Locations:
Search IconSearch

4 Questions That Help Solve Your Knee Pain Mystery

Consider these common reasons for knee pain

Illustration of doctor explaining 4 questions

Whether you’re walking, running, skiing, golfing, going up stairs or simply standing up, your knees do important work.

Advertisement

Cleveland Clinic is a non-profit academic medical center. Advertising on our site helps support our mission. We do not endorse non-Cleveland Clinic products or services. Policy

Sometimes that work leads to pain. As you age, and as you put strain on your knees through physical activity, knee pain becomes common.

Rest, ice, compression and elevation is a good a starting point for easing minor aches and pains. But to get the relief you need for persistent pain, your doctors have to identify the right cause. Here are a few of the factors that go into diagnosing knee pain.

1. Where is your pain?

The hunt for the cause of knee pain is like the search for a home: Location matters.

For example, pain below your kneecap might be a sign of patellar tendinitis, or inflammation in the tendon that connects the kneecap to the shinbone, says rheumatologist Scott Burg, DO. Pain above the kneecap often means quadriceps tendinitis.

Pain on the inside or outside of your knee could be a sign of a torn ligament (the medial collateral ligament on the inside, or lateral collateral ligament on the outside), Dr. Burg says. But it also could indicate a torn or degenerative meniscus, which is the cartilage that lines and cushions your knee joint.

Those are just a couple of causes, not including various types of arthritis. “Location is important, but we also ask other questions,” Dr. Burg explains.

2. When do you feel better or worse?

For instance, does walking up or down a flight of stairs trigger pain behind your kneecap? That could be a sign of osteoarthritis. With osteoarthritis, pain also tends to get worse over the day as you’re more active.

Advertisement

On the other hand, pain that starts strong in the morning and gets better as you move during the day sounds more like an inflammatory condition, such as rheumatoid arthritis.

If you are seeing a doctor, make note of all of this. The smallest details — even the resting positions that bring you the most relief — will help in finding the right diagnosis.

3. How do you describe your pain?

“I know, it’s a tough question sometimes,” Dr. Burg says. “But you probably can tell the difference between a dull, throbbing pain and a sharp, burning sensation.”

That’s important. A sharp, burning (some say “knifelike”) sensation more often indicates an irritated nerve rather than a joint or ligament problem. On the other hand, you might describe pain from arthritis as more constant and achy.

4. Is anything strange happening?

Or really, “Is anything strange happening beyond your knee pain?”

For example, can you still flex your knee all the way? Most people get frightened when their knee locks and can’t straighten anymore. Often the culprit is called Baker’s cyst, a fluid-filled sac behind the knee caused by inflammation.

A clicking sound also triggers concern for many people. Nobody wants to hear a click with every step. “Sometimes, it’s harmless, but if that clicking comes with pain, you might have a mechanical problem such as a torn meniscus,” Dr. Burg says.

These are just a few examples among many. The knee is a complicated — and critical — part of your everyday life. So when you have pain that comes with serious symptoms or lasts for more than a week or two, seek the right diagnosis by getting a physical exam and any necessary imaging that comes with it.

Advertisement

Learn more about our editorial process.

Related Articles

elderly man experiencing knee pain at night
February 12, 2021/Orthopaedics
Why Do I Have Knee Pain at Night?

And tips for how to ease the hurt

runner with horrible knee pain
July 22, 2020/Orthopaedics
Here’s How You’re Making Your Knee Pain Worse

Don't let these aches and pains set you back

Woman icing and elevating her hurting knee
February 13, 2020/Orthopaedics
What You Can Do About Stiff Achy Knees (at Any Age)

How to alleviate pain in your knees

Older man with knee pain in doctor's office
September 3, 2019/Chronic Pain
Could Nerve Blocks or Radiofrequency Ablation Help Ease Your Knee Pain?

Non-surgical ways to help you function better

Person seated at office desk chair while on a virtual team call
March 7, 2025/Orthopaedics
What’s ‘Office Chair Butt’? And What Can You Do About It?

Sitting for long hours, like at your desk job, can make your butt sag — among other effects

An arm with two copper bracelets on
February 28, 2025/Orthopaedics
Copper Bracelets: Are There Real Benefits?

Research doesn’t show any benefits to wearing copper bracelets — but your experience may vary

Male standing outside, grasping his shoulder
February 18, 2025/Orthopaedics
When You Don’t Need Surgery for a Torn Rotator Cuff

Rest, physical therapy, pain relief medication and steroid injections may be able to help instead

Person with pant leg pulled up, holding their knee with both hands
February 5, 2025/Orthopaedics
Ice vs. Heat: Which Is Better for Your Pain?

Your choice depends on your reason and need for treatment

Trending Topics

Person in bed sleeping on their side, covers off
Breathing Problems? Try These Sleep Positions

If you’re feeling short of breath, sleep can be tough — propping yourself up or sleeping on your side may help

A couple looking at skyline, with one person slightly behind the other, head bent down
What Is Anxious Attachment Style — and Do You Have It?

If you fear the unknown or find yourself needing reassurance often, you may identify with this attachment style

Glasses and bottle of yellow-colored prebiotic soda, with mint, lemon and ginger garnish
Are Prebiotic Sodas Good for You?

If you’re looking to boost your gut health, it’s better to get fiber from whole foods

Ad