Why Does My Knee Hurt?

Watch one of our orthopedic physical therapists explain common causes of knee pain, what may be contributing to your symptoms, and how physical therapy can help reduce pain, improve strength, and get you moving comfortably again.

Knee Pain: Common Causes, Symptoms, and How Physical Therapy Can Help

Knee pain can make everyday activities like walking, climbing stairs, squatting, and getting up from a chair uncomfortable or difficult. It may develop gradually from repetitive stress or weakness, or begin after an injury.

Because the knee works together with the muscles and joints of the hips, ankles, and feet, finding the source of your symptoms is an important part of creating an effective treatment plan.

What Causes Knee Pain?

Knee pain can have many causes, including injury, overuse, muscle weakness, or changes within the joint. Common causes include:

  • Patellofemoral pain
  • Tendon irritation or tendinopathy
  • Meniscus injuries
  • Ligament sprains or injuries
  • Osteoarthritis
  • Muscle weakness or imbalance
  • Overuse or repetitive stress
  • Changes in hip, ankle, or foot mechanics

What Are Common Knee Pain Symptoms?

Depending on the cause, you may experience:

  • Pain around, behind, or below the kneecap
  • Pain along the inside or outside of the knee
  • Stiffness or reduced mobility
  • Swelling
  • Weakness or instability
  • Pain with walking, running, stairs, squatting, or kneeling

Persistent or recurring symptoms may be a sign that something is affecting how your knee and surrounding joints are moving or handling load.

How Can Physical Therapy Help Knee Pain?

Physical therapy focuses on identifying the factors contributing to your knee pain rather than simply treating the painful area.

Your treatment plan may include:

  • Strengthening the muscles that support the knee, including the hip
  • Improving knee, hip, and ankle mobility
  • Balance and stability training
  • Movement or gait training
  • Hands-on treatment when appropriate
  • Activity modifications
  • Personalized exercises

The goal is to reduce pain, restore function, and help you return to the activities you enjoy with greater strength and confidence.

When Should You Seek Help?

Consider seeing a physical therapist if knee pain isn't improving, keeps returning with activity, limits your mobility, or makes everyday activities like walking, climbing stairs, exercising, squatting, or kneeling difficult.

At Prosper, we'll evaluate how your knee and surrounding joints move and function, identify factors contributing to your symptoms, and develop an individualized treatment plan to help you move better, feel better, and get back to doing what you love.

Clinically reviewed by [Orthopedic PT Name], PT, DPT

Common Types & Causes of Knee Pain

check_circle

Patellofemoral Pain

Pain around or behind the kneecap, often aggravated by stairs, squatting, running, or prolonged sitting.
check_circle

Meniscus Injuries

Irritation or injury to the knee’s cartilage that may cause pain, swelling, stiffness, catching, or difficulty with twisting movements.
check_circle

Ligament Injuries

Sprains or tears involving knee ligaments, such as the ACL or MCL, that can cause pain, swelling, or feelings of instability.
check_circle

Knee Osteoarthritis

Changes within the knee joint that can contribute to pain, stiffness, reduced mobility, and difficulty with everyday activities.
check_circle

Patellar & Quadriceps Tendinopathy

Irritation of the tendons surrounding the knee, often associated with repetitive loading, running, jumping, or other physical activity.

Knee Pain?

Knee pain can make everyday activities like walking, climbing stairs, exercising, or getting up from a chair uncomfortable. Consider seeing a physical therapist if you’re experiencing:

  • Pain when walking, running, squatting, or climbing stairs
  • Knee stiffness or limited mobility
  • Swelling or discomfort around the knee
  • Weakness or feelings of instability
  • Pain that interferes with exercise, sports, work, or everyday activities

Physical therapy can help reduce knee pain, improve strength and mobility, and address the factors contributing to your symptoms so you can return to the activities you enjoy.

SCHEDULE AN EVALUATION

Learn More About:

Frequently Asked Questions

Knee pain can have many causes, including overuse, muscle weakness or imbalance, arthritis, meniscus injuries, ligament sprains, tendon irritation, and changes in how the hip, knee, or ankle moves. A physical therapist can evaluate your movement, strength, and mobility to help determine what may be contributing to your symptoms.

Yes. Physical therapy can help reduce knee pain, improve strength and mobility, and address movement or muscle imbalances contributing to your symptoms. Treatment is individualized based on the cause of your knee pain, your activity level, and your goals.

Consider seeing a physical therapist if knee pain is persistent, keeps returning, limits walking or exercise, makes stairs or squatting difficult, or interferes with your daily activities. Early treatment can help address contributing factors before symptoms become more limiting.

Yes. North Carolina allows direct access to physical therapy, meaning you can generally schedule an evaluation with a physical therapist without first getting a physician referral. Insurance requirements can vary, so it's a good idea to verify your individual coverage.

Prosper Physical Therapy Specialists

100 Regency Forest Dr, Ste 130
Cary, NC
27518-8597

984-999-1101

admin@prosperpts.com

View Staff & Treatments