What Causes Knee Pain?

Published July 29, 2025

Knee pain is one of the most common complaints people bring to orthopaedic specialists. In fact, knee pain affects approximately 25% of the U.S. population according to WebMD. Whether it's the result of an injury, arthritis, or overuse, knee discomfort can derail your daily routine and limit your mobility. At The Centers for Advanced Orthopaedics, we help patients understand the source of their pain and find effective treatments to get them back on their feet.

patient feeling knee pain

How is the Knee Structured?

The knee is the body's largest joint. It's the place where three bones meet: the tibia, the femur and the patella. The knee is a "hinge" joint and allows the leg to bend in one direction only. The knees must support your body's weight as you stand, walk, run and jump. Because they bear such a heavy load, the knees are vulnerable to injury and to osteoarthritis.

Common Causes of Knee Pain

Knee pain can come from a variety of conditions and can affect people of all ages. Some common causes of knee pain include:

  • Sprains and Strains: Knee sprains and strains are among the most frequent soft tissue injuries, especially for people who are active in sports or physical work. A knee sprain involves stretched or torn ligaments A knee strain, on the other hand, affects the muscles or tendons around the knee and often results from overuse or sudden movement. Both injuries can cause pain, swelling, stiffness, and difficulty bearing weight. Mild cases may heal with rest, ice, compression, and elevation (RICE),

  • Meniscus Tears: These involve a tear in the cartilage that cushions your knee. It can happen with a sudden twist or from years of wear and tear. Learn more about meniscal injuries.

  • Patella Instability: When the kneecap moves out of place, it can cause pain, swelling, or a feeling that the knee is giving out. Learn more about how to treat patella instability.

  • Osteoarthritis of the Knee: This type of arthritis causes the cartilage in the knee joint to break down. CAO offers resources on knee osteoarthritis and treatments that can help.

  • Patellar Tracking Disorder: This is a problem with the alignment of the patella (the bone at the front of the knee, commonly called the "kneecap"). With this disorder, the patella shifts out of its normal track as you bend or extend your knee.

  • ACL Tears: Damage to the anterior cruciate ligament is a common sports injury and often requires surgical reconstruction. Learn more about ACL injuries and reconstruction.

  • Osgood-Schlatter Disease: This overuse injury is an inflammation that occurs at the point where the patellar tendon attaches to the tibia. It most commonly affects adolescents. One or both knees may be affected.

How To Diagnose the Source of Knee Pain

Diagnosis starts with a physical exam of the knee to assess strength, range of motion, and joint stability. CAO physicians may order imaging such as X-rays or an MRI to get more information. In some cases, your surgeon may want to try arthroscopy. This lets your doctor see inside your knee with a small, thin camera called an "arthroscope."

Knee Treatment Options

Treatment depends on the cause and severity of the pain. CAO offers both non-surgical and surgical options:

Non-Surgical Options:

  • Physical Therapy: Strengthening and stretching exercises can improve alignment and reduce strain on the knee.

  • Activity Modification: Reducing repetitive impact can ease symptoms in overuse injuries.

  • Medications and Injections: Anti-inflammatory medications or corticosteroid injections can relieve pain and swelling.

  • Bracing or Taping: Supports can help with conditions like patella instability and ligament injuries.

  • Visco-supplementation: Injections that help lubricate the joint can be beneficial for osteoarthritis.

Surgical Options:

  • Meniscectomy or Meniscus Repair: Damaged cartilage is either trimmed or stitched back together, depending on the injury.

  • ACL Reconstruction: Torn ligaments are replaced using grafts, helping restore knee stability.

  • MPFL Reconstruction: For recurrent kneecap dislocations, the medial patellofemoral ligament may need to be rebuilt.

  • Total Knee Replacement: When arthritis is severe, joint replacement can reduce pain and improve function. Learn more about total knee replacement.

  • Revision Knee Surgery: In cases where a prior replacement has worn out or failed, revision surgery may be required. CAO provides more detail on revision knee surgery.

When to See a Doctor

You should contact a healthcare provider if:

  • You can’t put weight on your knee

  • Your knee is visibly swollen or deformed

  • You feel like the knee might give out

  • You experience locking or catching in the joint

  • You have persistent pain that doesn’t improve with rest and home treatment

Not sure if you need to see a doctor? Call VantaStat to get connected to an orthopaedic knee specialist.

What Types of Questions Will a Doctor Ask?

If you visit a doctor for knee pain, they’ll ask questions to better understand what’s causing your symptoms. Some common questions include:

When did the pain start?
Was it sudden, or did it come on gradually?

Where exactly is the pain located?
Is it in the front, back, inside, outside, or all around the knee?

What does the pain feel like?
Is it sharp, dull, aching, throbbing, or burning?

Did anything specific cause the pain?
Was there an injury, or did the pain begin without a clear reason?

Does the pain get worse with activity or rest?
Are there specific movements that make it better or worse?

Have you noticed any swelling, stiffness, or instability?
Does your knee ever give out, lock up, or feel unstable?

Have you had previous knee injuries or surgeries?

Do you have any other symptoms?
Such as fever, redness, clicking, or a catching sensation?

What activities do you do regularly?
Do you play sports, have a physically demanding job, or spend a lot of time standing or walking?

Have you tried any treatments already?
Like rest, ice, over-the-counter medication, or bracing?

Need Help with Knee Pain?

If you're dealing with knee pain, CAO's orthopaedic specialists in the Virginia-D.C.-Maryland region can help you understand your options and find relief. Contact CAO to request an appointment or learn more about our providers and treatments.