Knee Pain: Common Causes and When to Seek Help

Knee pain is one of the most common reasons people seek advice at Stirling Sports Medicine Clinic.

Whether you're a runner, golfer, hill walker or simply finding everyday activities more difficult, knee pain can be frustrating and can significantly impact your quality of life.

The good news is that many knee problems can be diagnosed clinically and often improve with the right treatment and rehabilitation plan.

What Causes Knee Pain?

There are many possible causes of knee pain, and the location of the pain, how it started, and what activities aggravate it can all provide important clues.

Knee Osteoarthritis

A common cause of knee pain in middle age and beyond.

Typical symptoms include:

• Pain when walking

• Stiffness after rest

• Difficulty using stairs

• Swelling

• Reduced confidence with activity

Many people assume arthritis inevitably leads to surgery, but a range of non-operative treatment options can be effective.

Meniscal Injuries

The menisci are cushions within the knee joint that help absorb load and provide stability.

Symptoms may include:

• Pain when twisting

• Clicking or catching sensations

• Intermittent swelling

• Pain with squatting

Meniscal tears can occur following injury but are also common as part of the normal ageing process.

Patellofemoral Pain

Pain arising from the kneecap and the joint beneath it.

Often felt around or behind the kneecap and commonly aggravated by:

• Climbing stairs

• Running

• Squatting

• Sitting for prolonged periods

This is a particularly common cause of knee pain in younger and active individuals.

Tendon Problems

Tendons connect muscles to bone and can become painful through overuse or changes in training load.

Common examples include:

• Patellar tendinopathy ("jumper's knee")

• Quadriceps tendinopathy

Symptoms are often worse during or after sport, running or jumping activities.

Iliotibial Band Syndrome (Runner's Knee)

A common cause of pain on the outside of the knee, particularly in runners and cyclists.

Symptoms often include:

• Pain on the outer side of the knee

• Symptoms that develop during or after running

• Pain when running downhill

• Tenderness over the outside of the knee

This condition is often related to training load, biomechanics and muscle strength, and usually responds well to a structured rehabilitation programme.

Ligament Injuries

The knee relies on four major ligaments for stability:

• Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL)

• Posterior Cruciate Ligament (PCL)

• Medial Collateral Ligament (MCL)

• Lateral Collateral Ligament (LCL)

Ligament injuries commonly occur during sport, twisting injuries or trauma and may lead to:

• Pain

• Swelling

• Instability

• A feeling that the knee is giving way

  
  

Baker's Cyst

A Baker's cyst is a fluid-filled swelling that develops at the back of the knee.

Symptoms may include:

• Swelling behind the knee

• Tightness when bending or straightening the knee

• Discomfort during activity

• A feeling of fullness behind the knee

A Baker's cyst is often associated with an underlying knee problem such as osteoarthritis or a meniscal tear, so identifying the underlying cause is an important part of treatment.

Referred Pain from the Hip or Lower Back

Not all knee pain comes from the knee itself.

Problems affecting the hip, lower back or nerves can occasionally present as pain around the knee. This is one reason why a thorough assessment is important when symptoms are not following an obvious pattern.

Do I Need a Scan?

Not always.

Many knee conditions can be diagnosed through a careful history and examination.

In some situations, further investigation may be helpful, including:

• X-rays

• Ultrasound

• MRI scans

The most appropriate investigation depends on the suspected diagnosis and what questions need answered.

When Should I Seek Advice?

Consider seeking assessment if:

• Pain has persisted for several weeks

• Symptoms are affecting your exercise or daily activities

• Your knee repeatedly swells

• The knee feels unstable or gives way

• The diagnosis is unclear

• Previous treatment has not helped

You should seek urgent medical attention if you have suffered a significant injury and are unable to bear weight, have a visibly deformed joint, or think you may have sustained a fracture.

How Can Stirling Sports Medicine Clinic Help?

As a GP with expertise and experience in Sports and Exercise Medicine, I assess a wide range of knee conditions in both active individuals and those whose symptoms are affecting everyday life.

Appointments may include:

• Detailed clinical assessment

• Diagnostic ultrasound where appropriate

• Discussion of treatment options

• Advice regarding exercise and rehabilitation

• Consideration of injection therapies where appropriate

• Guidance on whether further investigation or referral is needed

The aim is not simply to provide a treatment, but to help you understand the diagnosis, discuss the available options and decide together on the approach that best fits your goals.

The Bottom Line

Knee pain can have many different causes, and the most effective treatment often depends on understanding exactly what is driving the symptoms.

Whether you're struggling with arthritis, a running injury, a tendon problem or an unexplained pain that isn't improving, obtaining the right diagnosis is often the first step towards getting back to doing the things you enjoy.