Why Does My Knee Hurt? Understanding the Causes of Knee Pain

Knee pain—it’s one of those issues that sneaks up on you. Maybe it started as a little stiffness in the morning or a dull ache after a long walk. Fast forward a few weeks, and now you're wincing every time you take the stairs. Sound familiar?

You’re not alone. Knee pain is one of the most common joint issues, affecting people of all ages, from runners to office workers to retirees. But here’s the good news—understanding the cause of your knee pain is the first step toward finding the right treatment.

At ARC Rehabilitation & Pilates, we specialise in Chronic Pain Management Ballina, helping people just like you regain strength, mobility, and pain-free movement. So, let’s break down why your knee might be hurting and what you can do about it.

Common Causes of Knee Pain

Your knee is a complex joint, bearing the weight of your entire body while allowing for movement—no wonder it’s prone to pain! While there are countless causes, here are some of the most common culprits:

1. Osteoarthritis – The Wear and Tear Condition

Knees take a beating over time. If you’re over 40 and notice stiffness, swelling, or aching pain that gets worse with activity, osteoarthritis could be the issue. This degenerative condition occurs when the cartilage in your knee wears away, leading to bone-on-bone friction.

What Helps?

✅ Strengthening exercises to support the joint
✅ Manual therapy to improve mobility
✅ Weight management to reduce strain on the knee

2. Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome – The "Runner’s Knee"

You don’t have to be a runner to suffer from Runner’s Knee. This condition causes pain around the kneecap, often triggered by squatting, climbing stairs, or sitting for long periods. It’s usually linked to muscle imbalances or poor knee alignment.

What Helps?

✅ Targeted rehabilitation exercises to strengthen the quads and glutes
✅ Correcting movement patterns to reduce strain on the kneecap
✅ Taping techniques for pain relief

3. Meniscus Tears – When the Shock Absorbers Fail

Your meniscus is a cartilage cushion that absorbs impact when you move. A sudden twist or awkward movement (like pivoting quickly in sports) can cause it to tear. The result? Swelling, stiffness, and a "locking" sensation in the knee.

What Helps?

✅ Manual therapy to reduce stiffness
✅ Strength training to stabilise the knee
✅ Avoiding high-impact movements while healing

4. Ligament Injuries – The Classic Sports Injury

Ever heard of an ACL tear? This is a common injury in athletes and active individuals. The ACL, MCL, and PCL ligaments stabilise the knee, and when they tear (often due to sudden stops or changes in direction), severe pain and instability follow.

What Helps?

✅ Early-stage rehabilitation to reduce swelling and restore movement
✅ Strengthening exercises to prevent re-injury
✅ Post-surgical rehabilitation if surgery is required

5. Bursitis – When the Fluid Sacs Get Irritated

Your knee contains fluid-filled sacs (bursae) that reduce friction between bones and soft tissues. When these get inflamed—often due to prolonged kneeling, overuse, or direct impact—you experience swelling, tenderness, and warmth around the joint.

What Helps?

✅ Ice therapy to reduce swelling
✅ Manual therapy to ease inflammation
✅ Modifying activities to avoid aggravation

When Should You See a Specialist?

If your knee pain is persistent, worsening, or affecting your daily activities, it’s time to get professional help. Signs that you should see a Rehabilitation Specialist in Ballina include:

🚨 Swelling that won’t go away
🚨 Knee instability (feeling like it might “give out”)
🚨 Inability to fully bend or straighten the knee
🚨 Pain that lasts more than a few weeks

Ignoring knee pain can lead to long-term damage, so the sooner you address it, the better!

How Chronic Pain Management Ballina Can Help

At ARC Rehabilitation & Pilates, our Rehabilitation Specialists take a comprehensive approach to knee pain treatment. We don’t just treat symptoms—we find the root cause.

🔹 Manual Therapy – Hands-on techniques to reduce stiffness and improve movement
🔹 Strength Training – Custom exercises to build knee stability and prevent future injuries
🔹 Postural Correction – Identifying and fixing movement patterns that contribute to pain
🔹 Pain Management Strategies – Non-invasive techniques to relieve discomfort

Our goal? To get you moving comfortably again—without relying on painkillers or surgery.

Final Thoughts: Take Action on Your Knee Pain

Knee pain isn’t just an inconvenience—it’s a signal from your body that something isn’t right. The longer you wait, the harder it becomes to fix.

If you’re struggling with knee pain, ARC Rehabilitation & Pilates in Ballina is here to help. Our Chronic Pain Management approach focuses on treating the root cause, not just the symptoms, so you can get back to doing what you love.

Book Your Initial Consultation Today

📧 Email: [email protected]
📞 Phone: 0861763809

Your knees work hard for you—give them the care they deserve!