Overview
Understanding knee pain
Pain after a twist or impact follows a different evaluation path than pain that develops gradually with walking, stairs, prolonged sitting, or age-related joint change.
Some knee pain is referred from the hip, spine, or a nerve. A focused examination helps determine whether the knee itself is the likely source.
Useful context
What people may notice
- Pain at the front, side, back, or joint line of the knee
- Swelling, stiffness, catching, locking, or a sense of giving way
- Symptoms with stairs, squatting, walking, or rising from a chair
- Pain or tingling that travels above or below the knee
At the clinic
How evaluation works
- 01
Review injury mechanism, timing, swelling, and functional limits.
- 02
Examine motion, stability, alignment, tenderness, strength, and gait.
- 03
Use X-ray, ultrasound, or MRI when the findings suggest imaging will change management.
- 04
Discuss rehabilitation, medication, bracing, injections, or orthopedic evaluation according to the diagnosis.
References
Sources and further reading
These references provide general education. They do not replace advice from a clinician who knows your health history.
Questions and answers
Knee pain FAQs
What is a genicular nerve block for knee pain?
A genicular nerve block targets sensory nerves supplying the knee joint with local anesthetic. It may help a clinician evaluate whether those nerves contribute to chronic knee pain and inform discussion of next steps.