Feel pain on the outer side of your knee?: These 4 issues may be behind it

pain on outer side of knee

Struggling with the impact of knee pain on your daily life? Because the knee is a complex region, pain can appear in various specific areas on the knee. The place where you feel knee pain can be an important indication of your root condition. Because of this, it can be helpful to pay attention to where your pain feels like it is coming from. One of the most common kinds of knee pain is pain on the outer side of the knee. There are a range of conditions that can lead to feeling pain on the outer side of your knee. These conditions can make you uncomfortable and lead to worsening symptoms if left untreated. Learning more about the common causes of pain on the outer side of the knee can help shed light on effective solutions.

Potential causes of pain on the outer side of your knee

 

  • Bursitis — Small fluid-filled sacs in the body called bursae play an essential role in providing joint cushioning. When these sacs are inflamed, they can produce an uncomfortable condition called bursitis. Bursitis can occur in many areas of the body. If bursitis is causing pain on the outer side of your knee, it is likely IT band bursitis. The IT band, short for iliotibial band, is a thick band of tissue located around the outer side of your leg. It extends from your hip to your shinbone. If the bursae along the IT band are inflamed, you may experience persistent pain along your upper leg. The affected area may include the outer side of your knee. To address bursitis, getting enough rest is key. A physical therapist can also help speed up recovery with treatments like manual therapy.

  • LCL injury — The lateral collateral ligament (LCL) is a ligament on the outer side of the knee. Chronic pain, among other symptoms, is a common result of an LCL injury. The LCL connects your thighbone to other parts of the leg. This makes it essential to keeping your leg stable. After an LCL injury, you may have difficulty walking and staying on your feet. LCL injuries are typically caused by a sudden twist or a hard impact. Rest and physical therapy are common approaches to LCL injuries. In severe cases, surgical intervention might be necessary. If surgery is your only viable option, it is important to consider post-surgical rehab. Physical therapy rehab after an LCL operation can be highly effective in speeding up your recovery time.

  • Meniscus tear — A meniscus tear is an injury that can lead to discomfort and pain along the outer side of the knee. The best treatment will depend on the severity of your injury. The meniscus is a piece of cartilage situated between the shinbone and thighbone. Its main function is to provide cushioning to the surrounding bones. There are two menisci in each knee. The one located on the knee’s outside is called the lateral meniscus. When this tissue is damaged, physical therapy can be a great treatment option. In addition to healing and pain relief, physical therapists can also help with re-injury prevention. Your physical therapist can offer lifestyle guidance meant to reduce your risk of future knee injuries.

  • Tendinitis — Tendinitis refers to inflammation in the tendons. Common symptoms include stiffness and pain. The most common kind of tendinitis affecting the external part of the knee is called patellar tendinitis. Patellar tendinitis affects the patellar tendon, which connects the kneecap to the shinbone. Anti-inflammatory treatments like dry needling can be excellent for treating tendinitis. Your physical therapist may also recommend targeted exercises to strengthen the affected tendons. With physical therapy, you can address the root cause of your pain and experience long-term relief.

Pain on the outer side of your knee can be addressed by PT specialists at SSOR

Experiencing pain on the outer side of your knee? At SSOR (Specialists in Sports and Orthopedic Rehabilitation), you can find top-notch treatment for this symptom. Our expert team offers a range of innovative treatments including manual therapy and dry needling. If you are unable to visit one of our in-person locations, we can also provide virtual physical therapy. With virtual care, you can benefit from expert guidance for treating your knee condition without leaving your home. Regardless of the form your care takes, our team is dedicated to providing care that exceeds expectations.

Call us or request an appointment today to get treatment for pain on the outer side of your knee.