Why Does My Knee Hurt? Common Causes of Knee Pain and When to See an Orthopedic Specialist

It starts small. A twinge when you climb the stairs. A dull ache after a long walk. Maybe a sharp pain that makes you stop mid-step and wonder, “Did I just injure my knee?”

Knee pain is incredibly common. Your knees carry you through daily life, absorbing impact with every step, squat, and turn. When something goes wrong, even simple activities can feel overwhelming.

With locations in Fort Worth, Southlake, and Weatherford, TX, the team at Texas Health Care's Bone and Joint Clinic helps patients who are trying to figure out why their knee hurts and what to do next. Understanding the most common causes of knee pain can help you know when to rest, when to modify activity, and when it’s time to see an orthopedic specialist.

Sudden knee pain vs. pain that creeps in

One of the first clues your provider looks at is how your pain began.

If your knee started hurting after a fall, twist, or awkward landing, that’s considered acute knee pain. You can usually pinpoint the moment it happened.

Chronic knee pain, on the other hand, tends to sneak up on you. It develops gradually, often worsening over weeks or months, and may feel like a persistent ache with no obvious cause. This type of pain is often linked to wear and tear or degenerative conditions.

Strains and sprains: common, but not always minor

Starting a new workout routine or increasing activity too quickly can put extra stress on your knee.

A strain occurs when a muscle — usually in the thigh or calf — is overstretched or overworked. A sprain involves ligaments or tendons around the knee joint and often causes swelling, tenderness, or bruising.

Sprains are typically more serious than strains and may take longer to heal, especially if a ligament is partially torn.

Ligament injuries from sports or sudden movements

If you play sports that involve cutting, pivoting, or jumping, your knee ligaments work overtime. Injuries to the ACL, MCL, PCL, or LCL often happen when the foot stays planted and the knee twists.

Many people with ligament injuries recall a popping sound, immediate swelling, or a feeling that the knee “gave out.” These injuries shouldn’t be ignored, as they can affect long-term stability.

Meniscus tears: not just an athlete’s injury

The meniscus acts as a shock absorber between your thigh bone and shin bone. Tears can occur during sports, but also during everyday movements like squatting or turning quickly.

Adults over 40 are particularly prone to meniscus tears, and pain often worsens when the knee is bent or twisted. Some people also notice stiffness or a catching sensation in the joint.

Fractures and dislocations

Trauma, such as a car accident or a hard fall, can fracture a bone in or around the knee. Repetitive stress can also lead to stress fractures over time.

Dislocations happen when the bones of the knee joint move out of alignment, often during strenuous activity. Both conditions require prompt medical evaluation.

Chondromalacia: wear and tear behind the kneecap

Chondromalacia occurs when the cartilage under the kneecap softens and wears down. This can happen gradually from chronic use or after a single injury.

People often notice pain at the front of the knee, stiffness after sitting, or a grinding or clicking sensation during movement. This condition is more common in women and often appears in middle age.

Arthritis and long-term knee pain

Arthritis is a leading cause of chronic knee pain.

• Osteoarthritis develops from wear and tear and causes stiffness, swelling, and pain that may start intermittently.
• Rheumatoid arthritis is an inflammatory condition that affects multiple joints and can cause significant joint damage.
• Crystalline arthritis, such as gout-related conditions, occurs when crystal deposits irritate the joint, leading to inflammation and pain.

Pre-patellar bursitis: pain from repeated pressure

If your job or hobbies involve frequent kneeling, the bursa in front of your kneecap can become inflamed. This condition causes pain with movement and is common in professions like construction, cleaning, and electrical work.

When knee pain needs immediate care

You should seek urgent medical attention if your knee pain follows a major injury and includes:

• A visibly deformed or bent knee
• A popping sound at the time of injury
• Inability to bear weight
• Severe pain
• Sudden swelling

When it’s time to see an orthopedic specialist

Not all knee pain is an emergency, but persistent pain shouldn’t be ignored. Make an appointment if your knee is swollen, red, warm, or very painful, or if pain interferes with sleep or daily activities.

Early evaluation can help prevent worsening symptoms and long-term joint damage.

If knee pain is holding you back, Texas Health Care's Bone and Joint Clinic is here to help. To schedule an evaluation, call the office or book an appointment online today.