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PATIENT EDUCATION

Common Causes of Knee Pain

Knee pain is one of the most common complaints in orthopedic surgery. Finding the right treatment starts with identifying the right cause — Dr. Weidner explains the most frequent sources of knee pain in adults.

When to see a Doctor

DON'T WAIT IF YOU HAVE:

🌙 Pain waking you at night

🪟 Difficulty climbing stairs

💧 Significant swelling

⚡ Knee giving way or buckling

📈 Pain that worsens over time

🚫 Activities you've had to give up

MOST COMMON CAUSES

Common Causes of Knee Pain in Adults

1

Knee Osteoarthritis
The most common cause of chronic knee pain in adults — gradual breakdown of joint cartilage leading to bone-on-bone contact. Causes pain, stiffness, swelling, and reduced range of motion. Highly treatable with MAKO robotic partial or total knee replacement when conservative measures fail.

2

Meniscus Tear

The menisci are C-shaped cartilage discs that cushion the knee. Tears occur from twisting injuries (acute tears in younger patients) or degenerative wear over time (degenerative tears in older patients). Symptoms include joint line pain, swelling, clicking, and difficulty fully bending the knee.

3

ACL / Ligament Injury

Anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) tears cause immediate knee instability, swelling, and pain — often from sports or sudden pivoting movements. Untreated ligament injuries can lead to chronic instability and accelerated arthritis.

4

Bursitis

Inflammation of the bursae around the kneecap (prepatellar) or on the inner knee (pes anserine) causes localized pain and swelling. Prepatellar bursitis is common in those who kneel frequently. Pes anserine bursitis is particularly common in overweight patients with knee arthritis.

5

Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome

Pain behind or around the kneecap — often called runner's knee. Caused by abnormal tracking of the kneecap during movement. Common in active young adults. Aching pain worsens with stairs, squatting, and prolonged sitting.

6

Patellar Tendinitis

Inflammation of the patellar tendon — which connects the kneecap to the shinbone — causes pain just below the kneecap. Common in athletes who jump frequently. Responds to rest, physical therapy, and in some cases PRP injections.

7

IT Band Syndrome / Tendinitis

The iliotibial band — a thick band of connective tissue running from the hip to the knee — can become tight and inflamed, causing sharp lateral knee pain. Very common in runners and cyclists. Typically responds well to stretching and activity modification.

8

Gout / Pseudogout

Uric acid crystals depositing in the knee joint cause sudden, severe pain, swelling, warmth, and redness — often waking patients at night. Long-term uric acid management is essential to prevent recurrence and joint damage.

LOCATION GUIDE

Where Is Your Knee Pain?

⬆️
Front of Knee

Pain in front of or around the kneecap suggests patellar tendinitis, patellofemoral syndrome, or prepatellar bursitis. Patellofemoral arthritis also causes anterior knee pain.

➡️
Inner (Medial) Knee

Medial joint line pain most often indicates medial compartment arthritis, a medial meniscus tear, or MCL injury. Pes anserine bursitis also causes inner knee pain just below the joint.

⬅️
Outer (Lateral) Knee

Lateral knee pain suggests lateral compartment arthritis, lateral meniscus tear, LCL injury, or IT band syndrome — particularly if the pain occurs during or after running.

⬇️
Back of Knee

Pain or fullness behind the knee is often a Baker's cyst — a fluid collection caused by underlying joint disease or arthritis. PCL injuries also cause posterior knee pain.

🌙
Night Pain

Rest pain and nighttime pain strongly suggest advanced osteoarthritis or gout. When knee pain regularly disrupts sleep, surgical options are worth discussing seriously.

💧
Swollen Knee

Swelling indicates inflammation from arthritis, injury, infection, or crystal disease. Sudden severe swelling after a twisting injury may indicate an ACL tear or fracture — seek prompt evaluation.

GETTING ANSWERS
How is Knee Pain Diagnosed?

  • Detailed history - when pain started, what makes it better or worse, prior injuries or surgeries

  • Physical examination - range of motion, stability testing, joint line palpation, gait observation

  • Standing x-rays - assess joint space and arthritis severity in each compartment, evaluate for fractures

  • MRI (if indicated) - evaluates meniscus, ligaments, and soft tissue in detail. Not helpful in most cases of advanced arthritis

Stop Guessing About Your Knee Pain
A proper evaluation is the only way to get an accurate diagnosis. Dr. Weidner serves patients from Manassas, Gainesville, Fairfax, Woodbridge, Centreville, and all of Northern Virginia.

  • Lab work (if needed) - inflammatory markers or joint fluid analysis if gout, infection, or inflammatory arthritis is suspected

RELATED PAGES

Learn More

🦵
Knee Arthritis Guide
A comprehensive guide to knee arthritis - stages, symptoms, and the full range of treatment options.

Learn more →
 

🏥
When Is It Time for Knee Replacement?
Signs that non-surgical treatment may no longer be enough - and what to expect from a consultation.

Learn more →

🤖
MAKO Robotic Knee Replacement
Precision-guided knee replacement personalized to your anatomy using the MAKO robotic system.


Learn more →

Not Sure What's Causing Your Knee Pain?
Dr. Weidner will identify the source of your knee pain and recommend the right treatment. He believes in surgery only as a last resort or when necessary. Serving all of Northern Virginia.

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