee pain that comes and goes

dolor punzante rodilla

Stabbing pain in the knee can be exceptionally unpleasant, and often leaves people in the lurch. It usually suggests a problem in one of the bones of the knee or in the soft tissues.

Acute knee pain is usually short-lived, starting suddenly with a particular activity and then quickly relieving when the offending activity stops.

Most common causes of acute knee pain are:

  • Rupture of the knee cartilage:  Joint damage that, if not fixed, can evolve into a degenerative process of the entire knee.
  • Knee bursitis:  Inflammation of the pre-patellar bursa.
  • Septic arthritis:  Intra-articular knee infection that requires immediate intervention.
  • Dislodged body:  Foreign body mobilized within the joint.
  • Bone fracture:  Bone fracture that may require surgery.
  • Nerve irritation:  Condition of compression or fibrosis that traps the nerve.

Stabbing pain in the knee that appears:

Acute knee pain when running:
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It may suggest a soft tissue injury. Knee pain when running tends to be more of a throbbing pain than a sharp pain.

Pain in the inner part of the leg:

Suele producirse por un daño durante accidentes o en los deportistas y puede interesar el colateral medial, estructura estabilizador en varo valgo. Se puede sentir realmente en el momento de la lesión, normalmente por girar torpemente y luego se adhiere a un dolor continuo mientras la lesión de la rodilla se cura.

Acute knee pain when walking:

If your knee pain worsens when you start walking and then gets better, it is probably due to osteoarthritis and not arthritis. Acute knee pain can get worse the more you walk, it is most likely joint wear and tear. It must also be ruled out that it is due to spinal diseases.

Acute knee pain when bending:

If your knee pain worsens when you bend your knee, it is likely a problem with the intra-articular components of the knee. If it gets worse when you bend your back, for example when bending over to put on your shoes, it is likely due to a low back problem.

Acute knee pain when standing:

If knee pain worsens when standing but is relieved with movement, it is most likely due to osteoarthritis. If acute knee pain worsens with activity, it is likely a mechanical problem in the knee, such as a tear in the cartilage material or referred pain from the lower back.

Acute knee pain when turning:

This usually shows that something is getting stuck in the joint, whether it’s a loose body or a torn flap of cartilaginous material. It may also indicate instability in the knee due to a sprain or tear of ligaments.

Acute knee pain when kicking:

If the patient notices a micro instability, it usually indicates a meniscal injury or inflammation, usually an ACL injury.

Sharp, stabbing pain in the knee when kneeling:

A stabbing pain in the knee when kneeling usually indicates a meniscal injury. If the pain is in front of the patella, it may be knee bursitis. Bursitis usually presents with obvious swelling that resembles a crushed orange.

Stabbing pain in the knee at rest:

Acute knee pain when climbing stairs usually indicates a problem with the knee joint (tibiofemoral joint), and in some cases the problem is probably in the kneecap.

Exactly how can I cope with stabbing knee pain?

There are plenty of actions you can absorb into your daily life to stop recurring stabbing knee pain, like the following

  • Exercise routinely.  Although exercise can contribute to some leg pain, exercise sessions at least twice a week helped reduce pain when walking as well as increase the distance a person can walk.
  • Stop smoking cigarettes.  Cigarette smoking is a major risk factor for acute pain when walking. Smoking cigarettes can cause changes in blood vessels, as well as facilitate blood embolisms, which can increase leg pain.
  • Follow a heart-healthy diet.  Choosing a heart-healthy diet plan can help you maintain your weight as well as blood glucose levels. This can help reduce several of the risk aspects that can cause stabbing knee pain.
  • Cross training.  If your leg pain is related to overuse of physical activity, try a new activity that is less repetitive for your legs and feet.
  • Consult your doctor.  If none of the above works, you should opt for a visit to your trusted traumatologist for a professional evaluation.
  • Maintaining a healthy, balanced weight and taking care of your body can help reduce sharp, stabbing pain whenever possible.

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