What Are the Possible Reasons for Side Knee Pain?

There are several possible reasons for pain on the side of your knee. One common cause is iliotibial (IT) band syndrome. The IT band is a thick band of tissue that runs along the outside of your thigh to your knee. When it gets tight or overused, it can rub against the knee and cause pain. Another reason can be soft tissue injuries. This may happen when muscles, tendons, or other tissues on the side of the knee are strained from activities like running or sports. In some cases, people who have had knee surgery, like total knee arthroplasty, can experience isolated lateral knee pain. This pain might occur because of changes in joint alignment or the way the soft tissue moves around the new joint. Sometimes, other imbalances or stress in the knee area can also lead to pain on the side. All these issues can make everyday activities uncomfortable, and it is important to check with a doctor if the pain continues or worsens.