Causes and Treatments for Burning Knee Pain

Understanding Burning Knee Pain

Knee pain is a common complaint that affects people of all ages. In some cases, individuals describe their knee pain sensation as a burning feeling. There are various causes that can contribute to burning knee discomfort. Identifying the source of the problem is key to finding the appropriate treatment.

What Does Burning Knee Pain Feel Like?

A burning feeling in the knees may feel like a hot, scalding, or searing sensation. Some describe it as stinging, prickling, or tingling. The intensity can range from mild to severe. It may be localized in a specific part of the knee or diffuse throughout the joint. Burning knee pain can come and go or be constant.

This type of pain often gets worse with activity and may be accompanied by:

• Swelling and inflammation
• Joint stiffness
• Redness and warmth
• Weakness or instability
• Difficulty walking or bending the knee

Finding the source is important, as a burning feeling can signify nerve irritation or damage in some cases.

Causes of Burning Knee Pain

There are many possible causes of a burning knee pain sensation. Some of the most common include:

Knee Injuries

Injuries to structures within or around the knee joint can cause inflammation and damage to nerve fibers, leading to a burning feeling. Possibilities include:

• ACL tear - The anterior cruciate ligament helps stabilize the knee. Tears often cause instability and burning pain.
• Meniscus tear - Cartilage tears can catch and pinch the joint, leading to sharp, burning discomfort.
• Patellar dislocation - When the kneecap slides out of position, it can irritate the joint and nearby nerves.
• Illiotibial band syndrome - Friction from this band rubbing over the knee causes burning on the outer side.
• Patellofemoral syndrome - Irritation between the kneecap and thigh bone results in anterior knee pain.

Arthritis

Osteoarthritis and inflammatory types of arthritis like rheumatoid arthritis can cause burning knee discomfort. The breakdown of cartilage and bone rubs and inflames the joint lining, nerves, and other structures.

Tendonitis

Inflammation of a tendon, like the patellar or quadriceps tendon, produces burning pain. Microtears in the tendon fibers become irritated with overuse.

Bursitis

There are many bursa sacs around the knee that cushion and lubricate the joint. Bursitis causes these sacs to become inflamed and painful.

Infection

A bacterial, viral, or fungal knee infection can cause accumulation of infected fluid and severe burning joint pain.

Gout

Buildup of uric acid crystals in the joint triggers gout flares. This causes hot, red, and extremely painful burning of the knee.

Plica Syndrome

Irritation and inflammation of the synovial plica tissues inside the knee joint can lead to sharp, sudden bursts of burning pain.

Osgood-Schlatter Disease

This overuse injury at the knee tendon attachment to the shin bone is common in adolescents. It causes burning pain below the knee.

Kneecap Disorders

Issues with patella tracking and gliding can strain the knee and produce anterior knee pain. Patellofemoral disorders often cause a burning discomfort.

Is It Normal for Knees to Burn?

Occasional mild burning knee pain with activity is relatively normal, especially as people age. But consistent or worsening burning, stinging, or shooting pain around the joint is not normal and usually indicates an underlying issue.

See your doctor if burning knee pain persists over 2-3 days, causes significant discomfort, or is accompanied by symptoms like swelling, instability, locking, or popping. Some causes like infection require urgent medical care.

Burning Knee Pain Treatment

The appropriate treatment depends on the cause of your burning knee pain. Your doctor will perform a physical exam and order imaging or lab tests if needed to make the diagnosis. Common treatments may include:

Rest and Ice

Taking a break from activities that aggravate your knee along with icing can help reduce inflammation that contributes to burning discomfort.

NSAIDs

Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs like ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) or naproxen (Aleve) ease pain and inflammation.

Physical Therapy

PT focuses on knee strengthening, flexibility, and alignment to improve function and reduce irritation of the joint structures.

Bracing

Braces, sleeves, and taping techniques can provide compression and support to help stabilize the knee.

Injections

Corticosteroid injections directly into the knee may calm inflammation. In some cases, nerve blocks can reduce burning discomfort.

Surgery

If conservative treatments fail, surgery to repair damaged structures or remove inflamed tissue may be warranted.

Seeing an orthopedic doctor or sports medicine physician can help guide appropriate treatment to resolve the source of your burning knee pain.

When to See a Doctor

Make an appointment with your doctor if you have burning knee pain that:

• Does not improve with rest and over-the-counter medications
• Worsens over time
• Causes difficulty walking or performing daily activities
• Occurs along with swelling, instability, locking, or popping of the knee
• Happens after a knee injury
• Occurs with other unexplained symptoms like fever, headache, rash, or generally feeling unwell

Evaluation by a medical professional can determine if your burning knee pain is due to simple overuse, a chronic problem like arthritis, or a more serious issue requiring urgent treatment. Early intervention may help prevent permanent knee joint damage.

Diagnosing the Cause of Burning Knee Pain

To pinpoint why you have a burning sensation in your knee, your doctor will ask about your symptoms and perform a physical examination. They may check for:

• Point tenderness - Pressing on specific spots hurts worse
• Crepitus - Crunchy feeling when moving the knee
• Joint effusion - Swelling from fluid buildup
• Limited range of motion
• Buckling or giving way
• Locking or catching sensations
• Muscle weakness
• Areas of numbness

Your doctor may then order imaging tests or lab work including:

• X-rays - Views bones and joint space
• MRI - Evaluates soft tissues like ligaments, tendons, cartilage
• CT scan - Further images bone
• Joint fluid analysis - Checks for infection, gout, or bleeding
• Blood tests
• Nerve conduction study - Assesses nerve function

These diagnostic evaluations help determine the underlying cause, guide treatment decisions, and rule out serious conditions like infection or cancer.

Home Remedies for Burning Knee Pain

While waiting for your doctor's appointment or in tandem with medical treatment, some home remedies may help provide relief from burning knee discomfort. Options to try include:

Rest

Avoid activities that aggravate your knee like high-impact exercise, climbing stairs, or kneeling. Take a break from sports and give your knee time to heal.

Ice

Ice the knee for 15 minutes a few times per day to reduce inflammation. Wrap the ice in a towel to protect your skin.

Elevation

Prop your leg up on pillows or a footstool when sitting to decrease knee swelling.

Compression

Wear an elastic knee sleeve or bandage to provide stability and compress swelling.

Over-the-Counter Medications

Anti-inflammatories like NSAIDs, topical creams, or analgesic balms can temporarily alleviate burning discomfort.

Heat

After the first 48 hours, apply a warm compress or take a warm bath to stimulate blood flow and loosen the joint.

See your physician if home care strategies do not resolve your burning knee pain within a few days. More aggressive medical treatment may be needed.

Preventing Knee Burning Pain

Making certain lifestyle adjustments may help ward off burning knee discomfort or prevent it from recurring. Try these knee pain prevention tips:

• Maintain a healthy body weight to avoid overloading the knee joint
• Wear supportive, well-cushioned shoes
• Strengthen and stretch leg and hip muscles
• Use proper form and gradually increase activity levels
• Listen to your body and rest when your knee hurts
• Wear knee pads for athletic activities or occupations that require kneeling
• Use orthotics or walking aids if needed for posture and alignment
• Manage chronic health conditions
• Quit smoking to optimize circulation and healing

Being proactive with your knee health can help keep your joints pain-free and functioning well.

When to See an Orthopedic Specialist for Knee Pain

Orthopedists are physicians who specialize in diagnosing and treating musculoskeletal disorders. Seeing an orthopedic doctor is a good idea if you have:

• Persistent or recurrent knee pain
• Swelling, instability, locking, popping, or giving out of the knee
• Injury to the knee like a torn ligament or tendon
• Limitations in knee movement or mobility
• Persistent burning, stinging, or tingling knee pain
• An underlying condition like arthritis or gout affecting the knee
• Knee pain not improving with rest, icing, medications, or home care
• Need for imaging tests or joint fluid analysis
• Considering knee surgery or injections

Orthopedic doctors have specialized training to accurately assess knee problems, provide treatment options, and help prevent future issues. Getting an accurate diagnosis and proper care can help resolve burning knee discomfort.

Conclusion

A burning sensation in or around the knee joint can have various causes. Injury, arthritis, infection, overuse, or nerve irritation are common culprits. While occasional mild burning with activity is normal, persistent or worsening burning knee pain should be evaluated by a doctor. An orthopedic specialist can provide tailored treatment to find relief from burning discomfort and get you back to pain-free movement.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment regimen.