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Knee pain

Definition

Knee pain is a common symptom in people of all ages. It may start suddenly, often after an injury or exercise. Knee pain also may begin as a mild discomfort, then slowly get worse.

Causes

Knee pain can have different causes. Being overweight puts you at greater risk for knee problems. Overusing your knee can trigger knee problems that cause pain. If you have a history of arthritis, it could also cause knee pain.

Here are some common causes of knee pain:

MEDICAL CONDITIONS

• Arthritis -- Including rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, lupus, and gout

• Baker cyst -- A fluid-filled swelling behind the knee that may occur with swelling (inflammation) from other causes, such as arthritis

• Cancers that either spread to your bones or begin in the bones

• Osgood-Schlatter disease

• Infection in the bones around the knee

• Infection in the knee joint

INJURIES AND OVERUSE

• Bursitis -- Inflammation from repeated pressure on the knee, such as kneeling for a long time, overuse, or injury

• Tendinitis -- Inflammation of the tendon with change in activities, can be related to overuse or deconditioned tissue

• Dislocation of the kneecap

• Fracture of the kneecap or other bones

• Iliotibial band syndrome -- Injury to the thick band that runs from your hip to the outside of your knee

• Patellofemoral syndrome -- Pain in the front of your knee around the kneecap

• Torn ligament. -- An anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury, or medial collateral ligament (MCL) injury may cause bleeding into your knee, swelling, or an unstable knee

• Torn cartilage (a meniscus tear) -- Pain felt on the inside or outside of the knee joint

• Strain or sprain -- Minor injuries to the ligaments caused by sudden or unnatural twisting

Home Care

Simple causes of knee pain often clear up on their own while you take steps to manage your symptoms. If knee pain is caused by an accident or injury, you should contact your health care provider.

If your knee pain has just started and is not severe, you can:

• Rest and avoid activities that cause pain. Avoid putting weight on your knee.

• Apply ice. First, apply it every hour for up to 15 minutes. After the first day, apply it at least 4 times per day. Cover your knee with a towel before applying ice. Do not fall asleep while using ice. You can leave it on too long and get frostbite.

• Keep your knee raised as much as possible to bring down any swelling.

• Wear an elastic bandage or elastic sleeve, which you can buy at most pharmacies. This may reduce swelling and provide support.

• Take ibuprofen (Motrin) or naproxen (Aleve) for pain and swelling. Acetaminophen (Tylenol) can help relieve pain, but not swelling. Contact your provider before taking these medicines if you have medical problems, or if you have taken them for more than a day or two.

• Sleep with a pillow underneath or between your knees.

Follow these general tips to help relieve and prevent knee pain:

• Always warm up before exercising and cool down after exercising. Stretch the muscles in the front of your thigh (quadriceps) and in the back of your thigh (hamstrings).

• Avoid running down hills -- walk down instead.

• Bicycle, or better yet, swim instead of run.

• Reduce the amount of or modify the exercise you do.

• Run on a smooth, soft surface, such as a track, instead of on cement or pavement.

• Lose weight if you are overweight. Every pound (0.5 kilogram) that you are overweight puts about 5 extra pounds (2.25 kilograms) of pressure on your kneecap when you go up and down stairs. The amount of extra pressure is even greater when you jump. Ask your provider for help losing weight.

• If you have flat feet, try special shoe inserts and arch supports (orthotics).

• Make sure your running shoes are well made, fit well, and have good cushioning.

Further steps for you to take may depend on the cause of your knee pain.

When to Contact a Medical Professional

Contact your provider if:

• You cannot bear weight on your knee.

• You have severe pain, even when not bearing weight.

• Your knee buckles, clicks, or locks.

• Your knee is deformed or misshapen.

• You cannot flex your knee or have trouble straightening it all the way out.

• You have a fever, redness or warmth around the knee, or a lot of swelling.

• You have pain, swelling, numbness, tingling, or bluish discoloration in the calf below the sore knee.

• You still have pain after 3 days of home treatment.

What to Expect at Your Office Visit

Your provider will perform a physical exam, to include your knees, hips, legs, and other joints.

Your provider may do the following tests:

• X-ray of the knee

• MRI of the knee if a ligament or meniscus tear could be the cause

• CT scan of the knee

• Joint fluid culture (fluid taken from the knee and examined under a microscope)

Your provider may inject a steroid into your knee to reduce pain and inflammation.

You may need to learn stretching and strengthening exercises. You also may need to see a podiatrist to be fitted for orthotics.

In some cases, you may need surgery.

References

Cheung EC, McAllister DR, Petrigliano FA. Anterior cruciate ligament injuries. In: Miller MD, Thompson SR, eds. DeLee, Drez, & Miller's Orthopaedic Sports Medicine. 5th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2020:chap 98.

Huddleston JI, Goodman SB. Hip and knee pain. In: Firestein GS, McInnes IB, Koretzky GA, Mikuls TR, Neogi T, O'Dell JR, eds. Firestein & Kelley's Textbook of Rheumatology. 12th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2025:chap 48.

McCarthy M, Mcarty EC, Frank RM. Patellofemoral pain. In: Miller MD, Thompson SR, eds. DeLee, Drez, & Miller's Orthopaedic Sports Medicine. 5th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2020:chap 106.

Review Date: 11/7/2024

Reviewed By: C. Benjamin Ma, MD, Professor, Chief, Sports Medicine and Shoulder Service, UCSF Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, San Francisco, CA. Also reviewed by David C. Dugdale, MD, Medical Director, Brenda Conaway, Editorial Director, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team.