Knee Pain: What Could Be Causing It?

KATHERINE LEAK

Oct 6

2 min read

Knee pain can be frustrating, particularly when it starts to affect everyday activities such as walking, climbing stairs, going to the gym, running, or taking part in sport.

Sometimes it develops following a clear injury. In other cases, it can come on gradually, making it difficult to understand what may be causing the discomfort.

Why does knee pain happen?

There is not always one simple cause.

Knee pain can be associated with a number of factors, including:

A sudden increase in exercise or activity
Weakness around the knee, hips, or glutes
Irritation around the kneecap or surrounding tendons
Previous injuries
Reduced mobility at the hip or ankle
Changes in training load
Age-related changes within the joint

Quite often, it is a combination of factors rather than one specific issue.

Do you need to stop exercising?

Not always.

If certain activities are aggravating your knee, complete rest may not be necessary. In many cases, it can be more beneficial to temporarily reduce or modify the movements causing discomfort while gradually rebuilding strength and tolerance.

The aim is to help the knee become stronger and more resilient over time.

How can physiotherapy help?

Physiotherapy can help by identifying the factors that may be contributing to your knee pain and creating a treatment plan based on your symptoms, activity levels, and goals.

Treatment may include strengthening exercises, mobility work, advice on activity and training load, hands-on treatment, and a gradual return to exercise or sport.

The aim is not just to reduce pain, but to improve strength, movement, confidence, and long-term function.

Kinesiology taping can also be useful for some people. It may provide a feeling of support around the knee, reduce discomfort, and make certain movements feel more comfortable. It is generally most effective when used alongside a broader rehabilitation programme.