What could possibly be the cause of my discomfort?

Well for months on end on and off my knee constantly hurts. I don't know what it could be. I can't have my knee bent for very long or else when I straighten it, there is a sharp pain and vise versa. I constantly wake up from having a searing pain from my knee being bent and then I have to straighten it and that just causes me more pain. I am only 19 years old. What could the cause be?

[S. Kaul, MD]

Hi there!

There are a few possibilities to the cause of knee pain like injuries to the internal knee ligaments/ menisci, infections/ inflammations, arthritis, bursitis, tendonitis, cyst formation, iliotibial band syndrome, fractures, patellar dislocation, bone growths/ tumours, nerve injuries etc; just to name a few. Association of inability to bend or straighten the knee/ locked knee can be secondary due to pain or be caused by mechanical obstruction to joint movement like meniscal tears, fractured fragments, loose bodies, patellar displacement, muscular issues etc. Without a detailed history, physical examination and probably a few tests it would be difficult to point out a particular cause. I would suggest consulting an orthopedician for an evaluation. After a cause is diagnosed, it can be managed accordingly. Meanwhile you may try resting the knee and some OTC NSAIDS for pain relief.
Hope this helps.

Take care!