Knee pain, especially an intense one, can put a full stop to your physical activities. Knee pain is very common in the U.S., with studies showing that about 25% of Americans experience it regularly. However, a sharp stabbing pain in the knee that comes and goes can be concerning.
Issues That Cause Sharp Stabbing Pain in Your Knee
Knee pain can feel different for everyone. It might be a dull ache, or it could feel like a sudden, stabbing pain. Some knee problems can even cause sharp pain that comes and goes without warning. The following are the causes of this kind of pain:
- Meniscus Tear: The meniscus is made of two C-shaped pieces of cartilage that sit on top of the shinbone, cushioning it from the thigh bone. Quick stops or sudden direction changes can tear the meniscus. Studies show that about 14% of Americans get a meniscus tear each year.
- Runner’s Knee: Also called patellofemoral pain syndrome (PPS), this happens when the tissue around or under the kneecap becomes irritated and inflamed. It’s often caused by overdoing it when running or running with poor form. Research shows that PPS affects about 23% of Americans every year.
- Hoffa’s Fat Pad Impingement: This happens when the fat pad under the kneecap gets inflamed, causing sharp pain, especially when the knee is straightened or pressed. It often results from overuse or direct injury to the knee.
- Ligament Injuries: Tearing a ligament, like the ACL, can cause sharp pain that comes and goes. These injuries usually happen during sports or activities with sudden direction changes. You might also feel swelling and instability in the knee.
- Bursitis: Bursitis occurs when small, fluid-filled sacs (bursae) that reduce friction in the knee become inflamed. This can cause sharp pain that eases with rest but worsens with certain movements or pressure on the knee.
Treatments for Sharp Stabbing Pain in the Knee That Comes and Goes
There are many conservative treatments for it. However, they don’t always work as a long-term solution. Surgical treatment for sharp knee pain that comes and goes include:
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Arthroscopic Surgery:
This is a minimally invasive surgery using small cuts, a camera, and special tools to treat knee issues. It can help with:
- Meniscus Repair: Fixing or removing torn meniscus tissue.
- Ligament Reconstruction: Repairing ligaments like the ACL.
- Debridement: Removing loose cartilage or bone fragments that cause pain.
Recovery is usually quicker with less pain than open surgery.
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Knee Replacement Surgery:
When the knee is badly damaged, part or all of it may need to be replaced.
- Partial Knee Replacement: Only the damaged part is replaced.
- Total Knee Replacement: Worn-out bone and cartilage are replaced with artificial parts.
This is often used for severe arthritis or joint damage that makes daily activities difficult.
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Osteotomy:
This surgery involves cutting and reshaping bones to improve knee alignment and relieve pressure. Orthopedics usually recommend it for early-stage arthritis to delay full knee replacement.
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Prolotherapy:
Instead of surgery, a solution is injected into the knee to encourage healing and strengthen weak ligaments and tendons. It aims to provide lasting pain relief as it fixes the underlying problem.
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Open Knee Surgery:
In cases of serious fractures or severe damage, open surgery may be needed. The surgeon realigns bones and secures them with pins, screws, or plates. This method is used for injuries that can’t be treated with less invasive options.
Wrapping Up
A sharp stabbing pain in the knee that comes and goes can affect your daily life. Therefore, a proper examination by an experienced orthopedic doctor is the best solution.
Visit our board-certified orthopedic surgeon, Dr. Ugo, at Ugo Ihekweazu, MD. Our doctor serves on national leadership committees with the American Association of Hip and Knee Surgeons. Call us at (713) 799-2300 for an appointment.