Understanding Knee Pain
Knee pain is one of the most common reasons people see an orthopaedic surgeon. It can arise from a ligament or meniscus injury, cartilage damage, tendon overload, or arthritis — and sometimes from a combination.
Because the treatment for each cause is different, identifying the exact source is the key to a targeted, effective and often non-surgical plan. Most knee pain improves considerably once the underlying problem is correctly diagnosed and addressed.
Symptoms to look for
Causes & risk factors
- Ligament or meniscus injury
- Cartilage damage or early arthritis
- Tendon overload or overuse (e.g. jumper's knee)
- Malalignment increasing load on one part of the knee
How it's diagnosed
A detailed history of how the problem began and what makes it better or worse.
A hands-on clinical examination to localise the problem and test movement and stability.
Imaging such as X-ray or MRI to confirm the diagnosis and grade its severity.
What happens if it's left untreated
- Progressive cartilage wear if a treatable cause is ignored
- Muscle weakness and stiffness from avoiding activity
- Reduced mobility and quality of life
How we treat it
What to expect
Most knee pain improves with a targeted, largely non-surgical plan. Where a specific injury is found, treating it restores comfortable movement over weeks to months.
How to protect yourself
Frequently asked questions
Persistent pain, swelling, locking or instability warrant an expert assessment to find and treat the underlying cause.