Published on: 5/6/2025
Knee pain when pressure is applied may be caused by various issues such as inflammation, infection, injury, or swelling of the tissues around the knee, including conditions like patellofemoral pain syndrome, arthritis, meniscal injury, or knee effusion.
There are several reasons your knee might hurt when you press on it. Sometimes, the pain comes from patellofemoral pain syndrome. This means the area around your kneecap is sore, especially when you do activities that put extra force on it. Another common cause is arthritis, where the knee joint becomes inflamed and tender. A small injury inside your knee, like a tear in the meniscus (a cushion inside the knee) or a stretch in the ligaments (the tissues that hold your knee together), can also make it hurt when pressed. Additionally, when extra fluid builds up in the knee, a condition called knee effusion, it can make the joint swollen and sensitive. In each of these cases, even a little pressure may cause discomfort because the tissues are damaged or inflamed. If you are worried about knee pain, talking to a healthcare provider can help find the best way to take care of it.
(References)
D'Ambrosi R, Meena A, Raj A, Ursino N, Hewett TE. Anterior Knee Pain: State of the Art. Sports Med Open. 2022 Jul 30;8(1):98. doi: 10.1186/s40798-022-00488-x. PMID: 35907139; PMCID: PMC9339054.
Vanneste T, Belba A, Oei GTML, Emans P, Fonkoue L, Kallewaard JW, Kapural L, Peng P, Sommer M, Vanneste B, Cohen SP, Van Zundert J. 9. Chronic knee pain. Pain Pract. 2025 Jan;25(1):e13408. doi: 10.1111/papr.13408. Epub 2024 Sep 1. PMID: 39219017; PMCID: PMC11680467.
We would love to help them too.
For First Time Users
We provide a database of explanations from real doctors on a range of medical topics. Get started by exploring our library of questions and topics you want to learn more about.
Purpose and positioning of servicesUbie Doctor’s Note is a service for informational purposes. The provision of information by physicians, medical professionals, etc. is not a medical treatment. If medical treatment is required, please consult your doctor or medical institution. We strive to provide reliable and accurate information, but we do not guarantee the completeness of the content. If you find any errors in the information, please contact us.