Assessing Knee Pain
So your knee hurts, but why? Initial knee pain assessments typically look at where pain is coming from and which activities are causing it. Here, we review common knee conditions based on these questions. To get a diagnosis, be sure to consult your healthcare provider.
Topics Ahead
Assessing Knee Pain
Topics Ahead
Sections
Locating Knee Pain
A good first step in assessing your knee pain is to identify the location of your pain. You can start by determining if the pain is on the inner or outer side of your joint. In medical terms, inside knee pain is referred to as medial knee pain. Outside knee pain is lateral knee pain.
Locating Knee Pain
A good first step in assessing your knee pain is to identify the location of your pain. You can start by determining if the pain is on the inside of your joint or the outside. In medical terms, inside knee pain is referred to as medial knee pain. Outside knee pain is lateral knee pain.
Inside Knee Pain
Inside Knee Pain
Figure 1. Inside knee pain may indicate an issue with the medial meniscus (in red). This image shows the left knee from the front.
Outside Knee Pain
Outside Knee Pain
Figure 2. Outside knee pain may indicate an injury in one of the lateral structures of the knee, such as the Lateral Collateral Ligament (LCL) or the lateral meniscus. Another possibility is osteoarthritis of the lateral tibiofemoral compartment. This image shows the right knee from the side.
Knee Pain During Activity
Knee Pain During Activity
Another method of assessing knee pain is to make note of the activities that trigger it. Specific activities that cause pain may provide clues about the type of condition you have. Be sure to consult with a healthcare practitioner for a full assessment of your knee pain.
Knee Pain When Walking
Knee Pain When Walking
Pain When Weight Bearing
Knee Pain When Weight Bearing
Figure 3. As the knee bends, the patella glides along the end of the femur. Activities that involve repeated bending of the knee place particular stress on the patella. Too much bending can make the knee susceptible to overuse injuries, like patellofemoral knee pain.
Knee Pain Going Down Stairs
Knee Pain Going Down Stairs
Knee Pain When Squatting
Knee Pain When Squatting
Assessing Your Osteoarthritis Stage
Assessing Your OA Stage
If you suspect you have osteoarthritis, you can assess its potential severity using the Kellgren-Lawrence classification system. The system includes four stages ranging from mild to severe. Your symptoms can help you identify which stage you may be at.
Figure 4. The Kellgren-Lawrence classification system assesses the severity of osteoarthritis based on the amount of joint space, osteophytes, and cartilage degeneration in the knee.
Early Stage OA (Doubtful)
Early Stage OA (Doubtful)
Mid Stage OA (Mild)
Mid Stage OA (Mild)
Late Stage OA
Late Stage OA (Moderate)
Surgical Stage (Severe)
Surgical Stage (Severe)
An In-Depth Guide to Osteoarthritis
In-Depth Guide to Osteoarthritis
(Free Download)
Osteoarthritis Explained:
Your Complete Guide to Understanding Severe Knee Arthritis
Osteoarthritis Explained: A Guide
If you have osteoarthritis, or suspect you do, this eBook is a useful starting point for improving your understanding of the disease. Inside, you’ll find answers to many common questions about knee osteoarthritis. Topics include knee anatomy, the different patterns and stages of osteoarthritis, and what to expect as the disease progresses.
What’s Next?
Treating Knee Pain
What’s Next?
Treating Knee Pain
After you’ve assessed the cause of your knee pain (ideally with the help of a healthcare professional), you may be ready to begin trying different treatments. In the next section, we discuss treatment options, including early self-care, bracing, injections, and surgery.