Causes Of Burning and Stabbing Knee Pain
Knee pain with burning or stabbing sensation often points towards underlying nerve involvement, but there are various causes. Burning sensations can be felt in the front, side, or back of the knee. The most common causes are discussed below:
Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome (Chondromalacia Patella)
Also known as runner’s knee, this condition is characterized by the softening of cartilage on the inner side of the patella (knee cap). It is common in athletes and is usually the outcome of overuse injuries. The burning sensation is felt in the anterior region (front of the knee) and typically affects one leg. Research indicates an underlying neuropathic abnormality in PFPS that might explain the burning pain in the knee.
Iliotibial Band Syndrome (ITBS)
When burning pain is experienced on the side of the knee, it may be due to Iliotibial Band Syndrome. Overuse or trauma can irritate and swell the iliotibial band tendon, causing nerve compression. ITBS is common in athletes and presents as burning pain in the lateral femoral epicondyle. Conservative treatment is often effective.
Inflammation of Knee Soft Tissues
Inflammation of the connective tissue (cartilage, ligaments, tendons, muscles) can trigger burning pain.
Bursitis
Knee bursitis is the inflammation of small fluid-filled sacs (bursa) in the joint. Pain is more pronounced when kneeling down.
Tendonitis
Patellar tendinitis (jumper’s knee) is common in athletes and causes burning pain, usually on the outside of the knee. Hamstring tendonitis may also contribute to burning pain.
Arthritis as a Cause of Sharp Stabbing Pain
Arthritis pain can be associated with burning pain, especially with nerve involvement.
Osteoarthritis
OA may be accompanied by a burning sensation. Studies show OA patients are more prone to cartilage tear.
Rheumatoid Arthritis
Rheumatoid arthritis (autoimmune disorder) can also cause burning knee pain.
Injury/Trauma and Tearing
Blunt force trauma can damage cartilage and bones, causing burning pain.
Cartilage Tear
A torn piece of cartilage can be the source of burning pain, often due to trauma or sports injury.
Ligament Tear
Ligament tears (e.g., lateral collateral ligament or meniscus) can induce pain in the side of the knee.
Gout
High uric acid levels can lead to uric crystal build-up in the knee, causing inflammation and burning pain.
Peripheral Artery Disease
Narrowing of arteries in the limbs can trigger pain in the leg and knee. Resting pain and even gangrene can occur in severe cases.
Cysts as a Cause of Sharp Stabbing Pain
Fluid-filled cysts, such as Baker’s cyst, can cause burning pain in the back of the knee. Studies show Baker’s cyst is a common cause of posterior knee pain.
Treatment Of Burning Pain In Knee
Prolotherapy
In recent years, Prolotherapy has built its reputation within the medical community for its clinically proven ability to treat knee pain. Published research has proven its pain-relieving, anti-inflammatory and regenerative benefits. Prolotherapy involves injecting a natural regenerative solution with tiny needles. This has been shown to stimulate the production of collagen cells, the small cells needed to repair the damage and help knee pain. As prolotherapy is helping to treat the root cause of knee pain, it is deemed to be a permanent fix, preventing the symptoms from returning.
Rest And Medications
Overuse injuries can be managed with rest and over-the-counter pain medications (ibuprofen, etc.). Ice packs can help reduce pain and inflammation.
Steroid Injections
Cortisone (steroid) injections provide instant relief for severe acute pain and start working within hours.
Arthroscopic Surgery
Severe cases may require arthroscopic surgery, such as knee debridement or chondroplasty. Advanced arthritis may require knee replacement surgery.
Support And Strengthening
Muscle-strengthening exercises and knee braces are recommended after ligament tears and rest.
Exercise And Occupational Therapy
Massage and occupational therapy can soothe muscles and improve range of motion. Strengthening exercises help reduce pain. Massage improves blood flow and reduces tension.
Conclusion
Burning pain in the knee can result from a variety of underlying conditions, most commonly nerve involvement, overuse injuries, inflammation, trauma, arthritis, vascular disease, or cysts. Treatment options include rest, medications, physical therapy, injections, surgery, and advanced regenerative therapies like prolotherapy. Early diagnosis and a tailored treatment plan are key to recovery and prevention of chronic pain.
Frequently Asked Questions
What could cause burning in your knee?
Burning of the knee is a common symptom of runner’s knee (patellofemoral pain syndrome), tendonitis, or nerve involvement. Inflammation increases pain signals in the knee and surrounding tissues.
How do I stop my knee from burning and hurting?
Rest, avoid aggravating activities, use ice packs, and take over-the-counter painkillers. If pain persists, consult a healthcare provider.
Does arthritis cause burning in the knees?
Yes, osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis can both cause burning pain in the knees, especially when nerves are involved.
What is better for knee pain, heat, or cold?
Cold packs are best for swelling and acute injury (first 24 hours). Heat therapy is helpful for muscle spasms and chronic pain.
How do I know if my knee pain is serious?
If you cannot bear weight, have significant swelling, redness, fever, or loss of motion, seek medical attention promptly.
What is the best painkiller for knee pain?
Over-the-counter NSAIDs like ibuprofen or naproxen are commonly recommended. Always follow your doctor’s advice.
Contact ProHealth Clinic Today for Your FREE 15-Minute Discovery Call
Don’t let burning and stabbing pain on the inside of the knee control your life any longer. Join the thousands of patients who have found lasting relief through prolotherapy at ProHealth Clinic.
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Author Bio
Having performed over 10,000 procedures, Mr Eaton is one of the UK’s leading practitioners in the field of treating burning and stabbing pain on the inside of the knee, with patients travelling to see him from across the UK, Europe, and the Middle East.
With over 12 years of clinical experience, Oliver is dedicated to helping patients understand their symptoms associated with burning and stabbing pain on the inside of the knee and providing effective treatment options to alleviate them.
He qualified in Prolozone Therapy and Prolotherapy in America with the American Academy of Ozonotherapy. He continued on to complete further qualifications at the Royal Society of Medicine, Charing Cross Hospital in London, Keele University’s Anatomy & Surgical Training Centre, and the medical department of Heidelberg University in Germany.
Over the years he has had the privilege of treating many elite-level athletes, including both Olympic and Commonwealth medallists.
References
- Jensen, Roar, Alice Kvale, and Anders Baerheim. “Is pain in patellofemoral pain syndrome neuropathic?.” The Clinical journal of pain 24.5 (2008): 384-394.
- Fredericson, Michael, Marc Guillet, and Len DeBenedictis. “Quick solutions for iliotibial band syndrome.” The Physician and Sportsmedicine 28.2 (2000): 52-68.
- Friede, Miriam C., et al. “Conservative treatment of iliotibial band syndrome in runners: Are we targeting the right goals?.” Physical Therapy in Sport (2021).
- Fredericson, Michael, and Adam Weir. “Practical management of iliotibial band friction syndrome in runners.” Clinical Journal of Sport Medicine 16.3 (2006): 261-268.
- Ding, Cicuttini, Flavia Cicuttini, and Graeme Jones. “Tibial subchondral bone size and knee cartilage defects: relevance to knee osteoarthritis.” Osteoarthritis and cartilage 15.5 (2007): 479-486.
- Frush, Todd J., and Frank R. Noyes. “Baker’s cyst: diagnostic and surgical considerations.” Sports Health 7.4 (2015): 359-365.
- Halperin, Jonathan L. “Evaluation of patients with peripheral vascular disease.” Thrombosis research 106.6 (2002): V303-V311.