Published on: 5/6/2025
Random knee pain can happen when the knee joint feels unstable or when arthritis causes sudden flares. These changes in the knee, sometimes seen in osteoarthritis, may make the joint hurt unexpectedly.
Knee pain that comes and goes can be due to a few factors. One cause is knee instability. When the knee joint isn’t stable, it might feel wobbly or weak, and this extra strain can make the knee hurt. Studies have shown that instability might be linked to falls and might also be a sign that the joint is under stress. Another reason is osteoarthritis, a condition where the protective cartilage in the knee wears away over time. With arthritis, everyday activities can sometimes trigger a flare-up in pain. This means that even normal movements can lead to sudden knee pain that may last for a short time or get worse over time. Other things like muscle weakness or changes in how you move and use your knee might also play a role. It is important to remember that everyone’s knee is different, and what causes pain in one person might be different for another. Always talk to a healthcare professional if you have concerns about knee pain.
(References)
Nevitt MC, Tolstykh I, Shakoor N, Nguyen US, Segal NA, Lewis C, Felson DT; Multicenter Osteoarthritis Study Investigators. Symptoms of Knee Instability as Risk Factors for Recurrent Falls. Arthritis Care Res (Hoboken). 2016 Aug;68(8):1089-97. doi: 10.1002/acr.22811. PMID: 26853236; PMCID: PMC4958545.
Collins JE, Yang YH, Opare-Addo MB, Losina E. Quantifying sustained pain worsening in knee osteoarthritis. Osteoarthritis Cartilage. 2023 Jun;31(6):802-808. doi: 10.1016/j.joca.2023.03.012. Epub 2023 Apr 5. PMID: 37024069; PMCID: PMC10200767.
Rayahin JE, Chmiel JS, Hayes KW, Almagor O, Belisle L, Chang AH, Moisio K, Zhang Y, Sharma L. Factors associated with pain experience outcome in knee osteoarthritis. Arthritis Care Res (Hoboken). 2014 Dec;66(12):1828-35. doi: 10.1002/acr.22402. PMID: 25047144; PMCID: PMC4245457.
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.