Knee Pain Location Chart

The knee is one of the most complex joints in the body, allowing for flexion, extension, and slight rotation. It plays a crucial role in movement, enabling you to walk, run, jump, and bend. However, due to its wide range of motion and the weight it supports, the knee is particularly susceptible to injury.

Knee pain can develop at any age but becomes more common as we get older. Over time, the tissues in the knee loose elasticity, become weaker, and are more prone to damage. While everyday wear and tear and injuries are frequent causes of knee pain, persistent discomfort may signal an underlying health condition.

In this article, we categorize the most common knee-related issues based on their location to help you better understand potential causes and treatment options.

Knee pain location chart

Identifying the exact location of your pain can help determine its potential causes. Refer to this chart as a guide to better understand what might be triggering your discomfort.

Pain above the knee

Pain above the knee can be caused by:

• Quadriceps or hamstring tendonitis: This occurs when the tendons connecting your muscles to the bones (quadriceps and hamstrings) become inflamed.
• Arthritis: Knee arthritis develops when the cartilage in the joint breaks down. While the arthritis itself affects the joint, the pain often extends above the knee.
• Bursitis: Knee bursitis is the inflammation of the fluid-filled sacs (bursae) that sit between your knee muscles, bones, and tendons.

Pain at the kneecap (anterior or patellar pain)

The kneecap, or patella, is a bone that protects your knee joint. Pain in this area is most commonly caused by the following conditions:

• Patellofemoral syndrome: Also known as “runner’s knee,” this occurs from excessive use of the knee joint, often triggered by suddenly increasing strain, such as starting a new workout routine.
• Chondromalacia patellae: This is the breakdown of the cartilage that covers the kneecap.
• Patellar tracking disorder: Also called patellar maltracking, this happens when the kneecap is misaligned.
• Patellar instability: Known as patellar subluxation, this condition involves a partial dislocation of the kneecap.
• Hoffa’s fat pad impingement: This affects the layer of fatty tissue just beneath the kneecap.
• Patella stress fracture: A hairline fracture in the patella, which remains in one piece.
• Patellofemoral osteoarthritis: This type of arthritis impacts the underside of the patella and the groove in the femur where the patella rests.

Pain on the inner side of the knee (medial pain)

Inner knee pain is often caused by cartilage deterioration resulting from injuries. Common conditions associated with inner knee pain include:

• Medial collateral ligament (MCL) injury: The MCL stabilizes the inner knee joint. A sprain or tear occurs when it is overstretched.
• Meniscus injury: The meniscus is cartilage that cushions the bones in the joint. A tear can occur when the knee is twisted or subjected to excessive pressure.
• Pes anserine bursitis: This is the inflammation of the bursa located between the shinbone and the three tendons of the hamstring on the inner knee.
• Plica syndrome: The plica is a fold in the membrane surrounding the knee joint. Injury and inflammation of the plica can lead to plica syndrome, often accompanied by a snapping sensation in the knee.
• Knee contusion: A bruise resulting from a direct blow to the knee.
• Osteochondritis dissecans (OCD): OCD occurs when bone tissue dies due to avascular necrosis, causing bone collapse and cartilage damage. It typically affects the medial femoral condyle, the rounded part of the femur on the inside of the knee.

Several underlying conditions can also contribute to pain in this area:

• Osteoarthritis: A degenerative condition that wears down cartilage, leading to the bones in your joints rubbing together.
• Rheumatoid arthritis: An autoimmune disorder that attacks and breaks down cartilage in the joints.

Pain on the outer side of the knee (lateral pain)

The causes of lateral knee pain often overlap with those of inner knee pain, including:

• Meniscus tear
• Knee contusion
• Arthritis

Other possible causes include:

• Iliotibial band syndrome (ITBS): The iliotibial band is a connective tissue strip that runs from the outer hip to the shinbone. ITBS can occur if excessive strain is placed on the band from repeated bending and straightening, often accompanied by a snapping sensation in the knee.
• Lateral collateral ligament (LCL) injury: The LCL, located in the knee joint, can become strained, sprained, or torn.
• Lateral tibial plateau fracture: This occurs when the top of the shinbone at the knee is fractured or cracked.

Pain below the knee

Pain below the knee can be caused by:

• Patellar tendonitis: Also called “jumper’s knee,” this condition results from injury to the tendon connecting your kneecap to your shinbone.
• Osgood-Schlatter disease: Typically occurring during growth spurts in children, this condition causes inflammation where the tendon from the kneecap attaches to the shinbone.
• Sinding-Larsen-Johansson syndrome: Common in children, this condition is caused by inflammation from overuse of the patellar tendon.

Pain behind the knee (posterior pain)

Pain behind the knee can be caused by several conditions, including:

• Patellar tendinitis
• Hamstring tendinitis
• Meniscus injury
• Chondromalacia
• Arthritis

Other potential causes include:

• Baker’s cyst: This is a fluid-filled sac that forms when excess fluid accumulates between the joints, often as a result of osteoarthritis.
• Gastrocnemius tendinitis: Inflammation or degeneration of the tendon of the calf muscle.
• Cruciate ligament injuries: Tears to the anterior or posterior cruciate ligament typically occur due to direct impact to the knee, often during contact sports.

When to contact a doctor

If your knee pain is severe or accompanied by swelling or fever, it’s important to consult a doctor. Additionally, any persistent knee pain should be evaluated by a doctor, as it may indicate an underlying health condition. When dealing with knee pain, several medical professionals can provide assistance, and the best choice depends on the nature and severity of your pain. Here’s a general guide:

Primary Care Physician:

A primary care physician is a good starting point for general knee pain. They can perform an initial evaluation, provide basic treatments, and refer you to a specialist if necessary.

Orthopedic Doctor:

Orthopedic doctors specialize in the musculoskeletal system, including bones, joints, and ligaments. If your knee pain is severe, persistent, or related to an injury, an orthopedic doctor is the ideal specialist. They can diagnose and treat complex knee conditions, including those requiring surgery.

Sports Medicine Physician:

If your knee pain is related to sports or physical activity, a sports medicine physician can provide specialized care. They are trained to diagnose and treat sports-related injuries and can help you return to your activities safely.

Rheumatologist:

If your knee pain is accompanied by other symptoms like joint swelling, stiffness, or warmth, it could be related to arthritis or another inflammatory condition. A rheumatologist specializes in these conditions.

Physical Therapist:

A physical therapist can help with knee pain through exercises, manual therapy, and other modalities. They are especially helpful for rehabilitation after an injury or surgery.

Medical emergency:
Seek immediate medical attention by calling 911 or your local emergency services if:

• Your knee joint appears misshapen or damaged.
• You hear a popping sound during an injury.
• You cannot bear weight on your knee.
• The pain is intense.
• Your knee suddenly and significantly swells.

How is the cause of knee pain diagnosed

To diagnose the cause of your knee pain, a medical professional will conduct a physical exam and may recommend imaging tests, such as X-rays or MRI scans.

FAQ

Pain Above the Knee

1. What causes pain above my knee?
   Pain above the knee is often caused by quadriceps or hamstring tendonitis, arthritis, or bursitis. Overuse, inflammation, or cartilage wear can contribute to discomfort in this area.
2. Should I be concerned about persistent pain above my knee?
   Yes, if the pain lasts for several weeks, worsens, or is accompanied by swelling or instability, you should consult a doctor to rule out serious conditions like arthritis or a tendon tear.

Pain in the Front of the Knee (Kneecap Pain)

3. Why do I feel pain in my kneecap when walking or running?
   Common causes include patellofemoral syndrome (runner’s knee), chondromalacia patellae (cartilage breakdown), and patellar tracking disorder. These conditions are often due to overuse, improper alignment, or weak thigh muscles.
4. What can I do to relieve kneecap pain?
   Rest, ice, compression, and elevation (RICE), along with strengthening exercises, stretching, and wearing proper footwear, can help reduce pain. If symptoms persist, physical therapy or bracing may be needed.

Inner Knee Pain

5. Why does the inside of my knee hurt when I bend it?
   Inner knee pain is often due to a meniscus tear, medial collateral ligament (MCL) injury, pes anserine bursitis, or plica syndrome. These issues are usually caused by sudden twisting, overuse, or direct impact.
6. Can inner knee pain go away on its own?
   Mild cases may improve with rest and self-care, but if the pain persists or worsens, a doctor should evaluate it to determine if treatment like physical therapy or injections is necessary.

Outer Knee Pain

7. What causes pain on the outer side of my knee?
   Lateral knee pain is commonly caused by iliotibial band syndrome (ITBS), lateral collateral ligament (LCL) injury, or a lateral meniscus tear. These issues often arise from repetitive motion, improper running form, or direct trauma.
8. How do I prevent outer knee pain from running?
   Strengthening the hip and thigh muscles, stretching the iliotibial band, using proper running shoes, and avoiding overuse can help prevent lateral knee pain.

Pain Behind the Knee

9. Why does the back of my knee hurt when I straighten my leg?
   Pain behind the knee may be due to Baker’s cyst, hamstring tendonitis, or a meniscus tear. A cyst or inflammation can cause stiffness and discomfort when extending the leg.
10. When should I see a doctor for pain behind my knee?
    If the pain is severe, persistent, or accompanied by swelling, redness, or difficulty walking, seek medical attention to rule out conditions like deep vein thrombosis (DVT) or ligament injuries.