Differential Diagnosis for Knee Pain Worse During Walking
- Single Most Likely Diagnosis
- Osteoarthritis: This is the most common cause of knee pain that worsens with activity such as walking. The wear and tear of the joint cartilage leads to pain and stiffness, especially after periods of inactivity or overuse.
- Other Likely Diagnoses
- Meniscal tear: Tears in the cartilage of the knee can cause pain, especially with twisting or bending motions, and can worsen with activities like walking.
- Ligament sprains: Injuries to the ligaments surrounding the knee can cause pain and instability, which may worsen with weight-bearing activities.
- Patellofemoral pain syndrome: Pain in the front of the knee, usually around or behind the patella, can be exacerbated by activities that put stress on the knee, such as walking.
- Bursitis: Inflammation of the fluid-filled sacs (bursae) that cushion the knee can cause pain, especially with movement or pressure on the knee.
- Do Not Miss Diagnoses
- Septic arthritis: A bacterial infection within the knee joint can cause severe pain, swelling, and warmth, and can lead to serious complications if not promptly treated.
- Osteonecrosis: Death of bone tissue due to lack of blood supply can cause knee pain that worsens with weight-bearing activities and can lead to collapse of the bone if not addressed.
- Deep vein thrombosis (DVT): A blood clot in the deep veins of the leg can cause pain and swelling, and can be life-threatening if the clot breaks loose and travels to the lungs.
- Rare Diagnoses
- Rheumatoid arthritis: An autoimmune disorder that can cause inflammation and pain in the knees, though it typically affects multiple joints and has other systemic symptoms.
- Gout or pseudogout: Deposition of urate crystals or calcium pyrophosphate dihydrate crystals within the joint can cause sudden, severe pain and swelling, often starting at night.
- Neuropathic pain: Certain conditions affecting the nerves, such as neuropathy or complex regional pain syndrome, can cause knee pain that may not be directly related to the joint itself.