Understanding Knee Pain

Knee pain is one of the most common musculoskeletal complaints and can affect people of all ages and activity levels. The knee is a complex joint that relies on the coordinated function of bones, cartilage, ligaments, tendons, muscles, and the nervous system. When one or more of these structures is irritated, overloaded, or not functioning optimally, pain and movement limitations can develop.

Knee pain is rarely just a “knee problem.” Issues in the hips, ankles, feet, or even the lower back can alter how forces move through the knee, leading to strain over time. Effective care focuses not only on symptom relief, but on identifying and addressing the underlying contributors.

Common Causes and Triggers

Knee pain may develop suddenly or gradually and is often influenced by multiple factors, including:

  • Acute injuries (sprains, strains, ligament or meniscal irritation)

  • Overuse or repetitive stress from work, sport, or training

  • Tendon or ligament overload (patellar tendon, quadriceps tendon, MCL, ACL)

  • Cartilage irritation or degenerative changes

  • Muscle imbalances or poor movement mechanics

  • Reduced hip or ankle mobility affecting knee loading

  • Previous injuries that did not fully rehabilitate

  • Changes in training volume, footwear, or terrain

  • Prolonged sitting or poor lower-body alignment

Typical Signs and Symptoms

Knee pain can present in different ways depending on the structures involved. Common symptoms include:

  • Pain at the front, inside, outside, or back of the knee

  • Swelling, stiffness, or a feeling of pressure

  • Pain with stairs, squatting, running, or prolonged walking

  • Clicking, catching, or grinding sensations

  • A feeling of instability or weakness

  • Reduced range of motion or difficulty fully bending or straightening the knee

  • Pain that worsens after activity or prolonged sitting

How Knee Pain Is Evaluated, Managed, and When to Seek Support

At ONE80 Health, knee pain is evaluated using a comprehensive, movement-based approach that looks beyond the knee itself. Your assessment may include a detailed health and injury history, postural and gait analysis, evaluation of knee, hip, ankle, and foot mobility, strength and stability testing, functional movement assessment, and neurological screening when appropriate. This allows us to understand not only what hurts, but why the knee is being overloaded or irritated.

Management is individualized and may involve a combination of hands-on care, targeted rehabilitation, and supportive therapies. The focus is on reducing pain, restoring normal joint mechanics, improving strength and stability, and addressing contributing factors so the problem does not keep returning.

You should consider an assessment if knee pain persists beyond a few days, continues to worsen, interferes with daily activities, work, or exercise, is associated with swelling, instability, or reduced motion, keeps returning despite rest or self-care, or developed after a fall, twist, or direct impact. Early evaluation can help prevent minor issues from becoming chronic and provides clarity on the underlying cause not just the symptoms.

Treatments Commonly Used for Knee Pain at ONE80 Health

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