Knee pain is one of the most common reasons people seek physiotherapy. As a complex, high-load joint, the knee endures significant stress during walking, stairs, squatting, and daily movements.

When knee pain hits, it can quickly limit your mobility and affect your quality of life.

At Stryde Health Centre, we help reduce pain, restore strength, and get you moving comfortably again.

Causes of Knee Pain

Knee pain can result from a variety of conditions and injuries. The most common causes include:

  • Osteoarthritis — Progressive wear and tear of the knee joint cartilage, commonly associated with aging
  • Injuries — Ligament tears (ACL, MCL, PCL, LCL), meniscus tears, or fractures
  • Overuse Conditions — Runner’s knee (patellofemoral pain syndrome), jumper’s knee (patellar tendinitis), and IT band syndrome
  • Inflammatory Conditions — Such as rheumatoid arthritis or gout
  • Mechanical Problems — Loose bodies in the joint or dislocated kneecap (patellar dislocation)
  • Referred Pain — Pain originating from the hip or lower back that radiates to the knee
  • Post-Surgical Issues — Complications or scar tissue following previous knee surgery
  • Biomechanical Factors — Leg length discrepancies, poor flexibility, and muscle weakness

Common Symptoms of Knee Pain

Knee pain can manifest in many different ways and often interferes with walking, stairs, and daily activities. Common symptoms include:

  • Pain — sharp, dull, constant, or intermittent
  • Swelling — visible or noticeable fluid around the knee joint
  • Stiffness — difficulty fully bending or straightening the knee, especially in the morning or after sitting
  • Instability — feeling that the knee may “give out” or buckle
  • Popping, crunching, or grinding sensations (crepitus) during movement
  • Locking — the knee getting stuck in certain positions
  • Giving way — especially when bearing weight, going up or down stairs
  • Warmth and redness — signs of inflammation
  • Weakness — difficulty supporting weight or pushing off with the affected leg

If you're experiencing any of these symptoms, our experienced physiotherapists and chiropractors can help identify the root cause and create an effective treatment plan.