Knee pain refers to discomfort or aching in or around the knee joint — one of the largest and most complex joints in the body. It can affect anyone at any age, but becomes more common as we get older or after injury. Knee pain can significantly limit everyday activities like walking, climbing stairs, or standing.
Common Causes of Knee Pain
Knee pain may result from injury, mechanical problems, arthritis, or medical conditions. Some of the most frequent causes include:
Injuries & Trauma
- Sprains or strains from twisting movements
- Meniscus (cartilage) tears
- Ligament injuries (ACL, MCL)
- Fractures around the knee
- Bursitis (inflammation of fluid sacs)
These often follow falls, sports injuries, or sudden impacts.
Mechanical & Structural Problems
- Loose fragments of bone or cartilage interfering with movement
- Dislocated kneecap
- Iliotibial band syndrome (lateral knee pain) common in runners and cyclists
Arthritis & Chronic Conditions
- Osteoarthritis — cartilage breakdown causing joint pain and stiffness
- Rheumatoid arthritis — autoimmune inflammation
- Gout or pseudogout — crystal buildup in the joint
Infection (septic arthritis) causing redness and swelling Arthritis is a leading cause of chronic knee pain in adults.
Overuse & Lifestyle Factors
Repetitive activity, obesity, or weakened muscles can place increased stress on the knee joint and contribute to pain.
Symptoms to Watch For
Knee pain symptoms vary depending on the cause but commonly include:
- Pain with movement or weight-bearing
- Swelling or stiffness
- Tenderness when pressing the joint
- Limited range of motion
- Popping or crunching sensation
- Feeling of instability or “giving way”
Symptoms may be acute (short-term, injury-related) or chronic (long-term, arthritis or degenerative). Persistent pain that interferes with daily activities should be evaluated.
How Knee Pain Is Diagnosed
Your pain specialist will begin with a medical history and physical exam to understand symptom patterns, pain location, and functional limitations.
Diagnostic tools may include:
- X-rays — evaluate bone alignment and arthritis
- MRI scans — assess soft tissues (cartilage, ligaments)
- CT scans — detailed bone imaging
- Ultrasound — dynamic assessment of tendons and fluid
- Joint aspiration (arthrocentesis) — testing fluid for infection or crystals
These tests help pinpoint exactly what structures are involved and tailor treatment effectively.
Treatment Options for Knee Pain
Conservative & Self-Care Measures
For many causes of knee pain:
- Rest, ice, compression, elevation (RICE) during acute episodes
- NSAIDs and medications to reduce inflammation
- Weight management to reduce stress on the joint
- Activity modification to avoid aggravating movements These approaches often relieve discomfort and promote healing.
Physical Therapy
Guided exercise programs strengthen the muscles supporting the knee, improve flexibility, balance, and stability — helping decrease pain and prevent re-injury.
Injections & Advanced Pain Management
When symptoms persist despite conservative care, targeted injections may help:
- Corticosteroid injections — reduce joint inflammation
- Hyaluronic acid injections — improve joint lubrication
- Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) — may reduce inflammation and support healing
These options can provide months of symptom relief and improve mobility.
Minimally Invasive Procedures
For select patients with more advanced problems or persistent symptoms: Genicular artery embolization — a new minimally invasive procedure to reduce chronic knee osteoarthritis pain when other treatments aren’t effective.
Surgical Options
If non-surgical care doesn’t provide sufficient relief or there is significant structural damage, surgery may be recommended:
- Arthroscopic repair for meniscus or ligament injuries
- Osteotomy to realign the knee
- Partial or total knee replacement for severe arthritis
Your specialist will carefully review whether surgery is right for you based on symptoms, imaging results, and functional goals.
Prognosis — What to Expect
When to Seek Immediate Care
Seek prompt evaluation or emergency care if knee pain is accompanied by:
- Sudden inability to bear weight
- Severe swelling, deformity, or redness
- Fever with knee pain
- Loss of movement or sensation
- Acute injury with “pop” sound followed by instability