There is a sharp pain inside my knee with every step I take. What could be the reason for it?

Question

Hi doctor,

I have a knee injury that is not allowing me to run or squat. Whenever I try to run, there is a sharp pain inside my knee with every step I take. There is also a low cracking and creaking sounds whenever I flex or move my knee. I want to begin running again. Please help.

Answer 1

Hi,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

I read your concern, in my opinion, you might have some patellofemoral issue, that is, pain due to rubbing of patella bone with underlying femur bone. It can be caused due to tight hip musculature, back issue, or ITB tightness (Iliotibial band syndrome).

That cracking sound is due to bone on bone rubbing due to muscular imbalance. There is nothing to worry about. I would like to recommend you to:

1) Keep icing the front thigh muscles and outer thigh area frequently.

2) Try stretching hip flexor, quads, gluteus, and calf muscles.

Please do not run now, as running increases pain and discomfort. You can meet your general physician to have medication to reduce inflammation and relax muscles. Once pain reduces, then you can start rehabilitation and then gradually start running.

I hope this is helpful for you. Kindly revert if you have any further queries in this regard.