Why Does My Knee Hurt? Common Causes Explained
Verified By
KIMS-SUNSHINE
Specialist,
09 July, 2025
Major Causes Of Knee Pain
The knee isn’t merely a joint. Knee pain isn’t one-size-fits-all. For some, it begins with a soft twinge while squatting. For others, it arrives like a thunderclap mid-jog. While the discomfort may settle in the same region, its roots lie in distinctly different stories.
Overuse Injuries- One of the most common culprits? Runner’s knee. Despite the name, it doesn’t require you to be a marathoner. Repetitive stress on the kneecap from stair climbing, squatting or even extended sitting can inflame the cartilage beneath, leading to a dull, persistent ache around the front of the knee.
Then there’s tendonitis, a condition where tendons, those thick cords that attach muscle to bone, cry out from overuse. The patellar tendon, just below the kneecap, is often the victim. It’s a slow-burning pain, one that flares up after activity and lingers long after.
Meanwhile, bursitis is the knee’s version of a swollen fuse. Bursae are tiny cushions that reduce friction between tissue layers. But when irritated, often from kneeling or sudden overexertion, they swell – sending sharp, localised pain through the joint. It’s not dramatic but certainly disruptive.
If you find yourself nodding to any of these, it may be time to consult the Best Orthopaedic Doctor in Secunderabad or the Best Orthopaedic Doctor in Gachibowli.
Knee Injuries And Trauma- Ligament tears, particularly the infamous ACL (anterior cruciate ligament), are among the most feared. They’re not just painful, they shake your trust in your own legs. One moment you’re sprinting, the next your knee buckles like a snapped tree branch. For these cases, a visit to the Best ACL Surgeon in Hyderabad isn’t optional. It’s essential.
Then we have meniscus injuries – tears in the crescent-shaped cartilage that absorbs shock in the knee. These often occur from twisting while bearing weight. Unlike ligament tears, meniscus damage might let you walk but with clicks, locks and a lingering sense of “something isn’t right.”
Fractures, though less common, are the earthquakes of the knee world. They halt movement entirely. These injuries require immediate and precise care, often from the Best Arthroscopic Surgeon in Hyderabad, who can navigate the intricate joint without leaving a mess behind.
Age-Related Degeneration- Osteoarthritis arrives slowly- first a bit of stiffness when rising, then a creak on stairs and eventually a constant ache that clouds your daily movements. It’s the cartilage wearing thin, the bones starting to brush against one another without their former cushion.
Also, there’s cartilage wear itself, an issue that doesn’t discriminate based on age alone. If you’ve had injuries or poor alignment over time, your cartilage might degrade prematurely. These changes often call for the expert eyes of the Best Knee Replacement Doctor in Hyderabad, who can determine whether you need restoration or a full replacement.
Preventing And Managing Knee Pain
Start with weight management. Every extra kilogram above the waist multiplies the pressure on your knees several times over.
Exercise, contrary to fear, is not the enemy. But it must be smart. Choose low-impact routines like swimming, cycling, or walking. Strengthen your quadriceps and hamstrings. Avoid exercises that cause grinding, snapping, or jolting unless guided by a Sports Medicine Specialist in Hyderabad.
Don’t ignore quality footwear either. Make sure your shoes provide proper arch support and cushioning, especially if your routine includes standing for long hours or brisk walking.
That niggling pain after a run, that discomfort during a squat – don’t dismiss them. A timely consultation with the Best Sports Medicine Doctor in Hyderabad can transform a minor irritation into a solved problem instead of a chronic nightmare. When pain crosses the line from occasional to daily, consider physiotherapy. It’s not just about healing. It’s about retraining your knee to move as it was meant to.
Conclusion
The knee is more than a hinge between the thigh and the shin. It is a memory keeper of childhood tumbles, college games and temple stairs climbed hand-in-hand with elders. When it hurts, it’s not just mobility that suffers. It’s confidence, joy and independence. The road to recovery isn’t always easy, but with the right guidance and care from the Best Orthopaedic Doctor in Gachibowli to the Best Doctor for Knee Replacement in Hyderabad, you can walk, run, kneel, and dance with ease again. Come to Dr. Kushal for a consultation or book an appointment at your convenience.
