Knee pain refers to discomfort or soreness in the knee joint or the surrounding area. It can range from mild to severe and may affect mobility and daily activities. Here are some common causes of knee pain:

• Osteoarthritis: Osteoarthritis is a degenerative joint disease that occurs when the cartilage in the knee joint wears down over time, leading to pain, stiffness, and reduced mobility.
• Trauma or Injury: Injuries to the knee, such as ligament tears (e.g., anterior cruciate ligament or ACL tear), meniscus tears, or fractures, can occur from sports injuries, falls, accidents, or sudden twists or impacts.
• Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome (Runner's Knee): Patellofemoral pain syndrome is a common overuse injury that occurs when the patella (kneecap) does not track properly over the femur (thigh bone), leading to pain, swelling, and discomfort around the front of the knee, particularly with activities like running, squatting, or climbing stairs.
• Tendonitis: Tendonitis refers to inflammation of the tendons around the knee joint, which can occur from overuse, repetitive stress, or sudden injury. It can cause pain, swelling, and tenderness in the front, back, or sides of the knee.
• Meniscus Tears: The meniscus is a C-shaped cartilage in the knee joint that acts as a shock absorber and stabilizer. Tears or damage to the meniscus can occur from sudden twists or rotations of the knee, leading to pain, swelling, stiffness, and locking or catching sensations.
• Bursitis: Bursitis is inflammation of the bursae, small fluid-filled sacs that cushion and reduce friction between bones, tendons, and muscles around the knee joint. This can cause pain, swelling, and tenderness over the front, back, or sides of the knee.
• Iliotibial Band Syndrome (ITBS): ITBS is a common overuse injury that occurs when the iliotibial band, a thick band of tissue that runs from the hip to the knee, becomes irritated or inflamed. This can cause pain on the outer side of the knee, particularly with running or repetitive activities.
• Osgood-Schlatter Disease: Osgood-Schlatter disease is a common cause of knee pain in adolescents, particularly during growth spurts. It occurs when the patellar tendon at the front of the knee becomes inflamed or irritated, leading to pain, swelling, and tenderness below the kneecap.
• Knee Osteochondritis Dissecans: Osteochondritis dissecans is a condition where a fragment of bone and cartilage becomes detached from the surface of the joint, often due to repetitive trauma or reduced blood flow to the area. This can cause pain, swelling, and stiffness in the knee, particularly with activity.
• Rheumatoid Arthritis: Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disease that can affect the joints, including the knees, causing inflammation, pain, stiffness, and reduced mobility.

Understanding the underlying cause of knee pain is essential for proper diagnosis and treatment. Depending on the severity and nature of the pain, treatment options may include rest, physical therapy, medication, injections, or in severe cases, surgery. It's crucial to consult a healthcare professional for an accurate diagnosis and personalized treatment plan.