Knowledge Hub • Conditions • Knee Pain
The Complete Guide to Knee Pain
Understanding Knee Pain: Causes, Symptoms and Treatment
Quick Answer
Knee pain may be caused by ligament injuries, cartilage damage, arthritis, tendon problems, overuse or pain referred from the hip or lower back. Most cases improve with conservative care, including rehabilitation exercises, activity modification and manual therapy. Persistent pain, swelling or instability should be professionally assessed.
Your knees work hard every day. Whether you're walking, climbing stairs, running, gardening or simply getting up from a chair, your knees absorb significant forces with every movement. It's no surprise that knee pain is one of the most common reasons people seek treatment.
Knee pain can develop suddenly after an injury or gradually over time due to repetitive strain, age-related changes or altered movement patterns. While some conditions are minor and settle with time, others require a professional assessment to identify the underlying cause and guide appropriate treatment.
At Bornman Chiropractic, Dr Jaco Bornman provides comprehensive musculoskeletal assessments to determine why your knee is painful and develop an individualised treatment plan to help restore movement, reduce pain and support long-term joint health.
Understanding the Knee
The knee is the largest joint in the body and plays a vital role in everyday movement. It connects the thigh bone (femur) to the shin bone (tibia), with the kneecap (patella) helping the muscles at the front of the thigh work more efficiently.
The joint is supported by:
- Ligaments that provide stability
- Cartilage that cushions the joint
- Menisci that absorb shock
- Tendons that connect muscles to bone
- Muscles that control movement
Because several structures work together, knee pain can have many different causes.
Common Symptoms of Knee Pain
Symptoms vary depending on the condition but may include:
- Pain during walking or running
- Pain when climbing stairs
- Swelling
- Stiffness
- Clicking or popping sensations
- Locking of the knee
- A feeling that the knee may give way
- Difficulty bending or straightening the knee
- Pain after sitting for long periods
The location of the pain often provides clues about the underlying cause.
What Causes Knee Pain?
Osteoarthritis
One of the most common causes of knee pain, particularly in older adults. As the joint cartilage gradually wears away, stiffness and pain may develop.
Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome
Often called "runner's knee", this condition causes pain around or behind the kneecap, especially when climbing stairs, squatting or sitting for long periods.
Meniscus Injuries
The menisci are cartilage cushions within the knee. Twisting injuries can cause tears, resulting in pain, swelling or locking.
Ligament Injuries
The ACL, MCL and other ligaments help stabilise the knee. Sports injuries may overstretch or tear these structures.
Tendinopathy
Overuse can irritate tendons around the knee, particularly the patellar tendon below the kneecap.
Bursitis
Inflammation of the small fluid-filled sacs around the knee may cause swelling and tenderness.
Referred Pain
Pain from the hip or lower back can sometimes be felt around the knee, making a comprehensive assessment important.
Risk Factors
Factors that increase the likelihood of knee pain include:
- Running and jumping sports
- Excess body weight
- Previous knee injuries
- Weak hip or leg muscles
- Poor movement mechanics
- Increasing age
- Occupations involving frequent kneeling or squatting
How Is Knee Pain Diagnosed?
A detailed assessment helps determine which structures are involved.
Your examination may include:
- Walking assessment
- Range of motion testing
- Ligament stability tests
- Meniscus tests
- Muscle strength assessment
- Hip and ankle examination
- Functional movement testing
Where necessary, imaging such as X-rays or MRI may be recommended.
How Can Chiropractic Care Help?
Treatment depends on the underlying diagnosis rather than simply where the pain is felt.
Your management plan may include:
- Joint mobilisation where appropriate
- Soft tissue therapy
- Strengthening exercises
- Balance and stability training
- Movement retraining
- Activity modification
- Rehabilitation programme
Where pain is related to the hip, lower back or movement patterns, these areas may also form part of your treatment plan.
Other Treatment Options
Depending on your condition, treatment may also include:
- Physiotherapy
- Home exercise programmes
- Pain-relieving medication
- Corticosteroid injections
- Orthopaedic referral when appropriate
Most knee conditions respond well to conservative management.
Preventing Knee Pain
Healthy habits can reduce the risk of future knee problems:
- Maintain a healthy body weight
- Strengthen the muscles around the hips and knees
- Warm up before exercise
- Increase training gradually
- Wear appropriate footwear
- Improve movement technique
- Stay active throughout the week
Strong muscles and good movement patterns help protect the knee during everyday activities and sport.
Frequently Asked Questions
Pain during stair climbing is commonly associated with patellofemoral pain syndrome, arthritis or tendon problems, although other conditions may also be responsible.
Gentle walking is often beneficial, provided it does not significantly increase your symptoms.
Yes. In some cases, pain from the lower back or hip can be referred to the knee.
Not always. Imaging is recommended when clinically indicated or when symptoms suggest structural injury.
Arrange an assessment if pain persists, your knee feels unstable, locks, swells significantly or follows a traumatic injury.
Key Takeaways
Knee pain is a common condition with many possible causes, ranging from overuse injuries and tendon problems to arthritis and ligament injuries. Identifying the underlying cause is essential for effective treatment. Most people improve with conservative care, rehabilitation and gradual return to activity.
When Should You Book an Assessment?
If knee pain is affecting your ability to walk, exercise or enjoy your daily activities, a professional assessment can help identify the cause.
At Bornman Chiropractic, Dr Jaco Bornman provides comprehensive musculoskeletal assessments and personalised treatment plans for patients with knee pain. By understanding how your knee, hips and spine work together, we can recommend an evidence-based approach to help improve movement, reduce pain and support your long-term recovery.