What is knee pain?

Knee pain is discomfort in and around the knee joint. It is a common condition that can affect people of all ages. Knee pain can stem from various underlying causes, leading to discomfort, swelling and limited mobility.

Understanding the source of your knee pain is crucial for finding the right treatment and relief. You’ll have access to a team of experts who will identify what’s causing your pain and create a personalized treatment plan for you.

man with knee pain playing basketball outside on sunny day with friends

Knee pain symptoms

Knee pain and injuries can have various symptoms, depending on the underlying cause and severity. Common symptoms of knee pain or knee injuries include:

  • Clicking or popping
  • Instability
  • Locking
  • Pain
  • Redness and warmth
  • Stiffness
  • Swelling

Proper evaluation by an orthopedic specialist is essential to determine the specific cause of your knee pain and to develop an appropriate treatment plan. Ignoring knee pain or attempting to self-diagnose and self-treat may lead to further damage and complications.

When should I call the doctor about knee pain?

Contact a doctor if you experience severe knee pain after an injury, have noticeable swelling, redness or warmth in your knee, difficulty walking or a sudden inability to straighten or bend your knee. If you experience persistent pain lasting more than a few days or if you have a history of knee problems or previous surgeries, discuss treatment with your doctor. Your knee health is vital and early intervention can prevent further complications.

Knee pain causes

Knee pain is a common issue affecting people of all ages and lifestyles and understanding the root causes of knee pain is essential for effective treatment and prevention. Various factors can contribute to knee discomfort, and they often fall into three main categories: arthritis, injuries and overuse.

Arthritis

Arthritis is a term used to describe a group of degenerative and inflammatory conditions primarily impacting the knee joint. These conditions often result in pain, stiffness and decreased range of motion.

  • Gout and pseudogout: These conditions result from the deposition of urate crystals (gout) or calcium pyrophosphate crystals (pseudogout) in the knee joint, leading to sudden, intense pain, inflammation and swelling.
  • Osteoarthritis: The most common type of arthritis, osteoarthritis, occurs as the protective cartilage in the knee gradually wears down over time. It's often linked to aging, joint overuse or previous injuries, leading to pain, swelling and joint instability.
  • Rheumatoid arthritis: Unlike osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disease where the body's immune system mistakenly attacks the synovium, the membrane lining the knee joint. It causes pain, inflammation and eventually joint deformity.
  • Septic arthritis: Septic arthritis is when the knee joint becomes infected. It is an emergency characterized by severe pain, swelling, fever and limited mobility.

Risk factors of knee pain

Knee pain can affect individuals of all ages, but several key risk factors contribute to its development. It's important to be aware of these risk factors and take preventive measures, such as maintaining a healthy weight, staying active and practicing good joint care, to reduce the likelihood of experiencing knee pain and related conditions.

  • Age: As we age, the wear and tear on the knee joint can lead to conditions like osteoarthritis. The natural degeneration of joint tissues over time increases the risk of knee pain.
  • Excessive weight: Carrying excess body weight stresses the knee joints. This extra load can accelerate joint degeneration and is a significant risk factor for knee pain, particularly with conditions like osteoarthritis.
  • Lack of muscle flexibility or strength: Weak or imbalanced muscles around the knee can fail to provide adequate support and stability, which makes the joint more vulnerable to injury. Inflexible muscles can affect proper joint movement and increase the risk of strain and discomfort.
  • Previous injuries: Prior knee injuries, especially if not treated properly at the time, can weaken the joint and lead to recurrent problems. Past ligament tears or fractures can have long-lasting consequences.
  • Sports or occupations: Participation in high-impact sports or physically demanding occupations can increase the risk of knee injuries. Activities like running, basketball and manual labor can lead to traumatic injuries or overuse problems.
older woman experiencing knee pain while kneeling down to plant flowers outside in garden

Knee pain diagnosis

Understanding the root cause of knee pain or injury is the first step toward effective treatment and recovery. Knee pain diagnosis involves thorough medical assessment and diagnostic tests to pinpoint the specific issue:

Medical evaluation

Your diagnosis will start with a comprehensive clinical evaluation by a healthcare professional, typically an orthopedic specialist. They will discuss your medical history, symptoms and how the pain or injury occurred. Your doctor will also conduct a physical examination to assess the range of motion, joint stability and swelling or tenderness.

Imaging studies

Imaging studies may be ordered to understand your knee joint better. These can include X-rays, MRIs or CT scans. X-rays provide a clear view of the bones and joints, while MRI and CT scans offer detailed images of soft tissues like ligaments, tendons and cartilage. These studies are invaluable for identifying structural issues.

Blood tests

To identify any possible infection, blood tests might be recommended to detect elevated white blood cell counts or markers of inflammation.


Diagnostic procedures

Your doctor may also recommend minimally invasive procedures like arthroscopy, which involves using a tiny camera to inspect the inside of the knee joint and perform minor surgical procedures.

Knee pain treatment

When you have knee pain, many different treatment options are available to help you get better. After a detailed assessment from an orthopedic specialist, our experienced team will guide you through the treatment process and create personalized recommendations based on your unique circumstances.

Home remedies for knee pain

Effective at-home strategies to manage and alleviate knee discomfort can include:

  • Rest and activity modification: Giving your knee adequate rest and modifying activities can significantly reduce the strain on the joint to promote recovery.
  • RICE method: The rest, ice, compression and elevation protocol can help minimize pain and inflammation. Cold compresses can reduce swelling, while elevation facilitates fluid drainage from the affected area.
  • Medications: Over-the-counter pain relievers, such as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), can relieve mild to moderate knee pain. In cases of more severe pain or inflammation, prescription medications may be recommended.
  • Orthotics: Shoe inserts or braces can provide extra support and help correct alignment issues, reducing knee joint stress.
  • Weight management: Maintaining a healthy body weight is key in reducing knee pain, particularly in cases of knee osteoarthritis. Shedding excess weight reduces the mechanical load on the knee, which lessens pain and improves function.

Same-day knee replacement

Thanks to advances in surgical techniques, anesthesia and physical therapy, you may qualify for same-day knee replacement surgery and be allowed to return home on the day of your procedure. This innovative approach means you will have access to high-quality joint care with minimal disruption to your life.

How same-day joint replacement is revolutionizing the surgery experience

Frequently asked questions