People do feel knee pain in different locations, and each would have their own set of probable causes. Knee pain can occur at the front, side, or back of the knee, and identifying the exact location helps in diagnosing the underlying cause and choosing the best knee pain treatment.

Front of the Knee (Anterior Knee Pain)

The front knee pain usually involves the kneecap and the structures surrounding it.

Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome (PFPS): Commonly referred to as “runner’s knee,” this condition causes pain in the front of the knee in and around the kneecap with activities such as squatting, running, or climbing stairs. It may be caused by overuse, force imbalance, and patellar malalignment. 

Patellar Tendinitis: It is also called the jumpers’ knee, or tendinitis causing inflammation of the tendon that joins the kneecap to the shin bone. It is common among athletes participating in jumping and sprinting activities. 

Chondromalacia Patella: The softening of the cartilage underneath the kneecap causes pain and a grinding sensation when moving the knee. 

Prepatellar Bursitis: Inflammation of the bursa in front of the kneecap occurs from long periods of kneeling or from a blow to the area, causing swelling and tenderness.

Side of the Knee (Medial and Lateral Knee Pain)

Pain on the side of the knees may signal issues with ligaments or tendons.

MCL injury: The MCL (medial collateral ligament) can be strained or torn due to a direct impact to the knee or a twisting motion, often during sports

LCL Injury: Pain may be along the outer part of the knee, indicating an injury to the LCL, generally caused by trauma or a sudden change in direction.

Iliotibial Band Syndrome: Encountered commonly in runners, this tight band rubs against the lateral femoral epicondyle and causes pain on the lateral aspect of the knee. 

Meniscus Tears: Menisci are cartilage-like structures that act as shock absorbers in the knee joint. A meniscus tear can occur in the medial (inner) or lateral (outer) part of the knee. These tears may cause pain, swelling, locking, or clicking sensations, and can limit the knee’s range of motion

Behind the Knee(Pain at the Posterior Aspect of the Knee)

Pain felt behind the knee may be caused by several conditions.

Hamstring Tendinitis: Overuse or straining of the hamstring tendons causes inflammation and pain behind the knee. 

Baker’s Cyst: A cyst is a fluid displacing swelling behind the knee mostly secondary to arthritis or meniscal tears, causing a feeling of tightness, thereby reducing movement. 

Posterior Cruciate Ligament Injury: The PCL, one of the big ligaments stabilizing the knee, may get injured and thus causing pain and a feeling of instability due to direct blows to the knee or hyperextension. 

Deep Vein Thrombosis: Deep vein thrombosis forms clots in one of the deep veins of the leg that cause pain and swelling behind the knee or calf and should warrant an emergency medical evaluation

Conclusion

Knowing exactly where your knee hurts and what kind of pain it is helps doctors find the right cause and give the best treatment. If your knee pain doesn’t go away or gets worse, you should always see a doctor. At Alleviate Pain Clinic, patients get complete care to help them move better and live more comfortably.