Patient Awareness Guide

Knee Pain: Causes, Symptoms & Treatment Options

Knee pain is one of the most common reasons patients see an orthopedic surgeon — from a dull ache climbing stairs to sudden swelling after sport. Here's how to tell what's causing it, and when it's time to get it checked.

Call Dr. Arslan Ali Find a Clinic Near You

Knee joint pain treatment and consultation

Common Causes

What's Causing Your Knee Pain?

Knee pain has many possible causes, and the right treatment depends entirely on which one applies to you. The most common causes seen in clinic include:

Osteoarthritis

The cartilage cushioning the joint wears down with age, causing stiffness, swelling and pain that worsens with activity — the leading cause of chronic knee pain after age 40.

Ligament Injuries (ACL/MCL)

A sudden twist, pivot or direct blow — common in sports — can tear a knee ligament, often causing a "pop" sound, swelling and a feeling that the knee gives way.

Meniscus Tear

Twisting the knee while bearing weight can tear the cartilage cushion (meniscus), causing pain, swelling and a knee that catches or locks.

Tendinitis & Overuse

Repetitive strain from running, squatting or manual labour can inflame the tendons around the kneecap, causing pain that builds gradually rather than starting suddenly.

Rheumatoid & Inflammatory Arthritis

An autoimmune condition that causes the joint lining to swell, often affecting both knees along with other joints, with morning stiffness as a key sign.

Old Injury or Fracture

A previous fracture or injury around the knee that healed incorrectly, or without proper rehabilitation, can lead to recurring pain years later.

Warning Signs

When to See an Orthopedic Surgeon

Not every ache needs a specialist — but book an appointment if you notice any of the following:

•Pain lasting more than 1–2 weeks despite rest
•Visible swelling, redness or warmth around the joint
•A feeling of the knee "giving way" or being unstable
•Popping, clicking or locking of the joint
•Inability to fully straighten or bend the knee
•Pain that wakes you at night, or fever with joint pain

Treatment Options

How Knee Pain Is Treated

Most knee pain is treated conservatively first; surgery is considered only when it doesn't help.

•Physiotherapy, activity modification & weight management
•Medication & intra-articular injections for arthritis
•Bracing or supports for ligament instability
•Arthroscopic (keyhole) surgery for meniscus or ligament tears
•Partial or total knee replacement for advanced arthritis — see our knee replacement guide

How Patients Search For This

Knee pain treatment Ghutno ka dard ka ilaj Knee pain doctor near me Knee specialist Sahiwal Knee specialist Okara Knee arthritis treatment Knee ligament injury Meniscus tear symptoms Knee pain climbing stairs Best knee doctor Punjab Non surgical knee treatment Haddi ka doctor

Get Your Knee Examined By Dr. Arslan Ali

Consultant Orthopedic Surgeon, available weekly at four clinics across Sahiwal, Okara, Pakpattan & Renala Khurd.

Sahiwal Okara Pakpattan Renala Khurd

Call +92 326 7576727

FAQ

Knee Pain — Frequently Asked Questions

Osteoarthritis (age-related wear of the joint cartilage) is the most common cause of chronic knee pain, especially after age 40. In younger patients, ligament injuries (ACL/MCL), meniscus tears and overuse from sports are more common.

See a specialist if knee pain lasts more than 1-2 weeks, causes swelling, makes the knee feel unstable or give way, produces a popping/locking sensation, or prevents you from bearing weight or climbing stairs comfortably.

Yes. Early-stage arthritis, mild ligament sprains and tendinitis usually respond well to physiotherapy, weight management, activity modification, medication and sometimes intra-articular injections. Surgery is reserved for advanced arthritis, complete ligament tears or mechanical locking that does not improve with conservative care.

Not always. While sports injuries and ligament tears are common in younger patients, growth-related conditions, patellar tracking problems and inflammatory arthritis can also cause knee pain in younger age groups. A proper clinical examination is needed to identify the exact cause.

Dr. Arslan Ali, Consultant Orthopedic Surgeon, holds weekly clinics at Farhat Hospital (Sahiwal), Hameed Health Center (Okara), City Hospital (Pakpattan) and Ahsan Hospital (Renala Khurd). Call +92 326 7576727 to book the nearest clinic.