What is Knee Pain?
Knee pain is a common complaint that affects people of all ages. It may develop gradually due to overuse, wear-and-tear, or arthritis, or it may occur suddenly following an injury. The knee is a complex joint made up of bones, cartilage, tendons, ligaments, and muscles—when any of these structures become irritated, damaged, or weakened, knee pain can occur.
Knee pain can limit your ability to walk, climb stairs, exercise, or perform daily activities. Early diagnosis and treatment help prevent worsening symptoms and support long-term joint health.
Symptoms of Knee Pain
Depending on the cause, knee pain may present as:
- A sharp or aching pain around the front, side, or back of the knee
- Swelling or fluid buildup (effusion)
- Stiffness or reduced knee movement
- Clicking, popping, or grinding sensations
- Weakness or instability, especially when standing or walking
- Pain when bending, squatting, or climbing stairs
- Locking or catching inside the knee
Common Causes of Knee Pain
1. Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome (Runner’s Knee)
Pain around the front of the knee caused by irritation between the kneecap and thigh bone. Often related to overuse, muscle imbalance, or poor knee tracking.
2. Osteoarthritis
Wear-and-tear of knee cartilage leading to pain, stiffness, swelling, and reduced mobility. Common in older adults or those with a history of knee injuries.
3. Tendinopathy (Jumper’s Knee)
Overloading of the patellar tendon can cause pain just below the kneecap, especially during jumping, running, or squatting.
4. Meniscus Injuries
Tearing of the knee’s shock-absorbing cartilage can cause pain, catching, swelling, or locking sensations, especially with twisting movements.
5. Ligament Injuries (ACL, MCL, LCL)
Sprains or tears from twisting, sudden stops, or impact can lead to instability, swelling, and significant pain.
6. Bursitis
Inflammation of the fluid-filled bursae causes swelling and discomfort, often from kneeling, overuse, or direct pressure on the knee.
7. Biomechanical Issues
Foot posture, hip weakness, or gait abnormalities can change knee alignment, increasing stress on the joint and surrounding tissues.
When to Seek Immediate Medical Attention
Seek urgent care if your knee cannot bear weight, if you experience severe swelling, sudden deformity, locking that prevents straightening, or symptoms following significant trauma.
How is Knee Pain Diagnosed?
Your clinician may use multiple tools to identify the cause of knee pain:
- Medical history: Understanding symptoms, activities, and injury events
- Physical examination: Assessing joint stability, swelling, strength, and mobility
- Functional tests: Evaluating movement patterns, gait, and muscle imbalances
- Imaging: X-rays, ultrasound, or MRI for persistent or complex cases
Treatment Options for Knee Pain
Treatment depends on the cause and severity of your symptoms. Most cases improve with conservative care.
Conservative Treatments
- Rest and activity modification: Reducing movements that aggravate pain
- Ice therapy: Reducing swelling and discomfort
- Strengthening exercises: Targeting the hips, quads, hamstrings, and calves
- Stretching and mobility work: Improving flexibility and joint motion
- Supportive footwear or orthotics: Reducing knee strain caused by poor biomechanics
- Bracing or taping: Providing stability and pain relief
- Pain relief medications: Short-term support if needed
- Weight management: Reducing load on the knees (if relevant)
Advanced Treatments
- Shockwave therapy: Helpful for chronic tendon-related knee pain
- Guided injections: Such as corticosteroid or viscosupplementation in selected cases
- Manual therapy: Soft tissue release or mobilisation techniques
- Surgical referral: For ligament tears, severe arthritis, or persistent mechanical issues
Preventing Knee Pain
You can reduce your risk by:
- Warming up before exercise and cooling down afterwards
- Strengthening the muscles around the knee and hips
- Wearing supportive footwear for daily activity and sport
- Avoiding sudden increases in training intensity or volume
- Maintaining a healthy weight to reduce joint stress
- Using proper technique during sports and physical activities
When to See a Clinician
Book an appointment if you experience:
- Knee pain lasting more than a few days
- Swelling, stiffness, or clicking that affects movement
- Pain when squatting, climbing stairs, or kneeling
- A feeling the knee may “give way”
- Recurring knee pain during exercise
- Difficulty walking or standing for long periods
Frequently Asked Questions
Mild cases may improve within 1–3 weeks with rest and treatment. More complex issues such as tendon injuries or arthritis may take several months of structured rehabilitation.
Low-impact exercise is often safe, but activities that cause sharp pain should be avoided. A clinician can guide you on safe exercise options based on your condition.
Imaging may be recommended if symptoms are severe, persistent, or if a fracture, ligament tear, or meniscus injury is suspected.
References
- Australian Podiatry & Physiotherapy Guidelines. (2023). Knee Joint Disorders.
- Menz, H. B., et al. (2021). Lower limb biomechanics and knee pain. Journal of Orthopaedic Research.
- Healthdirect Australia. (2024). Knee injuries and pain.
