Knee pain can have various causes, and the severity and nature of the pain can widely vary. Whether it’s performance-limiting pain, chronic discomfort or something else entirely, with the right kinds of diagnostic tools and treatments there are almost always ways to make the pain less severe or even non-existent.

Osteoarthritis: Osteoarthritis is a gradually degenerative condition that commonly affects the knee joints. It occurs when the protective cartilage that cushions the ends of bones in the joint gradually wears down over time. As the cartilage deteriorates, bones may rub against each other, causing pain, stiffness, and swelling in the knee.

Traumatic Injuries: Knee injuries, such as ligament or meniscus tears, are another common cause of knee pain. The anterior cruciate ligament (ACL), posterior cruciate ligament (PCL), and meniscus are vulnerable to injuries, particularly in activities involving sudden stops, twists, or changes in direction. Sports-related injuries, falls, and accidents can lead to damage in these structures, resulting in pain and reduced joint function.

Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome (PFPS)：Also known as “Runner’s knee,” PFPS is a condition characterized by pain around or just below the kneecap (patella). It often occurs secondary to improper tracking of the patella along the femoral groove during linear knee movements. Factors such as overuse, muscular imbalances, and/or functional limitations in the hips and ankles may contribute to PFPS. Activities that involve repetitive knee motions, such as lunges, jumping or running, can exacerbate this condition.

These of course are just a few examples. Knee pain can have various other causes, including rheumatoid arthritis, bursitis, tendinitis, and more. If you workout regularly at the gym, knee pain can arise from less severe circumstances, but if left untreated these mechanical issues can worsen overtime and lead to serious injury. These can often include:

Improper form and technique – Atypical movements are not always something that need correction. However, when pain arises in a joint, such as the knee, that is when you need to take a look at the quality of your movement patterns.

Doing too much too soon – Having a sudden spike in volume & training is something that can cause knee pain. Making sure your body has enough tissue tolerance, capacity and recovery is important in order to safely handle increasing training loads. 

Muscular Imbalances – Weaknesses, stiffness and muscular imbalances between the left and right sides of the body that are not adequately addressed can lead to knee pain because your body is not able to distribute mechanical forces throughout your system efficiently. 

Apprehension and Avoidance – Perhaps most challenging of all, pain or fear of pain can alter your natural movement just by itself and prevent you from participating in activities and normal daily movements that are essential for the health of your joints.

And of course, if you are experiencing knee pain, that’s not to say you might not have a few additional things going on as well! But, the good news is, with the right professional guidance and support, much of the pain you might be experiencing can be resolved! Seeking support from our team of experts at UP will give you guidance, confidence, a specific game plan and safe and effective exercises that you can do in your own time to help you feel better and keep moving. With the right course of action not only can you manage the pain, but you can build up strength, stability and/or mobility to help you feel your best for the long road ahead, because at UP we know that what’s more important than eliminating pain is learning about why it happens in the first place and preventing it from coming back.