What can you do for muscle pain in the knee?
Muscle pain in the knee can cause you considerable discomfort. Whether you are an avid athlete, do a lot of running at work or simply lead an active lifestyle, knee muscle pain is painful and can really get in the way. But what actually causes muscle pain in the knee? And more importantly, what can you do to get rid of it quickly? In this blog, you will discover the causes and tips to speed up recovery. Read on quickly below!
What is muscle pain in the knee?
Muscle pain in the knee is often a result of overuse of the muscles around the knee joint. It can occur due to various factors, such as excessive or incorrect strain while playing sports or performing daily activities. But making repetitive movements, standing for long periods of time, or engaging in many intense physical activities also cause muscle pain in the knee.
How does muscle pain in the knee manifest itself?
Muscle pain in the knee can express itself in different ways, depending on the cause and severity. You may experience pain around the kneecap, or on the outside of the knee. A general pain in the knee joint that gets worse with movement or strain is also a possibility. Muscle pain in the knee is often the result of an imbalance in the muscles around the joint or a change in movement patterns. In some cases, it can also be a sign of underlying conditions such as osteoarthritis or inflammation. Does the muscle pain not go away on its own after a few days? If so, consult a doctor or physiotherapist.
How does muscle pain in the knee develop?
Muscle pain in the knee is often caused by overexertion, intense exercise or repetitive movements that put heavy strain on the muscles around the knee joint. It can also be a result of small tears in the muscle fibres that occur during sports or physical activities. This pain is usually temporary, has no further consequences, and is part of the body's recovery process. Muscle pain in the knee can be caused by several factors, we list them for you below.
- Excessive or prolonged loading of the knees, especially in sports or repetitive movements.
- Above-average mobility in joints can make it harder for muscles to stabilise the knee
- Weakness in the thigh muscles (quadriceps) and hip muscles can lead to reduced control of the kneecap and overloading of the knee joint.
- Stiffness in thigh muscles, hamstrings or calf muscles can lead to overpressure on the kneecap.
- Factors such as excessive inward settlement of the feet, flat feet, X- or O-legs, or leg length difference can affect the load on the knee.
What can you do to fix it?
To relieve and treat muscle pain in the knee, there are several measures you can take. We list them for you below.
- Give your knee enough rest to recover. Avoid activities that aggravate the pain.
- Apply ice to the painful area for 15–20 minutes at 2-3 hour intervals. This helps reduce inflammation and relieve pain.
- Perform gentle stretching exercises for the muscles around the knee, such as quadriceps and hamstrings. Strengthen these muscles gradually with light exercises.
- Use painkillers such as paracetamol or ibuprofen if necessary.
- Wear elastic knee support or band to support the knee as much as possible.
- Choose activities with less impact on your knee, such as swimming or cycling, instead of walking or running.
Need additional information?
Did any questions arise after reading this article? Or would you like to receive more information about a knee brace? Then don't hesitate to contact our customer service team. Our team consists of knowledgeable people who will be happy to answer all your questions and get you back on track. Contact us via e-mail, live chat and phone.
