Knee Pain & Joint Care

What causes knee pain?

Knee pain is common in adults and is often related to aging or everyday wear and tear. Regular activities like walking, standing, lifting and climbing stairs can lead to strain on your knees over time. 

Injuries are another frequent cause of knee pain. Many happen during sports or activities that involve sudden movements, jumping or changes in direction. Common knee injuries include: 

• Anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury: The ACL connects your thigh bone to your shinbone. It often tears during sports that require quick stops, direction changes or landing from a jump. Learn more about ACL tears.
• Medial collateral ligament (MCL) injury: The MCL prevents the knee from bending inward. It can tear during twisting motions or sudden side impacts.
• Meniscus injury: The meniscus is a piece of cartilage that cushions your knee. It can tear with forceful twisting or rotation. Learn more about torn meniscus injuries.
• Patellofemoral pain syndrome (runner’s knee): This overuse injury causes pain around the kneecap and is common in runners and active individuals. Learn more about patellofemoral pain syndrome.
• Patellar tendinitis (jumper’s knee): This condition causes pain between the kneecap and shinbone when the tendon becomes irritated or torn, often due to overuse. Learn more about patellar tendinitis. 
• Baker’s cyst: Also called a popliteal cyst, this fluid-filled swelling forms behind the knee and can cause tightness, stiffness or pain—especially when bending or straightening the leg. It often develops due to other knee problems like arthritis or a meniscus tear. Learn more about Baker’s cyst. 

When should I see a doctor?

Knee pain often develops gradually and may improve with self-care. Try the following at-home treatments first: 

• Rest and avoid activities that make the pain worse 
• Use ice packs wrapped in a towel for 20 minutes at a time 
• Compress the knee with a bandage or brace 
• Elevate your leg 
• Take nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as ibuprofen (Advil) or naproxen (Aleve) for pain and swelling 
• Try acetaminophen (Tylenol) for pain relief 

You should see a doctor if: 

• Your pain began after a forceful impact or injury 
• The pain lasts more than a few days despite rest and home treatment 
• You notice redness, swelling, warmth or tenderness 
• You develop a fever 

Seek immediate medical care if: 

• You heard a popping sound at the time of injury 
• You cannot put weight on the affected leg 
• Your joint looks deformed 
• Swelling appeared suddenly 
• The pain is severe 

If your knee pain isn’t improving, our orthopedic specialists can help. Schedule an appointment today. 

How is knee pain diagnosed?

To find the cause of your knee pain, your doctor will: 

• Perform a physical exam to check for swelling, redness, warmth or bruising 
• Gently move your knee to assess range of motion 
• Press or move parts of your knee to check for damage or pain 

Your doctor may also order imaging tests, such as: 

• X-rays 
• MRI 
• CT scan 
• Ultrasound 

If there’s concern for infection or inflammation, your doctor may recommend: 

• Blood tests 
• Arthrocentesis (removing and testing fluid from the joint) 

Want to get answers about your knee pain? Find a Banner orthopedic provider near you. 

How is knee pain treated?

Treatment depends on what’s causing your knee pain. Many people recover without surgery.

Nonsurgical treatment options

• Medications for conditions like gout, arthritis or inflammation 
• Physical therapy and strengthening exercises 
• Supportive shoe inserts to reduce pressure on the knee 
• Injections such as corticosteroids, platelet-rich plasma or hyaluronic acid to reduce pain and swelling 

Surgical treatment options

Your doctor may recommend surgery if your knee injury is severe or doesn’t respond to other treatments: 

• ACL reconstruction: Replaces a torn ACL with a tendon graft 
• MCL repair: Reattaches the ligament using sutures or anchors 
• Knee arthroscopy: A small camera is inserted into the joint to diagnose and repair issues like meniscus tears or ligament damage 
• Partial or total knee replacement: Damaged portions or the entire knee joint are replaced with artificial parts 
• Knee revision surgery: In some cases, an artificial knee joint may wear out or loosen over time. Revision surgery replaces part or all of a previous knee implant. This procedure is more complex than an initial knee replacement and may involve specialized care. 
• Joint denervation:A minimally invasive option that interrupts pain signals from nerves in the knee 

Explore treatment options designed to get you moving again. Request an orthopedic consultation. 

How can I prevent knee pain?

You can lower your risk of knee pain by making a few healthy choices: 

• Maintain a healthy weight to reduce pressure on your joints 
• Stretch your leg muscles regularly 
• Wear supportive shoes with good cushioning 
• Avoid kneeling on hard surfaces without padding 
• Walk or run on softer surfaces like a track instead of concrete 

Why choose Banner Health for knee pain care? 

When knee pain slows you down, you deserve care that helps you move forward with confidence. At Banner Health, our orthopedic specialists work closely with physical therapists, sports medicine experts and imaging professionals to accurately diagnose your pain and personalize your treatment. 

We offer: 

• Same-day and next-day appointments at many locations 
• Advanced diagnostic tools like MRI, ultrasound and arthroscopy 
• Minimally invasive treatments and surgical expertise 
• Personalized rehab programs to help you recover faster 

Start your recovery with care you can trust. Schedule an appointment with a Banner orthopedic provider.