What could be the cause of knee pain that radiates down to the foot? Explore the common reasons behind this issue, including osteoarthritis, bursitis, meniscal tears, and more. Get concise answers to your questions.

Understanding Knee Pain and Its Potential Causes

Knee pain is a common issue that can significantly impact an individual’s quality of life and daily activities. While knee pain can manifest in various ways, one particular concern is when the pain extends down to the foot. In this comprehensive article, we will explore the potential causes of this type of knee pain and provide insights to help you better understand and address this problem.

The Prevalence of Knee Pain

Knee pain is a common ailment, especially among adults. The wear and tear on the joint due to daily activities, such as walking, can contribute to the development of knee pain. Additionally, certain lifestyles and activities, like participating in sports, can also increase the risk of knee injuries and pain. While some types of knee pain may resolve within a few days, other forms of pain can persist for a longer duration.

Symptoms of Knee Pain

Knee pain can present itself in various ways, depending on the individual. Some people may experience shooting pain during physical activities, while others may have mild discomfort. In more severe cases, individuals may experience severe pain that can limit their range of motion and overall functioning. Other common symptoms of knee pain include swelling, shifting of weight from one foot to the other, limping, and the inability to bend the knee.

Common Causes of Knee Pain

Aside from injuries, there are several common conditions that can contribute to knee pain, including:

Osteoarthritis

Osteoarthritis, also known as “wear and tear” arthritis, is the most common type of arthritis that can cause knee pain. As individuals age, the cartilage in the joint wears away, leading to the bones rubbing against each other, causing stiffness and swelling. Older adults, women, and those who are overweight are at a higher risk of developing osteoarthritis, as are those who regularly participate in high-impact sports like running and soccer.

Bursitis

Bursitis is a condition where the bursae, fluid-filled sacs that help reduce friction between the skin, tendons, and joints, become inflamed. While bursitis is more commonly found in the shoulders and elbows, it can also affect the knees and even the big toe. Bursitis can cause stiffness, swelling, and pain in the affected joint.

Meniscal Tear

A tear in the meniscus, the crescent-shaped cartilage in the knee joint, is one of the most common knee injuries. Meniscal tears are often seen in individuals who participate in contact sports like football or basketball, but can also occur in older adults and children who have increased their physical activity. Symptoms of a meniscal tear include knee locking, difficulty supporting the body’s weight, and pain, as well as a limited range of motion.

Iliotibial Band Syndrome

Iliotibial band syndrome is a common overuse injury that can cause pain on the outer side of the knee. This condition is often seen in athletes who do not properly train or have muscle imbalances in their back and hips. Medical exams, such as an MRI, may be necessary to rule out other potential causes of outer knee pain, including tendon inflammation and torn cartilage.

Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome

Patellofemoral pain syndrome, also known as “runner’s knee,” is a condition where the pain is felt around the patellofemoral joint, the area where the kneecap (patella) and the thigh bone (femur) meet. This type of pain is often caused by overuse of the knee joint, particularly in activities that involve jumping, running, squatting, or climbing stairs.

Addressing Knee Pain Radiating to the Foot

If you are experiencing knee pain that extends down to your foot, it is important to seek medical attention to determine the underlying cause and appropriate treatment. Your healthcare provider may recommend various interventions, such as rest, ice, compression, and elevation (RICE), anti-inflammatory medication, physical therapy, or in some cases, surgery. Addressing the root cause of the knee pain is crucial to effectively manage the condition and prevent it from worsening or leading to additional complications.

Preventing Knee Pain

While some forms of knee pain may be unavoidable, there are steps you can take to reduce your risk of developing this condition or exacerbating existing knee problems. These include maintaining a healthy weight, engaging in regular low-impact exercise, stretching and strengthening the muscles around the knee joint, and seeking proper medical attention for any injuries or persistent pain.

Knee Pain? Your Foot May Be the Cause

Are you experiencing some sort of knee pain and are wondering what the cause may be? Here we shall cover the topic as much as we can.

Adults have a higher chance of knee pain due to wear and tear on the joint that can happen due to their daily activities, even from something as simple as walking. Depending on their lifestyle, some people will also be more prone to knee pain due to injury. 

Some types of pain will go away after a few days, such as with mild injuries, other types of pain will stay far longer. Long-term knee pain can be caused by an old trauma that was not able to properly heal. Some people experience flare-ups while others just feel physical pain all the time. 

Regardless of how often your knee may hurt, it cannot be denied that it can greatly affect the quality of your life and health. Even taking a walk can be a burden. 

Symptoms 

Knee pain manifests itself in various ways depending on the person. Others will feel shooting pain whenever they are walking or doing a physical activity while others will just have mild discomfort. 

There are also those who have severe pain that can stop them from functioning, limiting their range of motion and threatening their overall health.

Some more symptoms of knee pain include swelling of the whole knee, which can sometimes be accompanied by a fever, constant shifting of their weight from foot to foot, limping, and not being able to bend your knee.  

What are the common causes of knee pain?

Aside from the conditions listed below, other causes of knee pain include injuries such as a dislocated kneecap, metabolic problems, and infection. 

Osteoarthritis 

There are actually many types of arthritis that can cause knee pain. This includes rheumatoid arthritis, septic arthritis and gout. The most common one is osteoarthritis, which is also known as  “wear and tear” arthritis. 

According to WebMD, 95% of patient knee pain comes from arthritis. . What happens is that as you age, the joint’s cartilage wears away, causing the bones to rub together making the knee joint stiff or swollen. 

Older people, women, and those who are overweight are at a higher risk. Those who regularly play sports like running and soccer are also more likely to develop osteoarthritis. 

Aside from your knees hurting, it is also common to have foot pain when you have knee osteoarthritis, as this research has found out. 

Bursitis

Bursitis is a condition that is more commonly found in the shoulders and elbow. Occasionally, it will affect the knee and even your big toe. 

What happens is that the bursae in your body become inflamed. These bursae are sacs filled with fluid that help to ease the friction between your skin, tendons and joints.

Bursitis can be very painful, often manifesting with stiff, swollen joints. For many, it takes a few days until the pain goes away and they are back to full health, able to walk again.  

Meniscal tear

A tear in your meniscus is one of the most common knee injuries that one can get. It can be quite painful once the area gets inflamed. It is often seen in those who engage in contact sports such as football or basketball. 

While many older people have a higher chance of injuries, the number of children who get this injury has also increased in the last few years. The reason for this increase in injury is that more children have begun taking up sports in their free time.

Symptoms of a meniscus tear include your knees locking or not being able to support the whole body. Aside from pain, it is also not possible to get a full range of motion.

Treatment for a meniscus tear includes elevating the legs and knee to bring down the swelling and the use of crutches to reduce the pressure on the joint. For more extreme cases, surgery is needed.

Iliotibial Syndrome

Another common injury that happens due to overuse. There are many reasons why iliotibial band syndrome will occur, including mechanical imbalance that affects various parts of the body including the back and hip.

Athletes who do not train properly and whose muscles are not flexible may also suffer from this condition. 

Medical exams like MRI are needed to rule out other possible causes to outer knee pain, including tendon inflammation and torn cartilage. 

Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome

Patellofemoral Syndrome (PFPS) is sometimes also called Runner’s Knee. Despite having that name, the condition is not limited to only runners. 

PFPS is the term used when knee pain is felt in the area of the patellofemoral knee joint, or the bone and tissues found around your kneecap. 

The most common reason why this happens is due to overuse of your knee and knee joint. People who constantly engage in activities that can add stress to their knees are prone to this. These activities include jumping, running, squatting or even walking up and down the stairs.  

Other factors that can increase the risk of PPFS include wearing the wrong footwear on your feet or using sports equipment in the wrong manner. At times, using the wrong technique in playing sports or training can also lead to this condition.

If you feel that you have PPFS, make your way to the doctor to get diagnosed. They will conduct a physical exam to check your knees and kneecaps. An x-ray and MRI may be needed to check for any damage to the bones or tendons and muscles. 

Can foot problems cause knee pain?

Most people think that their knee hurting is the result of knee injuries or the diseases stated above. But your foot might also be the reason why they hurt. Have you noticed your foot and ankle feeling painful lately? Then the pain will radiate to your leg and eventually make its way up?

This may be because you have a foot or ankle condition that is affecting your leg and knee. A patient may not think that foot pain and knee pain are related, but it does happen sometimes.  

Let’s take a look at some of the possible causes of your foot pain which can radiate all the way to your knee and kneecap. 

Plantar Fasciitis

Another cause of foot pain is plantar fasciitis. This is usually felt on the bottom part of your feet, in the heel and the arch. This pain is especially felt upon waking up or when you have been sitting for a long time.

It feels like a stabbing sensation near the heel of your ankle and foot. If you are female and over 40, you are more likely to feel this. Other factors that can increase the symptoms include suffering from flat feet, tight Achilles tendons and wearing high-heeled shoes regularly. 

Treatment such as physical therapy and wearing supportive shoes will greatly help to relieve the pain in the feet. 

Rheumatoid Arthritis

When you have this condition, it’s not only your joints that get affected but your whole body, including your knee joint. From your skin to your heart and to many other parts of your body, this arthritis can do a number on them, even to the point of causing disabilities and other health complications.

Aside from swollen joints, they may also feel stiff most especially in the morning. Some will also experience fever and tiredness, and will also have no appetite to eat. 

Overpronation 

You might be more familiar with the term flat feet, which is often called overpronation.. Overpronation is a condition where your foot rolls inward too much, too much inward, and the arch drops. 

There are people who were born with flat feet, but there are also are some conditions where a person can develop them. Those who are overweight and pregnant are the most at risk. 

Doing activities like running where the foot is constantly being struck on a hard surface causing trauma to the feet will also increase the risk. 

Overpronation can actually lead to other conditions such as heel pain, iliotibial band syndrome, bunions, stress fractures on the leg and foot, and even back pain.

Simple strengthening exercises for the muscles can help with the treatment, along with wearing orthotics.

Diagnosis

Many are able to function even with knee pain since it will only occur once in a while or only last for a very short while. But if the pain in your joint and knees have become debilitating, it is better to consult medical personnel in order to get diagnosed, 

You will undergo a test or two in order to get the proper diagnosis. This can be something as simple as an X-ray, while others will require a CT scan or MRI. After which the proper treatment will be prescribed.

What are the treatments to be free of knee pain?

Understand that how your knee pain will be treated depends on the cause of the pain itself. Some may only require physical therapy while others will need surgery in order for their knee to function and gain full range of motion. Here are the most common treatments that might be suggested to patients. 

Medication

You can get medication that will help to alleviate the pain of the knee injuries, etc. This may include non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs or topicals. Some would also be given the choice of getting steroid injections straight into the joint. 

Physical Therapy

There are things that can be done to help with the pain you feel. Aside from relieving the pain, it can also help patients to have an easier time with walking, kneeling, and sitting. 

Exercise

Even though athletes have a higher chance of suffering from knee pain due to their extensive physical training, it is important to note that exercise can be very helpful. In fact, research has shown that regular exercise can help to curb osteoarthritis. 

Not only does exercise improve your overall health, but it also specifically makes your body stronger, making it more efficient in supporting your joints. If you spend too much time being inactive, your muscles will get weak and this can cause your joint to feel more painful. 

You can pace yourself if you are not used to exercising. There are exercises that will not put too much stress on your knees and joints, such as swimming. Whatever workout you have chosen, make sure to do proper warm-up first. And of course, wear the proper type of shoes. 

Exercise is also a great way to lose weight. How heavy you are directly affects your joints. Harvard Health says that the pressure put on your knees is equal to one and half times your weight.

Wear the right footwear

Many people do not realise that their foot pain comes from wearing the wrong type of shoes. Your shoes will not just affect your ankle and foot but also your knees. 

Shoes are not just there for fashion, but they act as a support for your ankle, foot and knee. People who are already suffering from knee pain might want to consult specialty shops in order to get something tailored just for them. 

This can depend on a lot of things including how you walk and how your foot looks, i.e. if you have high arches or flat feet.  

Even if you don’t have pain in your foot or ankle, make sure to still wear the right footwear depending on what activity you are doing. For example, hiking and playing basketball are two different activities that would require different footwear. Wearing the right type will prevent foot pain or any other injuries. 

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I know if my knee pain is serious?

While there are some symptoms that can be managed at home, some will need the attention of a medical professional. If the following occur with the pai, schedule an appointment with your doctor:   fever, redness, significant swelling, and tenderness around the joint.

What can cause knee pain without injury?

Aside from the ones mentioned above, poor posture may also cause knee pain. If you have had a bad posture for many years, this will cause misalignment in your bones

Is plantar fasciitis classed as a disability?

A disability is something that may affect someone’s mobility and dexterity. While it is not explicitly stated that plantar fasciitis is considered a disability, there is a chance for it to be considered one especially when it has lasted six months or more. 

Can fallen arches cause knee problems?

Because of the pain felt on the foot due to fallen arches, individuals may not stand on their feet properly, causing an imbalance in gait. This will eventually lead to leg and knee pain in the long run.

Can bunions cause knee and back pain?

A bunion is a bony bump that forms where the big toe meets the foot. It may seem insignificant but it can actually affect your quality of life. Research has shown that those who have bunions were more at risk to ache in their hip, foot, ankle and lower back. 

This condition can be hereditary but can also be caused by other factors such as frequent wearing of heels. 

What is overpronation and underpronation?

Pronation is basically the natural movement of your foot when you are running and walking. People can have neutral pronation, overpronation, or under pronation. 

We have already explained overpronation, which is what we commonly refer to as flat feet. 

Underpronation, meanwhile, is also called supination and it happens when there is not enough inward roll in the foot, meaning your weight is on the outside of your foot.

Can flat feet cause a runner’s knee?

Because of overpronation, you may feel discomfort in your thigh, legs and knee while running. This pain can even make its way to your back. This can lead to pain, bunions and calluses. This poor foot posture or flat feet can also cause the knee to get twisted in deviation of the patella.

What causes leg pain from the knee down to the ankle?

There are several causes. It may be a disease like arthritis, or perhaps your muscles are strained. It can even be your gait or wearing the wrong pair of shoes, or an injury to your leg or knee joint. 

Can’t Stand Your Knee Pain? Contact Adelaide Foot and Ankle

If you have been dealing with chronic foot and knee pain, contact Adelaide Foot and Ankle to properly diagnose the source of the discomfort. A diagnostic test will be given so that we can give the proper treatment for your condition. With proper care, you can have a healthy life and gain a full range of motion again, free from stress. Injury, and suffering in your leg, joint, ankle, hip, and knee. 

Common causes and when to see a doctor

Severe knee pain can occur in people of all ages for a range of reasons. Knowing the cause of severe knee pain can help a person seek treatment, relieve symptoms, and regain mobility.

The knee is the joint between the bones of the upper and lower leg. It allows the leg to bend and provides stability to support the weight of the body. The knee supports motions such as walking, running, crouching, jumping, and turning.

Several parts help the knee to do its job, including:

• bones
• cartilage
• muscles
• ligaments
• tendons

Any of these parts are susceptible to disease and injury, which can lead to severe knee pain.

This article breaks down the common causes of severe knee pain into five categories: Trauma, infection, metabolic, degenerative disorders, and connective tissue disorders.

The Arthritis Foundation lists the knee as one of the most injury-prone joints.

The overall structure and components of the knee increase the risk for certain types of injury, which can cause pain and prevent full function.

Common knee injuries occur because of tears in one of the three main ligaments of the knee.

These are:

• the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL)
• the medial collateral ligament (MCL)
• the posterior cruciate ligament (PCL)

Injuries to these ligaments are common in athletes.

A sudden twisting motion or change in direction can injure the ACL. This is one of the most common knee injuries.

People tend to injure the PCL with direct impact to the area, such as a car crash or football tackle. A direct blow to the knee can lead to MCL damage.

Ligament injuries often require surgery.

Knee trauma can also lead to injuries as a result of overworking or overstretching a tendon. Inflammation, tendinitis, or ruptures can cause knee pain. Engaging in activities that involve the tendons can cause tendon injuries, such as running, jumping, and lifting heavy items.

Patellar tendinitis is the term that describes irritation and inflammation of the patellar tendon in the knee. A severely ruptured tendon usually requires surgical repair.

Less severe cases can be treated with a rigid support called a splint that keeps the knee in a fixed position during the healing process.

Knee bursitis

An injury that inflames the bursae can lead to bursitis. The bursae are small, fluid-filled sacs that cushion the outside of the knee joint and make it possible for tendons and ligaments to glide easily over the joints.

A sudden blow to the front of the knee can injure the bursae. Alternatively, damage can occur if people spend a lot of time on their knees without protection. Bursitis can lead to swelling, warmth, pain, and stiffness in the knee.

Most people can resolve the symptoms of bursitis with therapy and oral medications, such as non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). Therapy can include rest, ice, elevation of the limb, and splinting.

People with serious bursitis might require steroid injections. Individuals will not normally need surgery to make a full recovery and will normally achieve full function with proper management and treatment.

Fractures

Trauma from a fall or collision can cause fractures in the bones of the knee.

The knee contains several bones that can break, including the kneecap, also known as the patella.

Individuals with osteoporosis or other degenerative disorders that weaken bones can fracture their knee simply by stepping off a curb in the wrong way. Serious fractures require surgery, but some people with a knee fracture need only physical therapy.

Dislocated kneecap

Some injuries can cause the kneecap to move out of place.

Often, a doctor can replace the kneecap without issue. An X-ray can identify any accompanying fractures in the area. The individual may have to use a splint to allow the soft tissue around the patella to heal and regain strength. Occasionally, a person will require surgery to prevent further dislocations.

A dislocated knee is a rare but dangerous injury and differs from a dislocated kneecap. It takes a highly powerful blow to cause this type of damage. Though reversible, dislocation of the knee is extremely painful.

The doctor must reduce the dislocation and ensure that there are no further injuries. Injuries to the blood vessels and nerves around the knee are common with this injury, and it can be limb-threatening and life-threatening.

A doctor will almost always recommend surgery to repair the damaged structures in a knee dislocation. It can take about 6 weeks to heal from a dislocated kneecap.

This a medical emergency and requires immediate clinical attention.

Degenerative tissue disorders are a common knee complaint.

Osteoarthritis causes degeneration in the cartilage and surrounding tissues of the knee. It can produce pain, stiffness, and joint dysfunction.

The degenerative condition occurs most commonly as a result of aging. It occurs in 10 percent of men and 13 percent of women over the age of 60 years in the United States.

Although there is no cure for this degenerative disease, people can manage the symptoms with gentle exercise and pain relief medications.

Severe damage may lead to joint replacement or other forms of surgery. A doctor will initially order an X-ray to assess the extent of the damage and decide on the best course of treatment.

Share on PinterestRheumatoid arthritis can be a cause of knee pain.

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is an inflammatory autoimmune disorder that affects the joints.

The immune system attacks the joint tissues instead of harmful elements in the body.

Unlike degenerative tissue disorders, RA and other connective tissue disorders affect the lining of the joints. The result is a painful swelling in the knee joints. If a person does not receive treatment, RA can lead to bone erosion and even joint deformity.

Even though the pain might only occur in the knee area, RA can damage other parts of the body. Discuss treatment options with a doctor.

There is no cure for RA, but medication and treatment options are available. NSAIDs, corticosteroids, and biological agents are a few of the possible treatments, as well as disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs (DMARDs).

Metabolic causes of knee pain often occur alongside a disease that affects several parts of the body, such as gout.

A build-up of uric acid crystals in the joints can cause gout, one of the most common metabolic complaints that can affect the knee.

Gout is a form of arthritis and can be extremely painful. It causes swelling and inflammation in the knee and can reduce the range of motion in the area.

A doctor will often recommend anti-inflammatory medications or other treatments that help break down the chemicals in gout crystals.

Pseudogout is a similar condition. People commonly mistake this for gout, and it causes calcium-containing crystals to develop in the joint fluid, leading to swelling in the knee.

Treatment for gout and pseudogout are often similar.

Cellulitis is a very serious bacterial skin infection that can affect the knee and surrounding area.

Infection can even occur after a simple scrape on the knee if a person does not receive treatment for cellulitis. Symptoms often include redness in the infected area and skin that feels hot and extremely tender to the touch.

Share on PinterestInfection can occur in the knee, but ice packs are a helpful way to soothe the discomfort.

The infection can spread to other areas of the body, including the lymph nodes and bloodstream. Cellulitis can be life-threatening if there are delays in treatment.

Pay close attention to any scrapes or bruises, especially if they do not seem to be healing.

In most cases, an individual can treat cellulitis by taking antibiotics. Signs and symptoms normally disappear within a few days of treatment.

It is also possible for an infection called septic arthritis to occur in the joints of the knee, causing swelling, pain, and redness. Some individuals also complain of a fever.

Treatment is simple and effective if a person quickly receives care for septic arthritis, but leaving the infection untreated can lead to permanent damage to the cartilage of the knee.

A trained medical professional should perform tests to determine the direct cause of any knee pain.

They may reach a diagnosis by asking the following questions:

• When and how did the pain start?
• Is the pain linked to an injury?
• How severe is the pain?
• How has the pain changed over time?
• What makes the pain worse and what makes it feel better?
• What treatment has taken place so far?
• Has this ever happened before?

The doctor will be able to recommend a course of treatment appropriate for the cause of the pain.

Q:

What is the best way to identify the cause of my knee pain?

A:

The best way to manage knee pain is to identify the cause, as follows:

• Metabolic causes: Is there a history of gout or symptoms including dehydration that could precipitate a gout attack? If you have a diagnosis of gout, are you managing the condition with medication? Keeping up your regimen could reduce knee pain.
• Trauma: You will normally be aware of what causes a trauma, unless it is a repetitive type of trauma, such as a sudden and drastic increase in running distance.
• Infection: Is the joint red, hot, or swollen? Does the patient have a history of infections elsewhere or a compromised immune system? An elevated temperature is also a sign of infection in the knee.
• Osteoarthritis: Was the onset gradual or sudden? With OA, the pain usually develops gradually. Excessive body weight is one of the more common findings in people with osteoarthritis of the knee, so if you are overweight, this could be contributing to knee pain.
• Connective tissue disorders: Do you have a pre-existing diagnosis of a connective tissue disorder? If so, have you been taking medications to control it? Are there other joints involved, as with rheumatoid arthritis? If one knee is involved, a connective tissue disorder will likely affect the other knee.