About Knee Pain

Knee pain is a frequent complaint that affects people of all ages. It involves discomfort around the knee joint, where your thigh bone (femur), shin bone (tibia), and kneecap (patella) come together. As one of the body’s most important weight-bearing joints, the knee plays a crucial role in movement and stability.

Pain may appear suddenly—due to trauma or overuse—or develop gradually from chronic wear. The location and type of discomfort can vary:

• Front of the knee (kneecap issues)
• Side pain (ligaments or meniscus tears)
• Deep joint pain (arthritis or cartilage loss):
  Symptoms may worsen while climbing stairs, sitting for long periods, or squatting. If the pain persists or worsens, it’s essential to consult a knee specialist to prevent long-term complications.

Types of Knee Pain

• Osteoarthritis – Joint wear causing stiffness and inflammation
• Meniscus Injury – Torn cartilage from twisting motions
• ACL/MCL Tears – Ligament damage, especially in athletes
• Tendonitis – Tendon irritation from overuse or strain
• Bursitis – Inflamed cushioning sacs near the joint
• Patellar Tracking Disorder – Misalignment of kneecap
• Inflammatory Conditions – Like rheumatoid arthritis or gout

Signs and Symptoms of Knee Pain

• Pain Location
  
  • May be sharp, dull, throbbing, or burning
  • Pain during movement or after inactivity
• Instability
  
  • Sensation of the knee “giving way”
  • Common with ligament injuries
• Swelling or Stiffness
  
  • Swelling can indicate inflammation or internal bleeding
  • Stiffness especially in the morning or after long sitting
• Sounds or Sensations
  
  • Clicking, grinding, or locking during motion
• Redness and Warmth
  
  • Signs of infection or inflammatory arthritis

Causes of Knee Pain

• Age-Related Degeneration
• Sudden Injury – Falls, sports, or accidents
• Overuse – Repeated movement from work or exercise
• Autoimmune Disorders – RA, lupus
• Bone/Joint Malformations – Flat feet or bowlegs affecting knee balance

Knee Pain Risk Factors

• Middle-aged or older adults
• Excess body weight
• Sports like football, running, or wrestling
• Family history of arthritis or ligament tears
• Improper footwear or joint alignment

Knee Pain Complications

• Joint Destruction – Untreated arthritis leads to cartilage loss
• Instability & Weakness – Makes walking or climbing difficult
• Muscle Imbalance – Reduced use weakens surrounding muscles
• Chronic Pain – Can affect mental wellbeing and sleep
• Joint Deformity – Long-term misalignment or damage

Knee Pain Diagnosis:

• Clinical Examination
  
  • Examines tenderness, swelling, and joint movement
  • Tests for meniscus, ACL, and other injury signs
• Imaging
  
  • X-rays – Detect bone damage or arthritis
  • MRI – For soft tissue injuries and ligament tears
  • Ultrasound – To check fluid buildup or tendon issues
• Blood & Joint Fluid Tests
  
  • Help diagnose gout, RA, or infections

Knee Pain Treatment

• Medications (only under doctor’s guidance)
  
  • Anti-inflammatory drugs
  • Corticosteroid shots for pain flares
  • DMARDs for autoimmune conditions
• Physiotherapy
  
  • Improves mobility, strength, and pain control
• Lifestyle Management
  
  • Joint-friendly activities, diet, and ergonomic support

Surgical Options of Knee Pain 

• Knee Arthroscopy
  
  • Minimally invasive method to treat tears, remove debris, or repair cartilage
• Knee Replacement
  
  • Partial or full joint replacement in severe osteoarthritis
  • Modern implants offer better longevity and quicker recovery
  • Robotic and minimally invasive options available at MASSH PROLIFE