Knee Pain Treatment
Knee pain treatment can help when aching, stiffness, swelling, weakness, or instability makes it harder to walk, climb stairs, work, exercise, or complete daily activities. The knee is a large joint made up of bones, cartilage, ligaments, tendons, muscles, and fluid-filled sacs called bursae. Because these structures work together, pain may develop from an injury, repeated activity, arthritis, weakness, or changes in movement.
At Reform Physical Therapy, we provide one-on-one care based on your symptoms, strength, mobility, activity level, and personal goals. Your therapist will evaluate the knee and examine how your hips, ankles, balance, and walking pattern may be affecting it. Knee pain treatment may include mobility exercises, strengthening, balance training, hands-on care, walking practice, activity changes, and a personalized home exercise program.
What Does Knee Pain Feel Like?
Knee pain can feel different from one person to another. For example, some people notice a dull ache after activity. Meanwhile, others experience sharp pain, swelling, catching, or a feeling that the knee may give out. For more information, MedlinePlus explains common knee injuries and disorders involving the bones, cartilage, ligaments, tendons, and other parts of the joint.
Symptoms may include:
- Pain in the front of the knee
- Pain behind the knee
- Pain along the inside or outside
- Pain under or around the kneecap
- Swelling
- Stiffness
- Weakness
- Clicking or popping
- Catching or locking
- Grinding
- A feeling of instability
- Trouble bending or straightening the knee
- Pain while walking
- Pain on stairs
- Pain while sitting
- Pain during running or sports
Knee problems can cause pain and make walking or other everyday movements difficult. However, the location and type of pain may help your therapist narrow down the structures involved.
Where Is Your Knee Pain Located?
The location of the pain may provide useful clues. However, a full evaluation is still important because several conditions can cause similar symptoms.
Pain in the Front of the Knee
Pain in the front of the knee often involves the kneecap, patellar tendon, quadriceps tendon, or nearby soft tissues.
It may become worse during:
- Stairs
- Squatting
- Running
- Jumping
- Kneeling
- Sitting with the knee bent
- Getting out of a chair
- Walking downhill
Patellofemoral pain is a common cause of discomfort under or around the kneecap.
Pain Along the Inside of the Knee
Pain on the inside of the knee may involve the medial collateral ligament, meniscus, tendons, bursa, or joint cartilage. Symptoms may increase with twisting, turning, side-to-side movement, stairs, or standing from a low chair.
Pain Along the Outside of the Knee
Outside knee pain may involve the lateral collateral ligament, meniscus, iliotibial band, tendons, or nearby muscles. Runners may notice pain after increasing mileage, adding hills, or changing training too quickly.
Pain Behind the Knee
Pain behind the knee may come from a hamstring or calf injury, joint swelling, arthritis, or another condition. Sudden swelling, warmth, redness, calf pain, or shortness of breath requires medical attention because these symptoms may be related to a blood clot.
Common Causes of Knee Pain
Some knee conditions begin after a clear injury. However, others develop slowly because of repeated activity, age-related changes, muscle weakness, or changes in training.
Patellofemoral Pain
Patellofemoral pain causes discomfort around or underneath the kneecap. It is sometimes called runner’s knee.
Symptoms may become worse during:
- Running
- Jumping
- Squatting
- Stairs
- Sitting for a long time
- Getting up from a chair
- Walking downhill
This condition may be affected by training changes, weakness, hip control, ankle mobility, or how the kneecap responds to movement. Treatment may include hip and knee strengthening, mobility work, activity changes, and gradual return to exercise.
Knee Osteoarthritis
Knee osteoarthritis develops when cartilage and other joint tissues change over time. Pain and stiffness are common symptoms. In addition, some people notice swelling, reduced movement, grinding, or trouble walking and climbing stairs. Exercise cannot reverse arthritis. However, knee pain treatment may help improve strength, mobility, balance, and daily function.
Care may focus on:
- Knee mobility
- Hip and leg strength
- Walking
- Balance
- Activity planning
- Weight-management support when appropriate
- Preparing for or delaying surgery
- Recovering after joint replacement
Meniscus Injury
The menisci are curved pieces of cartilage that help absorb pressure and support the knee. A meniscus injury may happen during twisting, pivoting, squatting, sports, or a fall. Age-related tissue changes can also make the meniscus easier to injure.
Symptoms may include:
- Joint-line pain
- Swelling
- Catching
- Locking
- Clicking
- Pain with twisting
- Trouble fully bending or straightening the knee
- A feeling that the knee may give way
Meniscus injuries often occur with other knee injuries, including ACL tears. An X-ray does not show a meniscus tear, although it may be used to look for other causes of pain.
ACL Injury
The anterior cruciate ligament, or ACL, helps control forward movement and rotation of the knee. An ACL injury often happens during a sudden stop, change of direction, awkward landing, or contact during sports.
A person may notice:
- A popping sound or feeling
- Sudden pain
- Rapid swelling
- Difficulty walking
- Instability
- Trouble changing direction
- Loss of movement
ACL injuries may also involve the meniscus, cartilage, or other ligaments. Treatment depends on the injury, activity goals, age, strength, and whether the knee remains unstable. Some patients recover with rehabilitation, while others need surgery followed by physical therapy.
MCL and LCL Injuries
The medial collateral ligament is located on the inside of the knee. Meanwhile, the lateral collateral ligament is located on the outside. These ligaments help control side-to-side movement.
An injury may cause:
- Pain along one side of the knee
- Swelling
- Tenderness
- Instability
- Pain during cutting or turning
- Trouble walking
Treatment may include bracing, activity changes, mobility work, strengthening, and a gradual return to sports.
PCL Injury
The posterior cruciate ligament helps prevent the shin bone from moving too far backward. A PCL injury may happen when the front of the bent knee is hit, such as during a car accident or sports injury. Symptoms may include swelling, pain, weakness, or a feeling of instability.
Patellar Tendon Pain
The patellar tendon connects the kneecap to the shin bone. Pain may develop after repeated jumping, running, or sudden increases in training. It is sometimes called jumper’s knee.
Symptoms are often felt just below the kneecap and may become worse with:
- Jumping
- Running
- Squatting
- Stairs
- Kneeling
- Getting out of a chair
Treatment usually includes activity changes and gradual strengthening rather than complete rest.
Quadriceps Tendon Pain
The quadriceps tendon connects the thigh muscles to the kneecap. Pain is usually felt just above the kneecap. In addition, the area may feel tender during stairs, jumping, squatting, or standing from a chair. A complete tendon rupture can make it difficult or impossible to straighten the knee and requires urgent medical evaluation.
Knee Bursitis
Bursae are small sacs that reduce friction around the joint. Knee bursitis may cause swelling, warmth, tenderness, or pain during kneeling and movement. Physical therapy may help reduce pain, stiffness, swelling, and weakness when the condition is appropriate for conservative care.
Iliotibial Band Syndrome
The iliotibial band is a thick band of tissue that runs along the outside of the thigh. Irritation may cause pain along the outside of the knee, especially during running or cycling.
Symptoms may be related to:
- Increased mileage
- Hill training
- Sudden training changes
- Hip weakness
- Reduced recovery
- Bike-fit concerns
- Repeated movement
Treatment may focus on training changes, hip strength, movement control, and a gradual return to activity.
Baker’s Cyst
A Baker’s cyst is a fluid-filled swelling behind the knee. It may develop when another knee condition causes extra joint fluid. Symptoms may include tightness, swelling, stiffness, or pain behind the knee. A sudden increase in calf pain or swelling should be medically evaluated because a ruptured cyst can feel similar to a blood clot.
Osgood-Schlatter Disease
Osgood-Schlatter disease can affect growing children and teens, especially those involved in running and jumping sports. Pain and swelling often develop over the bony bump below the kneecap. Treatment may include activity changes, stretching, strengthening, and guidance for returning to sports.
Pain From the Hip, Back, or Nerves
Not all pain felt near the knee begins inside the joint. Hip weakness, hip arthritis, lower-back problems, or nerve irritation may cause pain that is felt around the thigh or knee. Therefore, your therapist may examine the hip, lower back, nerves, and walking pattern in addition to the knee.
How Knee Pain Can Affect Daily Life
Knee pain can make simple movements difficult. For instance, walking through a store, standing from a chair, or using stairs may become uncomfortable.
You may notice trouble with:
- Walking
- Climbing stairs
- Getting out of a chair
- Kneeling
- Squatting
- Driving
- Standing at work
- Carrying groceries
- Exercising
- Running
- Playing sports
- Yard work
- Sleeping
- Getting on or off the floor
Some people begin avoiding movement because they are worried about making the knee worse. However, avoiding activity for too long may lead to weakness, stiffness, and less confidence. Instead, treatment often focuses on finding a manageable level of movement and increasing activity gradually.
How Knee Pain Is Evaluated
Your first appointment begins with a conversation about your symptoms, medical history, work, exercise, and goals.
Questions About Your Symptoms
Your therapist may ask:
- When did the pain begin?
- Was there an injury?
- Did you hear or feel a pop?
- Where is the pain located?
- Did swelling begin right away?
- Does the knee catch or lock?
- Does it feel unstable?
- Can you fully bend and straighten it?
- Which activities make it worse?
- Have you had knee surgery?
- Have you had an X-ray or MRI?
- What activities do you want to return to?
Physical Tests During the Evaluation
Next, your therapist may examine:
- Knee movement
- Hip and ankle movement
- Leg strength
- Core strength
- Swelling
- Balance
- Walking
- Squatting
- Stairs
- Stepping
- Single-leg control
- Ligament stability
- Meniscus-related symptoms
- Sports or work movements
The goal is to understand which structures may be involved and how your strength, mobility, and movement affect the symptoms.
Do You Need an X-Ray or MRI?
Not every person with knee pain needs imaging.
An X-ray may help identify:
- A fracture
- Osteoarthritis
- Joint alignment
- Bone changes
- A dislocation
An MRI can provide more detail about:
- Ligaments
- Menisci
- Tendons
- Cartilage
- Muscles
- Other soft tissues
Imaging may be more important when:
- Pain began after a major injury
- You cannot place weight on the leg
- The knee appears deformed
- A fracture is suspected
- The knee remains locked
- Severe swelling developed quickly
- Weakness or instability is worsening
- Surgery is being considered
- Symptoms are not improving as expected
An MRI is not always required to diagnose an ACL tear, although it may help identify injuries to the meniscus, cartilage, or other structures.
How Knee Pain Treatment May Help
Knee pain treatment may help reduce discomfort, improve movement, rebuild strength, and make daily activities easier.
A personalized plan may help you:
- Walk more comfortably
- Bend and straighten the knee
- Reduce stiffness
- Improve leg strength
- Climb stairs
- Improve balance
- Return to work
- Return to exercise
- Run or play sports
- Recover after surgery
- Reduce instability
- Manage arthritis
- Prevent repeated flare-ups
Physical therapists may use exercise, hands-on care, movement training, and education to address knee pain and restore function.
Treatment Options for Knee Pain
Improving Knee Mobility
Targeted mobility exercises may reduce stiffness and help the knee bend and straighten more comfortably.
Exercises may include:
- Heel slides
- Assisted knee bending
- Knee extension exercises
- Stationary cycling
- Gentle stretching
- Ankle and hip mobility
However, movement should not be forced through sharp pain or a true locked position.
Strengthening the Knee and Leg
The muscles around the knee help absorb force and control movement.
Therefore, strengthening may focus on the:
- Quadriceps
- Hamstrings
- Gluteal muscles
- Calves
- Hip muscles
- Core
Exercises may include:
- Straight-leg raises
- Bridges
- Seated knee extensions
- Squats
- Step-ups
- Lunges
- Resistance-band exercises
- Calf raises
- Leg presses
- Single-leg exercises
Your therapist will select a starting level based on your symptoms and current ability.
Strengthening the Hips
The hip muscles help control the thigh and knee during walking, running, stairs, and jumping. For this reason, hip strengthening may be included even when the pain is located at the knee.
Balance and Stability Training
Pain, swelling, or injury may affect balance and knee control.
Balance training may include:
- Weight shifting
- Single-leg standing
- Reaching
- Stepping
- Direction changes
- Unstable surfaces
- Reaction exercises
- Sport-specific drills
Patients may begin with support. Over time, the exercises can become more challenging.
Walking and Stair Training
A painful or weak knee may change how you walk.
Your therapist may help you practice:
- Taking even steps
- Bending the knee while walking
- Using stairs
- Standing from a chair
- Using a cane or walker
- Increasing walking distance
- Reducing limping
Manual Therapy
Manual therapy is hands-on treatment used to improve movement or reduce muscle tightness.
It may include:
- Gentle joint movement
- Soft tissue work
- Assisted stretching
- Swelling management
- Scar treatment after surgery
However, hands-on care is usually combined with active exercise for longer-lasting progress.
Activity Changes
Certain activities may need to be adjusted during a flare-up.
For example, your therapist may recommend temporary changes to:
- Running distance
- Hill training
- Jumping
- Deep squats
- Kneeling
- Heavy lifting
- Sports practice
- Work duties
- Stair use
The goal is usually to adjust the activity rather than stop all movement.
Running and Movement Analysis
Athletes and runners may benefit from an assessment of how the knee moves during running, squatting, jumping, or landing.
Your therapist may examine:
- Knee position
- Hip control
- Foot placement
- Step rate
- Trunk movement
- Training volume
- Shoe wear
- Side-to-side differences
Recommendations should be based on your symptoms and goals rather than one perfect movement style.
Blood Flow Restriction Therapy
Blood flow restriction therapy may be used for selected patients who need to rebuild muscle but cannot yet use heavy resistance. A specialized cuff is placed around the leg while the patient completes light exercises. This service is not safe for everyone, so a medical and safety review is required first.
Home Exercise Program
Your home program may include mobility, strength, balance, walking, or activity goals. A short plan that fits your schedule is often easier to follow than a long routine.
Should You Rest When Your Knee Hurts?
A short period of reduced activity may help after an injury or strong flare-up. However, complete rest for a long time may lead to more weakness and stiffness.
You may need to temporarily reduce:
- Running
- Jumping
- Deep squatting
- Kneeling
- Heavy lifting
- Long walks
- Painful sports movements
Instead of stopping all movement, try to keep comfortable activity in your day when it is safe.
Walking With Knee Pain
Walking may help maintain strength and mobility.
During a flare-up, you may need:
- Shorter walks
- More breaks
- Flatter routes
- Supportive shoes
- A cane or walker
- A gradual increase in distance
Seek medical care if you suddenly cannot place weight on the leg or if the knee appears deformed after an injury.
Using Stairs With Knee Pain
Stairs require greater strength and control than level walking.
Your therapist may help improve:
- Quadriceps strength
- Hip strength
- Balance
- Knee movement
- Step control
- Confidence
Using a railing may provide support while strength improves.
Sleeping With Knee Pain
Finding a comfortable position may be difficult when the knee is swollen or stiff.
You may try:
- Sleeping on your back with the leg supported
- Placing a pillow between the knees while side sleeping
- Avoiding direct pressure on a painful knee
- Changing positions during the night
- Following medical instructions after surgery
Avoid placing a pillow only behind the knee for long periods after some surgeries unless your medical team recommends it, as this may make full knee straightening more difficult.
Returning to Exercise
You may not need to wait until every symptom is gone before returning to exercise. Instead, activity can often be added in stages.
A gradual plan may begin with:
- Walking
- Stationary cycling
- Pool exercise
- Light strength training
- Controlled squats
- Step exercises
- Balance work
Later, running, jumping, cutting, and heavier lifting may be added as strength and control improve.
Knee Pain After Surgery
Physical therapy may be recommended before or after:
- ACL reconstruction
- Meniscus surgery
- Total knee replacement
- Patellar stabilization
- Tendon repair
- Fracture repair
- Cartilage procedures
- Other knee surgeries
Treatment may focus on:
- Swelling management
- Knee bending
- Full knee straightening
- Walking
- Using crutches or a walker
- Leg strength
- Balance
- Stairs
- Returning to work
- Returning to sports
Your plan will follow the surgeon’s instructions and any movement or weight-bearing limits.
How Long Does Knee Pain Treatment Take?
Recovery depends on the cause, severity, overall health, and length of time the symptoms have been present. A mild strain may improve within several weeks. However, ligament injuries, tendon pain, arthritis, fractures, or surgical recovery may take longer.
Signs of progress may include:
- Less swelling
- Improved knee movement
- Easier walking
- Better stair use
- Greater strength
- Less instability
- Improved sleep
- Returning to exercise
- Fewer flare-ups
- More confidence
Progress does not always happen in a straight line. Even so, improvements in movement and daily function are important signs of recovery.
When to Seek Immediate Medical Care
Seek immediate care if knee pain occurs with:
- A serious fall or accident
- A visible deformity
- An open wound
- Bone visible through the skin
- Inability to place weight on the leg
- A cold, pale, or blue foot
- Loss of feeling
- Severe or quickly increasing swelling
- A hot, red joint with fever
- Sudden calf swelling or pain
- Chest pain or trouble breathing
- A locked knee after a major injury
Knee pain caused by an accident or injury should be medically evaluated, especially when severe pain, swelling, or loss of function is present.
When to Contact Your Medical Provider
Contact your healthcare provider if:
- Pain keeps getting worse
- Swelling does not improve
- The knee repeatedly gives out
- The knee catches or locks
- You cannot fully bend or straighten it
- You develop fever or redness
- Pain regularly wakes you at night
- You notice unexplained weight loss
- Symptoms began after a fall
- You have new numbness or weakness
- You are unsure whether exercise is safe
Your physical therapist may also recommend further evaluation if another condition appears to be causing the symptoms.
One-on-One Knee Pain Treatment in Maine
Reform Physical Therapy provides one-on-one knee pain treatment at our Maine clinic locations.
We help patients dealing with:
- Patellofemoral pain
- Knee osteoarthritis
- Meniscus injuries
- ACL injuries
- MCL and LCL sprains
- Tendon pain
- Knee bursitis
- IT band syndrome
- Running-related knee pain
- Weakness and instability
- Pain after surgery
- Difficulty walking or using stairs
Your therapist will listen to your concerns, evaluate your movement, and build a plan around the activities that matter most to you.
Schedule a Knee Pain Evaluation
Knee pain can interfere with work, exercise, sports, sleep, and daily life. Fortunately, you do not have to guess which exercises or activities are right for your symptoms. A complete evaluation can help identify the likely cause of the pain. Then, your therapist can create a plan to help you return to comfortable and confident movement.