Decoding Knee Pain: 10 Typical Causes

5. Osteoarthritis

Osteoarthritis of the knee is another medical cause of extreme knee pain. This degenerative joint disorder generally affects people older than 60 years. Cartilage in the knee joint steadily shrinks in people with osteoarthritis. As a result, the internal structure of the knee appears jagged and frayed. Bones rub together, causing pain, bulging, lack of mobility in the joint and even bone spurs. Topical agents containing synthetic or natural ingredients and steroid injections can sometimes help the symptoms of osteoarthritis.