Knee Pain: Causes, Symptoms and Treatment

The knee is the largest joint in your body and plays an important role in movement.¹

The knee bears a large amount of weight, making it prone to injuries and knee pain, which can range from temporary to chronic issues requiring professional diagnosis and treatment.¹

The exact location of the pain usually indicates which part or parts of your joint are injured. You might feel pain:

• Close to the surface above or behind your knee (usually indicating an issue with your muscles, tendons or ligaments).¹
• Deeper inside your knee (pain that comes from your bones or cartilage).¹
• In multiple parts of your knee or leg. Knee pain can sometimes spread (radiate) to other areas.¹

Knee pain can begin as a mild discomfort and get worse over time.² Some of the symptoms that accompany knee pain include swelling, stiffness, weakness, or instability, and popping or crunching sounds.³

Knee pain can result from various factors related to activities, habits, and physical conditions. This includes:

• Lack of muscle flexibility or strength: Weakness and inflexibility increase the chances of knee injuries as strong muscles stabilize joints and flexibility aids in full range of motion.³
• Certain sports or occupations: Activities like skiing, basketball and running, or jobs with repetitive knee stress (e.g., construction) can increase the risk of knee problems.³
• Previous injury: Past knee injuries make future knee injuries more likely.³

Avoiding knee pain isn't always possible, especially if it stems from unforeseen injuries. But there are a few ways to ease the pain. Below, we list a few options you can consider.

Cryotherapy or cold therapy can help ease knee pain. Try the R.I.C.E. method—an effective home cold therapy treatment that comprises:

• Rest: Avoid the activity that caused the pain to prevent further injury.¹
• Ice: Apply an ice pack for 15 to 20 minutes every hour on the first day, then every three to four hours thereafter. Always wrap the ice pack in a cloth to protect your skin.¹
• Compression: Use a compression bandage to reduce swelling and promote healing. Ensure proper application under the guidance of a healthcare professional.¹
• Elevation: Elevate your knee above heart level using pillows or cushions to reduce swelling.¹

Medications such as NSAIDs (ibuprofen, aspirin, naproxen) can help manage pain but should be used cautiously and not for prolonged periods without medical advice. It’s always recommended to to check with your healthcare provider to see which therapy is right for you.

You can also use a topical analgesic. Biofreeze’s topical analgesics provide targeted pain relief for aching joints. They’re menthol-based and available in a variety of formats, including creams, gels and sprays.⁴

Physical therapy may be advised for conditions like arthritis or post-injury recovery. A physical therapist can teach you exercises to strengthen muscles around the knee, improving stability and reducing pain.¹

If your knee pain has just started and is not severe you can include the following:

• During the day, keep your knee raised as often as possible to reduce swelling.²
• At night, sleep with a pillow underneath or between your knees to alleviate pain.²

Knee pain can manifest on various parts of the knee, including on either side, behind, above or below the knee.²

Various factors may contribute to pain in specific areas of your knee. However, common causes for pain in the side of the knee include meniscus or collateral ligament tears, or even arthritis. ² Pain behind the knee could also be due to arthritis or injuries.²

If you suspect that your knee pain is due to an accident or injury, contact your health care provider.²

If the pain is mild, you can try to manage it at home by performing a combination of stretching and strengthening exercises that work several different muscles, from the hip abductors to the hamstrings and quadriceps.⁵

Call your doctor if^2,3:

• You are unable to bear weight on your knee.
• Your knee buckles, clicks, or locks during movement.
• You have difficulty flexing or fully straightening your knee.
• Your pain persists after three days of home treatment.