Understanding Your Knee Pain
Knee pain may follow an injury or develop gradually during everyday activity or exercise. You may notice discomfort on stairs, at the bottom of a squat or after sitting. We assess the knee first, then examine relevant hip and ankle movement, muscle strength and weight transfer. These findings help guide treatment, exercise and activity adjustments.
Where You Feel Knee Pain — and What It May Be Linked To
Front of the Knee
Pain around the kneecap may occur during stairs, squats or prolonged sitting. We assess kneecap-related symptoms, strength and tolerance for bending under load.
Inner Side of the Knee
Pain may involve the joint, meniscus, ligament or nearby tendons. We review how symptoms started and examine movements such as twisting, bending and weight-bearing.
Outer Side of the Knee
Pain may occur during running, repeated bending or changes in activity. We examine local tissues alongside relevant hip control and lower-limb movement.
Back of the Knee
Discomfort may involve surrounding muscles, tendons, swelling or other conditions. We assess bending and straightening and check whether medical investigation is needed.
What Can Contribute to Knee Pain?
Knee pain can have several contributing factors. Assessment helps distinguish local knee conditions from relevant movement and loading difficulties.
Joint & Surrounding Tissue Conditions
Changes in Activity Load
Muscle Strength & Control
Hip, Ankle & Weight Transfer
Kneecap-related pain, tendon conditions, osteoarthritis and injuries can affect knee comfort and movement. The location of pain alone does not establish the diagnosis.
More running, heavier squats or repeated stairs can exceed your current tolerance. We review recent changes in activity and recovery.
Reduced strength or difficulty controlling bending and single-leg tasks can affect activity tolerance. We assess the muscles around the knee and hip.
Hip rotation and ankle movement influence how the leg moves during walking and squatting. We assess whether restrictions or difficulty accepting weight are relevant to your symptoms.
Knee & Lower-Limb Movement Assessment
Understanding What Makes Your Knee Painful
We review your symptoms and screen for conditions requiring medical attention before assessing the knee and relevant movement tasks.
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Explain the findings and plan suitable treatment, exercise and activity progression. Discuss referral when further investigation is needed.
Your Symptoms & History
Review the onset, location, swelling, previous injuries and activities that aggravate your knee. We also ask about locking or giving way.
Knee Joint Assessment
Assess bending, straightening, strength and relevant clinical tests to investigate the painful area.
Hip & Ankle Movement
Check hip rotation and ankle mobility to understand their contribution to your lower-limb movement.
Walking & Weight Transfer
Observe walking, stepping, squatting or single-leg tasks to assess how you accept and control weight on each leg.
TREATMENT OPTIONS
Treatment Based on What We Find
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DIFFICULTY BENDING OR STRAIGHTENING
WHEN TO GET ASSESSED
Common Symptoms of Knee Pain
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PAIN WHEN USING STAIRS
Persistent, recurring or worsening knee pain should be assessed. Appropriate care depends on your symptoms, clinical findings and underlying condition.
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DISCOMFORT DURING SQUATS OR LUNGES
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PAIN WHEN KNEELING OR STANDING UP
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PAIN WHEN WALKING OR RUNNING
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RECURRING SWELLING OR GIVING WAY
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STIFFNESS AFTER SITTING
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SHIFTING WEIGHT TO AVOID DISCOMFORT
When to Seek Medical Attention
Seek urgent medical attention for severe pain after injury, an obvious deformity, rapid swelling or an inability to bear weight. A hot, swollen knee with fever also needs urgent assessment. Arrange prompt medical review if the knee becomes locked or repeatedly gives way. Sudden calf swelling or pain requires urgent assessment; associated chest pain or breathlessness requires emergency assistance.
FAQ
Joint Stiffness & Restricted Movement
Limited movement affecting exercise and everyday activities.
RELATED CONDITIONS
Sports & Exercise-Related Pain
Symptoms during squatting, running, jumping or other sporting activities.
Hip & Pelvic Pain
Pain or difficulty with hip rotation, walking, bending or squatting.