Why Does My Knee Burn: Causes and Treatments

May 06, 2024
Posted by Bernadette L
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Why does my knee burn? If this question confounds you, then you have come to the right place. Knee pain, in combination with this sensation, can be debilitating and confusing.

This article will explain the various knee-burn reasons and discuss possible solutions like knee braces. From an athlete to someone who leads a sedentary lifestyle, learning the roots of burning knee pain can bring you relief and prevent further knee strain.

(Copyright image from Freepik)

Burning in Knee: What Are the Fundamental Causes?

When you experience a burning sensation in your knee, it is a little scary. It is not always easy to identify it; the sensations can range from mild warmth to real burning. The following two primary factors should be taken into account as the fundamental causes of the heating sensation:

Inflammation. Inflammation is your body's natural response to injury. As your body releases certain chemical mediators and activates sensory nerve fibers in the affected tissues, you will feel a burning sensation as an inflammatory response. Some inflammatory conditions include arthritis, tendonitis, bursitis, or synovitis.
Nerve compression or irritation. Nerves are responsible for transmitting signals. If they are compressed or irritated, a burning sensation may occur in your knee. This is due to nerve damage, nerve entrapment, and related issues.

Different Types of Knees Burning and Relevant Conditions

Knee burning can have different causes, depending on its location and severity. In specific, these symptoms may point to a condition that requires treatment or changes in activity.

Let's explore some common knee conditions and where they typically cause pain:

Knee Burn at the Back of the Knee

"Back the knee" warmth can be a sign of numerous possible disorders. This feeling of discomfort is usually generated when a person experiences problems following either fluid buildup, muscle strains, or overuse.

If you feel a burning sensation at the back of your knee, it might be due to the following:

Baker's Cyst: a fluid-filled sac that appears behind the knee cap. It might result in a burning feeling because of the higher pressure.
Hamstring Strain: Overstretching the hamstring muscles at the back of the thigh can give rise to the pain and fire behind the knee.
Runner’s Knee: This broad term refers to repetitive stress injuries that are often caused by frequent knee bending. It is often demonstrated by the pain behind the kneecap.

Knee Burn at the Front of the Knee

Pain in the front of the knee, especially when it is associated with a burning feeling, mostly results from problems with the patella or the tendons. The sufferings are usually due to repetitive motions or body growth spurts.

Burning in the front of the knee can be a sign of:

Kneecap Pain: Repetitive bending of the knee in the front part of the knee can cause irritation and inflammation around the kneecap, leading to sensations of burning at the front.
Jumper’s Knee: It is also called patellar tendinitis, which causes excessive usage and strain on the patellar tendon during the repetitive jumping or landing process.
Growing Pains: In teens, rapid bone growth and increased physical activity can lead to muscle fatigue and disrupt the normal alignment of leg bones, bringing up pain in the knee.

Knee Burn at the Side of the Knee

Burning at the sides of the knee may be a warning sign of the cartilage, ligaments, or other supportive systems. This is recurring pain that usually comes from injuries, inflammation, or excessive use.

If the burning is on the side of your knee, it could be due to:

Meniscus Tear: The meniscus is a cartilage within the knee joint. A tear of the menisci can cause burning and pain on the side of the knee.
Bursitis: A burning knee pain can result from inflammation of the bursa (fluid-filled sacs that have buffer function).
IT Band Syndrome: The iliotibial (IT) band course is outside the knee. Friction between the IT band and the structure nearby can generate a burning sensation.
Ligament Sprain: When ligaments on the sides of the knee get sprained, a burning feeling is usually experienced.
Cartilage Tear: Cartilage sits between the thighbone and the kneecap. And tears of it can cause pain and burning.

Knee Burn Within the Knee

The burning pain that you feel inside the knee may be a sign of a deeper problem, which is commonly related to joint inflammation or wear and tear. These conditions very often require medical treatment to control the symptoms and keep the damage from increasing.

Burning pain from within the knee may be due to:

Osteoarthritis: This is a progressive disease that leads to cartilage breakdown and the pain and burning that follow.
Synovitis: The inflammation of the synovial membrane located in the knee may lead to burning pain.

(Copyright image from Freepik)

Common Treatments for Burning in Knee

After listing a number of causes, let’s discuss some treatments that a person may use to relieve knee pain.

Here are some simple treatments that might help you find relief:

Cold Therapy: Applying a pack of cold or ice to the knee area can help reduce swelling and numb the area, thus providing relief from knee burning. To prevent frostbite, the ice bag should be wrapped in a cloth.
Cushions or pillow support: Use a cushion or pillow to support the knee to improve comfort, reduce pressure, and reduce the risk of prolonged periods either when sitting or sleeping.
Knee supports: Knee braces alleviate knee burning by providing support and stability while reducing inflammation through compression. They also offer comfort and mobility for individuals to remain active in their daily routines.

Some Top-Rated Braces for Knee Burning

Depending on the severity and cause of the burning sensation, selecting a knee brace with appropriate compression and stability features can offer relief and aid in recovery. Some best knee braces from Fivali include:

Fivali Compression Sports Knee Brace

The Fivali Compression Sports Knee Brace FKR07 provides gentle compression and support to relieve knee burning sensation and is suitable for various activities. It features

High-density knitted fabric for stability and comfort
Silicone grip for secure placement
Lightweight, discreet design with four-way elasticity

Fivali Adjustable Knee Brace for Pain

The Fivali Adjustable Knee Brace for Pain (FKR02) offers an enhanced level of stability and targeted relief. It is more suitable for more intense sensations and pain

It features:

Dual-side support bars enhance support
knee pads for compression and support
One-piece pressure strap for secure fastening
Reliable stability and comfort

With options in multiple colors and sizes, backed by a 30-day guarantee, they are some of the top choices for alleviating knee burning sensation and promoting recovery. Good news! There is a 20% discount during the national fitness month. Seize the chance and find the perfect braces for a burning knee!

When to Seek Professional Advice with Knee Burn

While most cases of a burning sensation in the knee can be treated with simple treatments, there are times when professional advice is necessary. Here are situations when you consider contacting a doctor or physical therapist:

Persistent or Worsening Pain: If the burning in your knee continues or even intensifies with time, it is a sign that you should see a doctor.
Swelling or Redness: If the knee is swollen or has redness, it needs the attention of a provider as soon as possible.
Difficulty with Weight Bearing: If you cannot bear weight on your knee, walking or using the knee is a clear sign of severe injury that needs medical attention.
Limited Range of Motion: If you experience a limited range of motion and a still knee joint, then it indicates severe problems.

Conclusion

Understanding the causes of knee burning sensations empowers individuals to seek appropriate treatments and relief. From inflammation to nerve compression, identifying the root cause is crucial for effective management.

Simple treatments like cold therapy and knee support can provide relief, while top-rated braces from Fivali can offer targeted support and stability. Take action today to find the relief you deserve with the help of Fivali and its range of knee supports and accessories.

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