The knee is the biggest joint in your body, and it supports a lot of your weight and acts as a shock absorber which it is one of the most frequently injured joints. Having sore knees is common and is often a temporary concern that can be treated at home. However, it can be a sign of a chronic issue that will require diagnosis and management by a knee specialist.
As you get older, knee pain may become more common, and you are also more at risk of getting knee pain if you are overweight.
On the other hand, knee pain may be the result of over exercising or injury and certain high-impact sports or those that require sudden twisting motions are more likely to result in knee damage.
A sprain or strain
If the pain results from increased activity, it is likely a sprain or strain, where knee tissues stretch but aren’t permanently damaged. Self-management with rest, ice, compression, and elevation, combined with painkillers is often effective. Preventive measures include proper warm-up, gradual activity increase, and timely replacement of sports shoes. Low-impact exercises like cycling and swimming can improve fitness without causing harm.
Damage to the menisci or cartilage
Meniscal tears, resulting from sudden twists, can lead to pain and swelling. Cartilage damage may also occur. Rest, physiotherapy, and occasionally surgery may be necessary.
Anterior knee pain
Pain at the front of the knee, known as anterior knee pain or patellofemoral pain syndrome, may be linked to injuries, overuse, muscle weakness, or misalignment of the kneecap. Self-treatment involves painkillers, ice packs, and rest. Strengthening exercises and physiotherapy may be recommended.
Osteoarthritis
Recurrent knee pain and stiffness in older individuals may indicate osteoarthritis, causing cartilage damage. Conservative treatments include suitable footwear, weight loss, painkillers, and physiotherapy, but if those fail to alleviate arthritis symptoms then surgery may be required.
Tendonitis
Overusing or injuring the tendon connecting the kneecap to the shin bone can cause patellar tendonitis. Rest, ice, and painkillers are recommended.
Bursitis
Bursae are small fluid-filled sacs situated near the knee joint that reduce friction. Repetitive knee movement or prolonged kneeling can lead to bursitis which is inflammation or irritation of one or more of the bursae in your knee. Rest, ice, and painkillers help alleviate symptoms.
Torn ligament or tendon
Tears in ligaments or tendons, especially the anterior cruciate ligament, may cause pain, swelling, and instability. Medical attention, possibly surgery, may be necessary.
Bleeding into the joint
Significant knee joint injuries can result in bleeding into the joint spaces, requiring immediate medical attention.
Osgood-Schlatter’s Disease
Teens and young adults may experience pain, swelling, and tenderness below the kneecap due to Osgood-Schlatter’s disease. Reducing activity levels and using ice packs can help manage the condition.
Gout
Sudden severe knee pain accompanied by redness and heat may indicate gout. Consultation with a GP is recommended for appropriate management.
Septic arthritis
A serious condition causing intense pain, swelling, and fever. Urgent medical attention is needed for fluid drainage and antibiotic treatment. In some cases, arthroscopic surgery may be required to clear the infection.
Mr Sulaiman Alazzawi is a Consultant Orthopaedic and Trauma Surgeon based at St Georges University Hospital and the South West Elective Orthopaedic Centre in Epsom. He specialises in hip and knee replacements and treating painful or failing joint replacements. His private practice is based at Fortius Clinic and Parkside Hospital in Wimbledon and Spire St Anthony’s Hospital in Sutton.
Copyright © 2026 Mr Sulaiman Alazzawi. All Rights Reserved
