What Is Knee Pain?
Knee pain refers to discomfort, swelling, or restricted movement in or around the knee joint, which bears significant weight and stress during walking, running, and everyday movement.
Knee pain can stem from the joint itself, the surrounding ligaments and tendons, or from alignment issues elsewhere in the body, like the hips or feet, which change how weight is distributed through the knee.
Common Causes of Knee Pain
- Osteoarthritis — wear on the cartilage that cushions the knee joint, common with age.
- Ligament or meniscus injury — a sudden twist or impact can damage the knee’s stabilizing structures.
- Overuse — repetitive activities like running or jumping can strain the knee over time.
- Patellofemoral pain — irritation where the kneecap meets the thigh bone, often related to muscle imbalance.
- Poor alignment — issues in the hips or feet can change how weight is distributed through the knee.
- Tendinitis — inflammation of the tendons around the knee from overuse or repetitive strain.
Symptoms to Watch For
- Pain with bending, straightening, or bearing weight on the knee
- Swelling or stiffness around the joint
- A popping, clicking, or grinding sensation
- Instability or a feeling that the knee might “give way”
- Reduced range of motion
- Pain that’s worse after activity or prolonged sitting
When to See a Doctor
Most knee pain improves with conservative care over a few weeks. But certain symptoms call for prompt evaluation.
Seek care promptly if:
- Inability to bear weight on the knee
- Visible deformity or significant swelling following an injury
- A popping sound at the time of injury, followed by instability
- Fever accompanying knee pain or swelling
- Pain that doesn’t improve after several weeks of conservative care
If any of these apply to you, call 386-400-3620 to schedule an evaluation rather than waiting it out.
How We Treat Knee Pain at Kyro Care
Every case starts with a physical exam to identify exactly what’s driving your knee pain, including checking how the hips and feet may be contributing. Once we understand the cause, treatment may include:
Chiropractic adjustment
Addresses alignment issues in the hips or spine that can change how weight moves through the knee.
Soft-tissue therapy
Reduces tension in the muscles and tendons surrounding the knee.
Targeted strengthening exercises
Builds stability in the muscles that support and protect the knee joint.
Activity guidance
Practical recommendations to reduce ongoing strain during daily movement or exercise.
We focus on conservative, non-surgical care first, and most patients notice meaningful improvement within two to six weeks.
Frequently Asked Questions
Should I keep exercising with knee pain? +
Low-impact activity is often fine and can even help, but high-impact exercise may need to be modified until you’ve been evaluated, especially if you notice swelling or instability.
Will I need an MRI for knee pain? +
Not always. Many cases can be evaluated with a physical exam. Imaging is typically reserved for suspected ligament or meniscus tears, or cases that don’t improve with conservative care.
Can hip or foot problems really cause knee pain? +
Yes — the knee sits between the hip and foot, so misalignment in either can change how weight moves through the knee joint and lead to pain over time.
What’s causing the clicking sound in my knee? +
Clicking or popping without pain is often harmless, but if it’s accompanied by pain, swelling, or instability, it’s worth an evaluation to rule out a structural issue.
Is knee pain always related to arthritis? +
No — knee pain can come from many sources, including ligament strain, tendinitis, or alignment issues, especially in younger, active people.
How long does knee pain usually take to improve? +
It varies by cause, but many patients notice meaningful improvement within two to six weeks of starting a structured treatment plan.
