Knee Pain Causes: Understanding Why Your Knee Hurts and What You Can Do

Knee Pain Causes: Understanding Why Your Knee Hurts and What You Can Do

August 11, 2025

Do you feel knee pain when walking, climbing stairs, or getting out of a chair? Does your knee hurt when you exercise or even when resting? Knee pain is common, but it is not normal to live with it every day.

At Total Health & Rehab Center of Boca Raton, we help people find relief from knee pain and get back to the activities they love. Understanding the causes of knee pain is the first step to getting the right treatment and preventing further problems.


Why Knee Pain Happens

Your knee is a complex joint that allows you to bend, straighten, and move comfortably. It connects your thigh bone (femur), shin bone (tibia), and kneecap (patella). Your knee has cartilage, ligaments, tendons, and muscles that work together to support movement.

When any part of this system is injured, stressed, or worn down, you can feel knee pain. Pain may come from:

  • Injuries
  • Overuse
  • Weak muscles
  • Poor alignment
  • Arthritis or aging changes

Knee pain can affect people of all ages, from athletes to older adults, and often impacts your ability to move comfortably.


Common Causes of Knee Pain

Injuries

Knee injuries can happen from sports, falls, or accidents. Common injuries include:

  • Ligament Injuries: Tearing the ACL, MCL, or other ligaments can cause swelling and instability.
  • Meniscus Tears: Twisting your knee can tear the cartilage that cushions your joint.
  • Tendon Injuries: Overuse or sudden movements can irritate or tear tendons.

Overuse

Repeating the same movements can stress your knee, leading to pain over time. This often happens in:

  • Runners or athletes
  • People who squat or kneel often
  • Jobs requiring repetitive lifting

Arthritis

Arthritis causes the cartilage in your knee to wear down, leading to pain and stiffness. The most common type is osteoarthritis, often affecting people over 50, but it can occur earlier if there is a history of injury.

Alignment Issues

Poor alignment of your hips, knees, or feet can change how forces move through your knee. This can lead to uneven stress on the joint, causing pain and wear over time.


Other Causes of Knee Pain

  • Bursitis: Inflammation of the small fluid-filled sacs that cushion your knee.
  • Patellar Tracking Issues: When the kneecap moves out of place while bending or straightening.
  • Gout: A type of arthritis caused by crystal buildup in the joint.
  • Muscle Weakness: Weak hips or thighs can place more stress on your knee.

Symptoms That May Accompany Knee Pain

Knee pain can vary based on the cause, but common symptoms include:

  • Swelling around the knee
  • Stiffness or reduced movement
  • Clicking or popping sounds
  • Feeling of instability or giving way
  • Pain with bending, straightening, or weight-bearing

If you notice severe swelling, cannot put weight on your knee, or your knee looks deformed, seek medical care immediately.


Why Identifying the Cause Matters

Treating knee pain effectively requires knowing why it happens. Simply resting or using ice may provide short-term relief, but the pain often returns if the underlying cause is not addressed.

At Total Health & Rehab Center of Boca Raton, we help you identify the true cause of your knee pain and create a plan that addresses your unique needs. This helps you move confidently and reduces the risk of further problems.


Diagnosing Knee Pain

Your physiotherapist or healthcare provider will assess your knee with:

  • A detailed history of your pain and activities
  • Physical examination to check strength, movement, and alignment
  • Special tests to check for ligament or meniscus injuries
  • Discussion of your goals and daily activities

Imaging such as X-rays or MRIs may be needed if there is suspicion of significant injury or arthritis.


How to Prevent Knee Pain

While not all knee pain can be prevented, you can reduce your risk with these habits:

  • Maintain a healthy weight to reduce stress on your knees.
  • Strengthen your hips, thighs, and core muscles.
  • Use proper techniques when lifting or exercising.
  • Wear supportive shoes that fit well.
  • Avoid sudden increases in activity without preparation.

If you have had knee pain before, working with a physiotherapist can help prevent recurrence.


Exercises to Help with Knee Pain

Exercise can help reduce knee pain and build strength for support. Here are two helpful exercises:

Quad Sets

Sit or lie with your leg straight. Tighten your thigh muscle and press the back of your knee down. Hold for 5 seconds, then relax. Repeat 10 times.

Straight Leg Raises

Lie on your back with one leg bent and the other straight. Lift the straight leg to the height of the bent knee, keeping it straight. Hold for 3 seconds, then lower. Repeat 10 times.

These exercises are safe for many people but check with your therapist to ensure they are appropriate for your condition.


When to Seek Help

Seek professional help if:

  • Your pain is severe or worsening
  • You cannot put weight on your knee
  • Your knee is locking or giving way
  • You have swelling that does not improve
  • Your pain lasts longer than a few weeks

Early care can help you recover faster and avoid further damage.


Why Choose Total Health & Rehab Center of Boca Raton

At Total Health & Rehab Center of Boca Raton, we believe in addressing knee pain with personalized, non-surgical care that helps you recover safely.

When you work with us, you receive:

  • A detailed assessment of your knee pain and movement
  • Hands-on treatments to reduce pain and stiffness
  • Guided exercises to strengthen and support your knee
  • Education on how to move safely and prevent future pain
  • Support to help you stay active and confident

We are here to help you move better, feel stronger, and return to the activities you love.


Take the First Step Toward Pain-Free Knees

Knee pain can limit your life, but you do not have to live with it. Understanding the causes of your knee pain and getting the right treatment can help you move confidently and comfortably.

Take the first step toward relief today. Call Total Health & Rehab Center of Boca Raton to book your appointment and start your journey to pain-free movement.

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