Why Does My Knee Hurt? 10 Common Causes of Knee Pain

Knee pain is one of the most common reasons people seek orthopedic care. Whether you're experiencing discomfort while walking, climbing stairs, exercising, or simply getting out of bed in the morning, knee pain can significantly impact your quality of life.

The knee is one of the largest and most complex joints in the body, making it vulnerable to injury, overuse, and age-related wear and tear. While some cases of knee pain improve with rest and conservative treatment, others may require evaluation by an orthopedic specialist.

If you're experiencing persistent knee pain in Houma, Thibodaux, Raceland, Franklin, Laplace, or surrounding South Louisiana communities, understanding the cause is the first step toward finding relief.

1. Osteoarthritis

Osteoarthritis is the most common cause of chronic knee pain, especially in adults over age 50.

This condition occurs when the cartilage that cushions the knee joint gradually wears away, causing:

• Pain and stiffness

• Swelling

• Decreased range of motion

• Grinding or popping sensations

• Difficulty walking or climbing stairs

  
  

Early treatment can help manage symptoms and delay disease progression.

2. Meniscus Tears

The meniscus is a piece of cartilage that acts as a shock absorber between the thighbone and shinbone.

A torn meniscus can occur from:

• Twisting injuries

• Sports activities

• Squatting

• Age-related degeneration

  
  

Common symptoms include:

• Knee pain

• Swelling

• Locking or catching sensations

• Difficulty straightening the knee

  
  

Meniscus tears are among the most frequently treated orthopedic knee injuries.

3. ACL Injuries

The anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) helps stabilize the knee joint.

ACL injuries commonly occur during:

• Football

• Soccer

• Basketball

• Volleyball

• Recreational sports

  
  

Symptoms often include:

• A popping sensation

• Immediate swelling

• Knee instability

• Difficulty bearing weight

  
  

Prompt evaluation by an orthopedic doctor is important to determine the best treatment plan.

4. Tendonitis

Knee tendonitis occurs when the tendons around the knee become irritated or inflamed due to overuse.

It is common among:

• Runners

• Athletes

• Individuals with physically demanding jobs

  
  

Symptoms may include:

• Pain during activity

• Tenderness around the kneecap

• Swelling

• Increased pain after exercise

  
  

Early treatment can help prevent chronic tendon problems.

5. Bursitis

Bursae are small fluid-filled sacs that reduce friction around joints.

When these sacs become inflamed, bursitis can develop.

Symptoms often include:

• Swelling

• Warmth

• Tenderness

• Pain when kneeling

  
  

Bursitis can result from repetitive pressure, injury, or underlying inflammatory conditions.

6. Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome

Often called "runner's knee," patellofemoral pain syndrome occurs when the kneecap does not track properly within the joint.

Patients frequently experience:

• Pain behind or around the kneecap

• Pain while climbing stairs

• Pain after prolonged sitting

• Discomfort during exercise

  
  

This condition affects athletes but can occur in people of all activity levels.

7. Ligament Sprains

The knee contains several important ligaments that help provide stability.

Sudden twisting, falls, or sports injuries can cause ligament sprains involving:

• ACL

• PCL

• MCL

• LCL

  
  

Symptoms may include:

• Swelling

• Instability

• Bruising

• Difficulty walking

  
  

Orthopedic evaluation can help determine the severity of the injury.

8. Iliotibial (IT) Band Syndrome

IT band syndrome is common among runners and cyclists. The condition occurs when the iliotibial band becomes irritated as it rubs against the outside of the knee.

Common symptoms include:

• Pain on the outer side of the knee

• Pain during activity

• Tightness along the thigh

  
  

Physical therapy often plays an important role in treatment.

9. Knee Fractures

A fracture involving the kneecap or surrounding bones can occur after:

• Falls

• Motor vehicle accidents

• Sports injuries

  
  

Signs of a possible fracture include:

• Severe pain

• Significant swelling

• Inability to bear weight

• Visible deformity

  
  

Fractures require immediate medical evaluation.

10. Overuse and Repetitive Stress Injuries

Not all knee pain results from a specific injury. Repeated stress from daily activities, work, exercise, or sports can gradually irritate the structures within the knee. Overuse injuries often develop slowly and may worsen if left untreated.

Common risk factors include:

• Repetitive kneeling

• Frequent squatting

• Long periods of standing

• Increased exercise intensity

• Poor biomechanics

  
  

When Should You See an Orthopedic Doctor for Knee Pain?

Many minor aches improve with rest, but some symptoms should not be ignored.

You should consider seeing an orthopedic specialist if:

• Knee pain lasts longer than two weeks

• Swelling persists

• The knee feels unstable

• You experience locking or catching

• Walking becomes difficult

• Pain interferes with work or daily activities

• Home treatments are not providing relief

  
  

Early diagnosis often leads to more treatment options and better outcomes.

Knee Pain Treatment Options

Treatment depends on the underlying cause of your knee pain. Your orthopedic provider may recommend:

• Physical therapy

• Activity modification

• Anti-inflammatory medications

• Bracing

• Joint injections

• Regenerative treatments when appropriate

• Arthroscopic procedures

• Knee replacement surgery for advanced arthritis

  
  

The goal is always to reduce pain, improve function, and help patients return to their normal activities.

Expert Knee Pain Care in South Louisiana

If you're searching for a knee specialist in Houma, Thibodaux, Raceland, Franklin, Laplace, or surrounding South Louisiana communities, OrthoLA provides comprehensive orthopedic care for knee injuries, arthritis, sports injuries, and chronic joint pain.

Our fellowship-trained orthopedic surgeons offer advanced treatment options tailored to each patient's needs, helping individuals get back to work, sports, and the activities they enjoy.

Don't ignore persistent knee pain. Early evaluation and treatment can help prevent further damage and improve long-term outcomes. Schedule an appointment with OrthoLA today to take the first step toward relief.

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