Understanding Knee Pain: What It Means and What You Can Do
Knee pain is a very common complaint — and because the knee joint supports our body weight every day, it’s perhaps not surprising that problems occur. Proback Advanced Back Care Whether you are active or relatively sedentary, understanding the cause, symptoms and what actions to take can make a big difference.
Why the knee is vulnerable
The knee is more than a simple hinge-joint; it comprises bones, ligaments, cartilage, tendons and fluid-filled sacs (bursae). Over time wear-and-tear occurs, or an injury may trigger a problem. According to ProBack Clinic the knee bears the body’s weight day to day, so “knee injuries are extremely common”. Proback Advanced Back Care For people involved in sports – especially those involving sudden direction changes such as football, tennis or running – the risk is higher.
Common causes of knee pain
Some of the most frequently encountered underlying issues include:
- Ligament damage: When you twist or change direction suddenly, one of the knee’s ligaments can be injured. The joint may swell, hurt when you move it, and you may struggle to put weight on it.Meniscus tear: A tear in the cartilage that cushions the knee (commonly seen in athletes) can cause pain, swelling and even a crunching sound.
- Knee bursitis: The bursae help tendons and ligaments move smoothly; if they become irritated or inflamed the knee becomes swollen and painful.
- Osteoarthritis: As cartilage wears away with time, joint stiffness, pain and a “clicking or crunching” sound may begin to appearFractures and tendinitis: A sudden trauma can fracture part of the knee, and overuse of the patella tendon may result in tendinitis—with swelling, difficulty in bending the knee, and pain on stairs.
- “Runner’s knee” (patellofemoral pain syndrome): Pain around or behind the kneecap is common especially in runners – making everyday activities like climbing or descending stairs or even sitting painful.
Recognising the symptoms
Key symptoms to watch out for include: swelling; stiffness or reduced ability to bend/straighten the knee; warmth (hot to the touch); instability; and sometimes a clicking or crunching noise. If you experience any of these, especially following a change in activity or trauma, it is worth paying attention rather than simply hoping it will resolve.
What you can do
First, understanding the root cause is important. A thorough examination—ideally by a qualified practitioner—can identify what’s wrong (rather than simply treating symptoms). Proback Advanced Back Care Once the cause is clear, targeted treatments and lifestyle adjustments can help.
For example, starting gentle, appropriate exercise (once it is safe to do so) and avoiding further strain until recovery is underway is sensible. The Clinic emphasises that jumping straight into exercise with an injured knee may make things worse. Also consider help from professionals who may use therapies such as laser treatment, shockwave therapy or specialised injections depending on the condition.
In summary
Knee pain is rarely trivial, but with timely attention it needn’t become a life-long burden. Whether you’re active or mostly at the desk, if your knee hurts, stiffens, clicks or swells, it’s worth investigating. With tailored examination, appropriate rest and gradual return to strength and movement, you can get back on your feet and enjoy a more comfortable daily life.

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