Knee Pain? Why Your Joint Is Aching and Medically Approved Next Steps

Knee pain is one of the most common reasons people visit a doctor. Whether it starts suddenly after an injury or creeps in over time, knee pain can interfere with walking, climbing stairs, exercising, and even sleeping.

The good news: most knee pain is treatable. The key is understanding why your knee hurts and knowing the right next steps.

Below, you'll find medically sound, practical guidance based on trusted clinical standards used by orthopedic specialists and primary care physicians.

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Why Does Knee Pain Happen?

Your knee is a complex joint. It includes:

• Bones (femur, tibia, kneecap)
• Cartilage (shock-absorbing tissue)
• Ligaments (stability structures)
• Tendons (connect muscle to bone)
• Bursa (fluid-filled sacs that reduce friction)

Because so many structures work together, knee pain can come from multiple causes.

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Common Causes of Knee Pain

1. Osteoarthritis (Wear-and-Tear Arthritis)

One of the most frequent causes of knee pain, especially in adults over 45.

What happens:

• Cartilage gradually wears down.
• Bones may rub together.
• Inflammation develops.

Symptoms:

• Stiffness in the morning
• Pain that worsens with activity
• Swelling
• Grinding or cracking sounds

This type of knee pain tends to develop slowly.

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2. Injury

Sudden knee pain often points to injury.

Common injuries include:

• Ligament tears (ACL, MCL)
• Meniscus tears
• Tendon strains
• Fractures

Symptoms may include:

• Swelling within hours
• Instability or "giving out"
• Sharp pain
• Trouble bearing weight

Sports injuries are common, but simple missteps or falls can also cause damage.

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3. Overuse

Repetitive stress can irritate tissues around the knee.

Examples:

• Runner's knee (patellofemoral pain syndrome)
• Tendinitis
• Bursitis

These conditions usually cause:

• Dull, aching pain
• Pain that worsens with activity
• Tenderness around the kneecap

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4. Inflammatory Conditions

Autoimmune diseases like rheumatoid arthritis can attack the knee joint.

Signs include:

• Swelling in multiple joints
• Warmth and redness
• Fatigue
• Morning stiffness lasting longer than 30 minutes

These conditions require medical management.

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5. Infection (Rare but Serious)

Although uncommon, infection inside the knee joint is a medical emergency.

Watch for:

• Severe swelling
• Fever
• Redness and warmth
• Intense pain with movement

If you notice these symptoms, seek urgent medical care.

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When Knee Pain Is More Concerning

Most knee pain improves with conservative care. However, certain signs require prompt medical evaluation:

• You cannot bear weight
• The knee looks deformed
• Significant swelling appears suddenly
• Fever with knee swelling
• Severe pain after injury
• The joint locks or gets stuck

If any of these occur, speak to a doctor immediately or seek urgent care, as some causes can be serious or even life-threatening if untreated.

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What If You Can't Bend Your Knee?

Difficulty bending the knee can signal:

• Meniscus tear
• Severe swelling
• Advanced arthritis
• Mechanical blockage inside the joint

If you're struggling with limited range of motion and stiffness, you can use a free AI-powered symptom checker to evaluate can't bend the knee and get personalized guidance on what might be causing your symptoms and whether you should seek immediate care.

However, online tools are informational only — they do not replace a medical exam.

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Medically Approved Next Steps for Knee Pain

Step 1: Start With R.I.C.E.

For recent or mild knee pain:

• Rest – Avoid activities that worsen pain.
• Ice – Apply for 15–20 minutes, several times daily.
• Compression – Use an elastic bandage if swelling is present.
• Elevation – Raise your leg above heart level when possible.

This approach is widely recommended in early injury care.

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Step 2: Use Over-the-Counter Relief Carefully

If appropriate for you, short-term use of:

• Acetaminophen
• Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)

These can reduce knee pain and inflammation.

Always:

• Follow label instructions.
• Avoid mixing medications without guidance.
• Speak to a doctor if you have heart, kidney, or stomach conditions.

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Step 3: Gentle Movement Matters

It may seem logical to completely rest your knee, but prolonged inactivity can worsen stiffness.

Low-impact options include:

• Walking on flat surfaces
• Swimming
• Cycling
• Physical therapy exercises

Strengthening the muscles around the knee — especially the quadriceps and hamstrings — improves joint stability and reduces knee pain long term.

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Step 4: Weight Management (If Applicable)

Even modest weight reduction significantly decreases stress on the knee joint.

Research shows:

• Every extra pound adds multiple pounds of pressure to the knee during walking.

This isn't about appearance — it's about joint protection.

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Step 5: Supportive Devices

Depending on the cause, a clinician may recommend:

• Knee braces
• Shoe inserts (orthotics)
• Assistive devices like a cane

Used properly, these can reduce knee pain and improve mobility.

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Step 6: Physical Therapy

Physical therapy is one of the most effective treatments for chronic knee pain.

Benefits include:

• Improved strength
• Better flexibility
• Reduced swelling
• Enhanced joint mechanics

Many people see meaningful improvement within weeks.

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Step 7: Medical Evaluation

If knee pain persists beyond a few weeks, worsens, or limits daily life, it's time to consult a healthcare professional.

A doctor may:

• Perform a physical exam
• Order X-rays or MRI
• Evaluate for arthritis or ligament damage
• Recommend injections or advanced treatments

Early evaluation often prevents worsening problems.

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Are Injections or Surgery Necessary?

Not always.

Many people improve with conservative treatment. However, in certain cases:

• Corticosteroid injections may reduce inflammation.
• Hyaluronic acid injections may help in some arthritis cases.
• Surgery (arthroscopy or joint replacement) may be considered when pain severely limits function and conservative care fails.

A personalized discussion with an orthopedic specialist is essential before considering procedures.

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Preventing Future Knee Pain

You can lower your risk by:

• Maintaining strong leg muscles
• Warming up before exercise
• Wearing supportive footwear
• Avoiding sudden increases in activity
• Keeping a healthy body weight

Consistency is more important than intensity.

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The Bottom Line

Knee pain is common — but it's not something you should ignore.

In many cases, knee pain improves with:

• Rest
• Ice
• Strengthening
• Weight management
• Physical therapy

However, sudden swelling, inability to bear weight, fever, deformity, or locking of the joint requires prompt medical attention.

If your symptoms include stiffness or difficulty flexing the joint, take a few minutes to check your symptoms with a free tool that evaluates can't bend the knee to help identify potential causes and determine your next steps.

Most importantly, speak to a doctor about any knee pain that is severe, persistent, worsening, or associated with systemic symptoms. Some conditions can become serious if left untreated.

Your knees carry you through life. Taking knee pain seriously — without panic, but with informed action — is the smartest next step.