Knee Pain

Knee pain refers to discomfort or aching in or around the knee joint — one of the largest and most complex joints in the body. It can affect anyone at any age, but becomes more common as we get older or after injury. Knee pain can significantly limit everyday activities like walking, climbing stairs, or standing.

Common Causes of Knee Pain

Knee pain may result from injury, mechanical problems, arthritis, or medical conditions. Some of the most frequent causes include:

Injuries & Trauma

Sprains or strains from twisting movements
Meniscus (cartilage) tears
Ligament injuries (ACL, MCL)
Fractures around the knee
Bursitis (inflammation of fluid sacs) These often follow falls, sports injuries, or sudden impacts.

Mechanical & Structural Problems

Loose fragments of bone or cartilage interfering with movement
Dislocated kneecap
Iliotibial band syndrome (lateral knee pain) common in runners and cyclists

Arthritis & Chronic Conditions

Osteoarthritis — cartilage breakdown causing joint pain and stiffness
Rheumatoid arthritis — autoimmune inflammation
Gout or pseudogout — crystal buildup in the joint

Infection (septic arthritis) causing redness and swelling Arthritis is a leading cause of chronic knee pain in adults.

Overuse & Lifestyle Factors

Repetitive activity, obesity, or weakened muscles can place increased stress on the knee joint and contribute to pain.

Symptoms to Watch For

Knee pain symptoms vary depending on the cause but commonly include:

Pain with movement or weight-bearing
Swelling or stiffness
Tenderness when pressing the joint
Limited range of motion
Popping or crunching sensation
Feeling of instability or “giving way”

Symptoms may be acute (short-term, injury-related) or chronic (long-term, arthritis or degenerative). Persistent pain that interferes with daily activities should be evaluated.

How Knee Pain Is Diagnosed

Your pain specialist will begin with a medical history and physical exam to understand symptom patterns, pain location, and functional limitations.

Diagnostic tools may include:

X-rays — evaluate bone alignment and arthritis
MRI scans — assess soft tissues (cartilage, ligaments)
CT scans — detailed bone imaging
Ultrasound — dynamic assessment of tendons and fluid
Joint aspiration (arthrocentesis) — testing fluid for infection or crystals

These tests help pinpoint exactly what structures are involved and tailor treatment effectively.

Treatment Options for Knee Pain

Treatment depends on the cause, severity, and your activity goals. Most people improve with a combination of therapies.

Conservative & Self-Care Measures

For many causes of knee pain:

Rest, ice, compression, elevation (RICE) during acute episodes
NSAIDs and medications to reduce inflammation
Weight management to reduce stress on the joint
Activity modification to avoid aggravating movements These approaches often relieve discomfort and promote healing.

Physical Therapy

Guided exercise programs strengthen the muscles supporting the knee, improve flexibility, balance, and stability — helping decrease pain and prevent re-injury.

Injections & Advanced Pain Management

When symptoms persist despite conservative care, targeted injections may help:

Corticosteroid injections — reduce joint inflammation
Hyaluronic acid injections — improve joint lubrication
Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) — may reduce inflammation and support healing

These options can provide months of symptom relief and improve mobility.

Minimally Invasive Procedures

For select patients with more advanced problems or persistent symptoms: Genicular artery embolization — a new minimally invasive procedure to reduce chronic knee osteoarthritis pain when other treatments aren’t effective.

Surgical Options

If non-surgical care doesn’t provide sufficient relief or there is significant structural damage, surgery may be recommended:

Arthroscopic repair for meniscus or ligament injuries
Osteotomy to realign the knee
Partial or total knee replacement for severe arthritis

Your specialist will carefully review whether surgery is right for you based on symptoms, imaging results, and functional goals.

Prognosis — What to Expect

Many forms of knee pain respond well to a combination of physical therapy, medications, injections, and lifestyle changes. Early treatment helps preserve joint function, reduce flare-ups, and minimize the need for surgery.

When to Seek Immediate Care

Seek prompt evaluation or emergency care if knee pain is accompanied by:

Sudden inability to bear weight
Severe swelling, deformity, or redness
Fever with knee pain
Loss of movement or sensation
Acute injury with “pop” sound followed by instability

FAQs

What causes knee pain without injury?

Knee pain can arise from arthritis, overuse, mechanical issues like loose bodies, or chronic inflammation even without a recent injury.

Is walking good for knee pain?

Gentle, low-impact activities like walking can help maintain joint mobility and strengthen supportive muscles.

Can knee pain go away on its own?

Mild knee pain often improves with rest, physical therapy, and activity modification, but chronic pain requires professional evaluation.

Treatment Offered By Kansas Pain Management

Kansas Pain Management provides comprehensive interventional pain management services to patients experiencing knee pain. You can book an appointment with us at Overland Park, Lawrence, Leavenworth/Lansing, Roeland Park, etc. We also serve nearby locations like Ottawa, Missouri, Topeka, Belton, Manhattan, Lee’s Summit, Johnson County & other surrounding Kansas areas. Our knee pain treatment options include non-invasive methods such as physical therapy and medication management, as well as more advanced interventions such as

Our board-certified and fellowship-trained physicians work closely with each patient to develop a personalised treatment plan that helps to alleviate their knee pain and stabilize and strengthen their knee.

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FAQs

What is knee pain and who can be affected by it?

Knee pain is a common condition that can affect people of all ages. It may result from injury, disease, or issues involving the knee joint or structures surrounding the knee.

What is tendinitis and how does it affect the knee?

Tendinitis is the inflammation of tendons that connect muscles to bones. When it affects the knee, it causes pain due to overuse or injury.

What are the common symptoms of knee pain?

Symptoms include pain, stiffness, swelling, redness, limited range of motion, grinding or popping sounds, and feelings of weakness or instability.

What is Genicular Nerve Stimulation?

Genicular Nerve Stimulation is an advanced treatment used to manage knee pain by targeting the nerves responsible for transmitting pain signals from the knee.

When should I see a doctor for knee pain?

You should consult a doctor if knee pain is persistent, affects mobility, or interferes with daily activities. A proper evaluation helps determine the underlying cause.

How do knee injuries occur?

Knee injuries may result from sudden trauma such as falls or sports accidents, or from repetitive stress and overuse of the joint.