Knee pain is a common problem that can affect people of all ages and activity levels. It may develop gradually over time or occur suddenly following an injury. Common causes include arthritis, cartilage wear, meniscus injuries, ligament damage, overuse and sports-related trauma. Symptoms may include pain when walking or climbing stairs, swelling, stiffness, weakness, clicking or catching within the joint, and reduced movement.
Assessment by a Knee Specialist
A careful assessment is important when knee pain persists or begins to interfere with everyday activities. Dr Rael Salkinder is an orthopaedic surgeon in Cape Town with a special interest in knee and hip conditions. Treatment depends on the underlying cause and may range from activity modification, physiotherapy and medication through to injections or surgery where appropriate.
In cases where the knee joint is significantly damaged or conservative treatment is no longer providing sufficient relief, procedures such as arthroscopy, ligament reconstruction or knee replacement may be considered. The aim is to identify the source of the pain, relieve symptoms where possible and help patients regain comfortable movement and function.
Common Causes of Knee Pain
Knee pain can develop for many different reasons, including age-related wear and tear, overuse, previous injury and sports-related trauma. Common causes include osteoarthritis, cartilage damage, meniscus tears, ligament injuries, tendon problems and inflammation around the joint. In some cases, pain may develop gradually over time, while in others it may begin suddenly after twisting, falling or changing direction during sport or exercise.
Because the knee is a complex joint involving bone, cartilage, ligaments, tendons and muscles, identifying the exact source of pain is important. The underlying cause will help determine the most suitable treatment approach and whether conservative management, rehabilitation or further intervention may be required.
Common Knee Injuries and Diagnosis
Common knee injuries include meniscus tears, ACL and other ligament injuries, cartilage damage, patellar problems and injuries caused by impact or twisting movements. These may result in swelling, instability, locking, clicking, reduced movement or pain during walking, running or sport.
Diagnosis usually begins with a discussion about how the injury occurred and the symptoms experienced, followed by a physical examination of the knee. Depending on the findings, imaging such as X-rays or an MRI scan may be recommended to assess the joint, cartilage, ligaments and surrounding structures in greater detail.
Where and How Knee Pain Is Felt
Knee pain can be felt in different areas depending on the condition or injury involved. Some patients experience pain at the front of the knee, while others may feel discomfort along the inner or outer side, at the back of the joint or deep within the knee itself.
Symptoms can also vary considerably. Pain may be sharp and sudden following an injury, or more of a persistent ache associated with arthritis or overuse. It may worsen when walking, climbing stairs, bending the knee, getting up from a chair or participating in sport. Swelling, stiffness, weakness, instability or clicking may also accompany the pain.
How Knee Pain Is Diagnosed
Diagnosing knee pain usually involves reviewing the patient’s symptoms, medical history and how the problem began. A physical examination can help assess movement, strength, stability, swelling and areas of tenderness, while certain movements may be used to evaluate the ligaments, meniscus and other structures within the knee.
Where necessary, further investigations such as X-rays, ultrasound or MRI scans may be used to provide a clearer picture of the joint and surrounding tissues. Once the cause of the pain has been identified, an appropriate treatment plan can be developed to relieve symptoms, improve movement and help the patient return to normal daily activities.
Diagnosis and appropriate treatment are key. Dr Rael Salkinder offers various knee surgeries from meniscus treatment & repair, to ACL ligament treatment to knee replacement surgery.
