Ever wondered why your knees feel hot sometimes? It’s not as uncommon as you might think. For someone who clocks in about 10,000 steps a day, feeling your knees heating up can be both annoying and concerning. But don’t worry, it could be due to several reasons, some more serious than others.
If you’ve recently ramped up your workout regime, the increased activity can cause your knees to feel hot. Muscle strain or overuse, especially if you’re incorporating high-intensity interval training (HIIT) or running into your routine, could be to blame. When I pushed my daily running from 5 kilometers to 10 kilometers this past summer, I was taken aback by how frequently my knees felt like they were on fire. That’s around the time I learned that repetitive strain can lead to what's known as "runner's knee."
On a similar note, consider how your joints react to a sudden twist or awkward landing. Acute injuries like ligament tears or a meniscus tear can lead to hot, swollen knees. The American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons lists these injuries as common causes of knee discomfort. A couple years back, during my local soccer league's finals, one of our star players had to leave the game. Turned out, he had torn his ACL.
Inflammation is another leading cause. This could manifest as bursitis or tendonitis, medical terms for inflamed bursae (small fluid-filled sacs) or tendons, respectively. When your body sends blood to the affected area to start the healing process, the resultant increase in temperature is what you might be feeling. There was one winter where I decided snow skiing was going to be my new hobby. A few intense sessions later, I experienced bursitis for the first time; trust me, you don't forget inflammation that comes with such searing heat.
Conditions like arthritis also make the list. In the United States alone, over 54 million adults are diagnosed with arthritis. It’s a staggering figure when you consider the population size. Osteoarthritis, which happens when the cartilage between your bones wears down, can make your joints not only painful but also unusually warm. Rheumatoid arthritis, an autoimmune disorder, is another culprit. I recall my grandmother, who had been dealing with it for years; her knees would often be warm to the touch during flare-ups.
Moreover, gout is a condition you might want to think about. When uric acid builds up, it can crystallize in your joints, leading to extreme pain and a sensation of heat. Approximately 8.3 million Americans have gout, a condition often associated with diet and lifestyle. It brings images to mind of that time my neighbor woke us all up with his wailing one holiday season. Turns out, his latest gout episode was triggered by too much red meat and alcohol.
But let's not overlook infections. Septic arthritis is a rare yet severe condition where an infection in the joint leads to swelling, pain, and a heated feeling. It's something that shouldn't be ignored, given that untreated cases can result in joint damage within 48 hours. A good friend of mine, who I met through our neighborhood book club, was hospitalized for a week because of an infection that had spread to her knee joint.
Blood clots also fall under the list of potential causes. Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) in the leg can bring about warmth and tenderness. According to the CDC, up to 900,000 people in the U.S. are affected by blood clots each year, and nearly one-third of those cases result in long-term complications. I remember watching a news report about a young athlete whose career was cut short because of an undiagnosed DVT that led to serious complications.
Of course, temperature changes can play tricks on us too. The contrast between external cold air and internal body heat can often make skin feel hotter than it is. I usually notice this contrast while jogging during chilly autumn mornings; my knees can feel like radiators against the crisp air.
So, when should you worry? Generally speaking, if the heat is accompanied by significant pain, swelling, or restricted movement, it’s wise to consult a healthcare professional. When my uncle's knees started radiating heat following an afternoon of yard work, he initially dismissed it. A few weeks later, his doctor diagnosed him with early-stage osteoarthritis.
In summary, several factors can contribute to this heated sensation. You might be experiencing it due to increased physical activity, inflammation, acute injuries, chronic conditions like arthritis, or even something as severe as an infection or blood clot. If you find yourself unsettled by these sensations, consider consulting a medical professional for a thorough evaluation. Here’s a helpful resource I came across during my research: Hot Knees.