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Published on: 5/6/2025

What Could Cause Random Episodes of Knee Pain?

Random knee pain can happen when the knee joint feels unstable or when arthritis causes sudden flares. These changes in the knee, sometimes seen in osteoarthritis, may make the joint hurt unexpectedly.

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Explanation

Knee pain that comes and goes can be due to a few factors. One cause is knee instability. When the knee joint isn’t stable, it might feel wobbly or weak, and this extra strain can make the knee hurt. Studies have shown that instability might be linked to falls and might also be a sign that the joint is under stress. Another reason is osteoarthritis, a condition where the protective cartilage in the knee wears away over time. With arthritis, everyday activities can sometimes trigger a flare-up in pain. This means that even normal movements can lead to sudden knee pain that may last for a short time or get worse over time. Other things like muscle weakness or changes in how you move and use your knee might also play a role. It is important to remember that everyone’s knee is different, and what causes pain in one person might be different for another. Always talk to a healthcare professional if you have concerns about knee pain.

(References)

  • Nevitt MC, Tolstykh I, Shakoor N, Nguyen US, Segal NA, Lewis C, Felson DT; Multicenter Osteoarthritis Study Investigators. Symptoms of Knee Instability as Risk Factors for Recurrent Falls. Arthritis Care Res (Hoboken). 2016 Aug;68(8):1089-97. doi: 10.1002/acr.22811. PMID: 26853236; PMCID: PMC4958545.

  • Collins JE, Yang YH, Opare-Addo MB, Losina E. Quantifying sustained pain worsening in knee osteoarthritis. Osteoarthritis Cartilage. 2023 Jun;31(6):802-808. doi: 10.1016/j.joca.2023.03.012. Epub 2023 Apr 5. PMID: 37024069; PMCID: PMC10200767.

  • Rayahin JE, Chmiel JS, Hayes KW, Almagor O, Belisle L, Chang AH, Moisio K, Zhang Y, Sharma L. Factors associated with pain experience outcome in knee osteoarthritis. Arthritis Care Res (Hoboken). 2014 Dec;66(12):1828-35. doi: 10.1002/acr.22402. PMID: 25047144; PMCID: PMC4245457.

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