Merck Manual

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Knee Pain

By

Paul L. Liebert

, MD, Tomah Memorial Hospital, Tomah, WI

Reviewed/Revised Nov 2023
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Topic Resources

Knee pain is a common problem among athletes and the general population.

Etiology of Knee Pain

There are many causes of pain in or around the knee in athletes, particularly runners, including

Knee pain may be referred from the lumbar spine or hip or result from foot problems (eg, excessive pronation or rolling inward of the foot during walking or running).

Diagnosis of Knee Pain

  • History and physical examination

  • Sometimes imaging tests

Mechanical symptoms, such as locking or catching, suggest an internal derangement of the knee such as a meniscal tear. Instability symptoms, such as giving way and loss of confidence in the extremity when twisting or turning on the knee, suggest ligamentous injury or subluxation of the patella.

Chondromalacia is suggested by anterior knee pain after running, especially on hills, as well as pain and stiffness after sitting for any length of time (positive movie sign), although this is not specific for chondromalacia. On examination, pain is typically reproduced by compression of the patella against the femur.

Pain that becomes worse with weight-bearing suggests a stress fracture.

Treatment of Knee Pain

  • Quadriceps-strengthening exercises

  • Sometimes stabilizing pads, supports, or braces

  • Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)

Treatment is tailored to the specific cause of the pain.

Treatment of chondromalacia includes quadriceps-strengthening exercises with balanced strengthening exercises for the hamstrings, use of arch supports if excessive pronation is a possible contributor, and use of NSAIDs.

For patellar subluxation, use of patella-stabilizing pads or braces may be necessary, especially in sports that require rapid, agile movements in various planes (eg, basketball, tennis).

If there is excessive pronation of the foot, and all other possible causes of knee pain have been excluded, use of an orthotic insert is sometimes useful.

Stress fractures require rest and cessation of weight-bearing activity.

Intra-articular pathology often requires surgery.

Exercises to Strengthen the Knee
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NOTE: This is the Professional Version. CONSUMERS: View Consumer Version
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