Condition
Knee pain: causes, symptoms and treatment
A clinically reviewed guide to knee pain — the common causes, warning signs and how it is managed.
- Knee
Quick answer
Knee pain can arise from the joint surfaces, tendons, ligaments or the kneecap, with overuse and osteoarthritis among the most common causes. Most knee pain improves with targeted exercise, load management and manual therapy without surgery.
Key facts
- The knee is a weight-bearing joint, so it is prone to overuse and wear.
- Patellofemoral pain (around the kneecap) is one of the most common types.
- Strengthening the surrounding muscles is central to most recovery.
What causes knee pain?
Knee pain is most often caused by overuse, kneecap (patellofemoral) problems, tendon issues or osteoarthritis.
- Patellofemoral pain around or behind the kneecap
- Patellar or quadriceps tendinopathy
- Osteoarthritis and age-related wear
- Ligament or meniscus injury, often from sport
What are the symptoms of knee pain?
Common symptoms are pain with stairs, squatting or kneeling, swelling, and sometimes catching or giving way.
- Pain around or behind the kneecap
- Pain with stairs, squatting or prolonged sitting
- Swelling or stiffness
- A sense of the knee catching, locking or giving way
How is knee pain treated?
Most knee pain is treated with targeted strengthening, load management and manual therapy, tailored to the specific cause.
Building strength in the thigh and hip muscles is central to most knee recovery. Shockwave therapy may be used for certain tendon problems, and referral is considered for suspected ligament or meniscus tears.
At Postura Wellness, care for knee pain is built around OrthoRestore™ — our signature method that combines chiropractic and physiotherapy into one coordinated plan. Depending on your assessment, it can bring together chiropractic adjustments, dry needling, muscle manipulation, Active Release Technique, and targeted exercises, supported where helpful by technology such as shockwave therapy and bioelectric therapy. The aim is to relieve symptoms while addressing the underlying causes, with a plan tailored to you.
Seek prompt care for a knee that is hot, red and swollen, cannot bear weight after an injury, locks in place, or gives way repeatedly.
Get a clear plan for your knee pain
Book an assessment at either branch and get a tailored plan.
This page is for general information and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Always consult a qualified clinician about your individual condition.
Sources
- Knee Injuries and Disorders — MedlinePlus, US National Library of Medicine
- Knee pain — MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia
- Sports Injuries — MedlinePlus, US National Library of Medicine
- Bones, Joints and Muscles — MedlinePlus, US National Library of Medicine
- Muscle and Bone Diseases — NIH National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases
- Joint Disorders — MedlinePlus, US National Library of Medicine