Knee pain at a Glance
Most common causes
- Osteoarthritis (wear and tear)
- Ligament or meniscus injury
- Overuse or strain
- Gout
- Age-related joint changes
When to seek medical attention
- Severe pain or inability to bear weight
- Knee locking or giving way
- Visible swelling
- Pain after a fall or injury
- Knee that is hot and red
Specialist: Dr Rahul K Damani · Orthopedics
What is Knee pain?
The knee is one of the most-used and most-stressed joints in the body, so pain here is very common. It can come on gradually from wear and tear and arthritis, or suddenly after an injury, twist or fall. Knee pain may be felt as aching, stiffness, swelling, or difficulty with stairs, squatting or long walks. Most knee problems can be managed effectively with the right diagnosis — and many improve with treatment that does not involve surgery.
Common Causes
Osteoarthritis (Wear & Tear)
- • Stiffness, especially mornings
- • Pain with activity
- • Swelling
- • Difficulty with stairs
Ligament / Meniscus Injury
- • Pain after a twist or fall
- • Swelling
- • Knee giving way or locking
Overuse & Strain
- • Pain after activity
- • Tenderness
- • Improves with rest
Gout & Inflammatory Causes
- • Sudden severe pain
- • Hot, red, swollen joint
- • Often comes in attacks
Symptoms That Should Not Be Ignored
- ▸ Inability to put weight on the knee
- ▸ Knee that locks, catches or gives way
- ▸ Significant swelling or deformity
- ▸ Pain following a fall, accident or sports injury
- ▸ A knee that is hot, red and very painful
- ▸ Pain with fever or feeling generally unwell
How Doctors Evaluate Knee pain
Your consultation may include: a detailed history of how and when the pain started, examination of movement, stability and swelling, an X-ray to assess the joint, and, when needed, blood tests or advanced imaging such as an MRI. An accurate diagnosis allows a treatment plan suited to your activity level and goals.
Frequently Asked Questions
Knee pain Care in Guwahati
Patients from Beltola, Six Mile, Khanapara, Dispur, GS Road, Ganeshguri, Bhetapara and Hengrabari can consult our Orthopedics specialist at Healthwrx. Expert bone and joint care close to home.
Related Pages
Common Questions
When is knee pain an emergency?
Seek urgent care if you cannot bear weight, the knee is deformed after an injury, or it is hot, red and very painful with fever.
Which doctor treats knee pain?
An orthopedic specialist diagnoses and treats knee pain, arthritis and joint injuries.
Can knee arthritis be cured?
Arthritis is managed rather than cured, but the right treatment can greatly reduce pain and improve movement.