Throbbing Knee Pain At Night

Anyone who experiences throbbing knee pain at night could be due to a number of medical issues. Knee pain is common with old age and athletes but can happen in other cases.

That makes finding the cause important since it could be more serious than one might think. Many conditions we experience are similar and require more inspection, to be specific.

The best method of sorting the issue may be to study all the symptoms and then compare. Once this process produces the desired results, we can look at the best treatments.

In some cases, the process may be simple, but it may require much more careful study to decide.

This method can be beneficial, especially if you have few or no options. We, however, always encourage you to seek medical advice to have conclusive evidence about your condition.

With that understanding, here are the known causes of throbbing knee pain at night.

Throbbing Knee Pain At Night – The Leading Causes

Osteoarthritis

Arthritis is a common cause of knee pain, especially in older persons. This type of condition is from the wear and tear of the joints. This problem causes the joints to become painful as the cartilage to cushion them wears away.

The tendons around the joints are also affected.

Symptoms of osteoarthritis are weakness in the knee with the feeling of inability to hold body weight. Other symptoms are cracking in the knee with the sound of grinding.

Swelling, stiffness, and excruciating pain are also symptoms to consider.

Treatments for this condition are surgery, especially in serious situations. Other treatments are corticosteroids injections, anti-inflammatory drugs, and painkillers.

Some therapies offer relief with braces forming a protective option by keeping the knee stable.

Some circumstances may require weight loss and crutches to keep the weight off the knee. No situation is the same; therefore, exercise may be a necessity.

Rheumatoid Arthritis

Another type of arthritis is rheumatoid arthritis, which is different from osteoarthritis. This condition happens when the immune system is overactive and attacks healthy cells. 

Symptoms of this condition regarding the knee are similar symptoms to osteoarthritis and worsening of pain during activity. You may still manage to bear your weight, but that can cause more swelling and pain.

Treatment for rheumatoid arthritis is also similar to osteoarthritis. You can use methods ( biologics) to reduce the build-up and spread of inflammation.

Knee replacement surgery can be done but isn’t always successful as the problem can reoccur.

Gout

Gout is a disease that primarily affects the feet and can bother your knee. This condition happens when the uric acid build-up becomes excessive and affects the joints.

Gout is another form of arthritis and will mimic many of the symptoms associated with rheumatoid and osteoarthritis.

Symptoms of gout are stiffness in joints resulting in limited mobility. Other symptoms are swelling and tenderness in the affected area. The knee may be red, warm, and painful.

Gout treatment is corticosteroids injections for immediate pain relief. Other treatments are anti-inflammatory medications and painkillers.

You can use lifestyle changes as another way to resolve the problem. This treatment requires cutting out red meats, sugar, alcohol, most seafood, and the organs of animals.

Throbbing Knee Pain At Night – Other Causes

The medical conditions under review can also happen during the daytime but mostly at night. You may feel pain while sleeping or shortly after you wake up.

When the knees are in one position for n extended period, it can be painful to move. Here are other medical conditions to consider.

Overuse

It is possible to cause the knee to become inflamed from overuse. This condition affects persons who do lots of training and active sports. It may happen as you age if you walk a lot, but it happens to athletes way more.

Overuse symptoms are swelling in the knees and pain when bending or straightening the knee. The knee may become swollen, red, and tender to the touch.

The formation of inflammation can cause the knee to become very irritated, so that standing may cause more pain.

Treatment for overuse of the knee is simple; rest is a primary option in such cases. You can use ice packs on the affected area and compression bandages.

It helps to elevate the knee at times, and some persons use painkillers to help with the pain. The problem comes from inflammation in the joints, so increasing anti-inflammatory foods will help.

Ligaments Damage

Multiple ligaments keep the knee joined together. These are the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL), The posterior cruciate ligament (PCL), and the medial and lateral ligaments. When these ligaments are torn and inflamed, the pain can be too much.

Symptoms of ligament damage of the knee are sudden and severe pain and a loud pop when the ligament tears. Other symptoms are swelling, joint feeling loose, and intense pain due to body weight. 

Treatments for ligament damage is the R.I.C.E method. This method requires persons to get enough rest and ice the injury at needed. The use of compression bandages and proper foot elevation are also part of this method.

Some people may require painkillers, medical or alternatives.

Nerve Pain

The nerves in the neck can cause pain in the knee if they are inflamed. You can also pinch the nerve in your knees from crossing your legs as a practice. Either of these conditions can cause severe knee pain.

The symptoms are the same as many of the other conditions. The difference can be that nerve pain may run up and down the leg. The knee may have tingling pain like needles. You may notice swelling and stiffness.

Treatment for nerve pain in the knees is an anti-inflammatory medication for the nerves in the knee and neck. Ice packs to the knee and neck, depending on which nerves are causing the pain.

Some situations may require surgery or a corticosteroid injection.

You may also require physical therapy to help restore proper joint movement. Another treatment to know of is orthotic devices which allow stabilizing the knee.

You don’t have to allow throbbing knee pain at night to keep you from getting a good night’s rest. The best approach is to visit a knee specialist and get relevant advice.

If your situation isn’t that serious, the treatments here will do fine, but see the doctor as a first option.