Knee pain is one of the most common complaints in India — especially in people over 45. But knee pain is not one problem. It is many different problems with different causes and different treatments. This guide helps you understand the difference.
Causes and what is happening inside your body
The knee is the largest joint in the body and bears enormous forces — up to 6 times body weight when climbing stairs. Pain can come from osteoarthritis (cartilage wear), meniscus tears (the shock-absorbing pads inside the knee), ligament injuries (ACL, PCL, MCL), tendinitis (patellar or quadriceps tendon), bursitis, or referred pain from the hip or lower back.
🦿 Key question: Where exactly does your knee hurt? Pain above the kneecap = tendon problem. Pain on the inner side = medial meniscus or MCL. Pain on the outer side = lateral meniscus or IT band. Pain all around = osteoarthritis.
How to recognise this condition — and when to see a doctor urgently
⚠️ See a doctor urgently if: Knee swelling after a fall — rule out fracture · Knee that is hot, red and very swollen with fever — possible infection or gout · Sudden complete inability to bear weight · Knee that locks completely
What you can do to reduce your risk and protect yourself
Treatment options from simple home care to specialist treatment
Management depends on the diagnosis. Osteoarthritis: physiotherapy, weight loss, PRP/BMAC, or replacement depending on grade. Meniscus tears: many heal with physiotherapy alone; complex tears need arthroscopy. Ligament tears: ACL reconstruction for active patients. Tendinitis and bursitis: physiotherapy, PRP injections. Getting the right diagnosis first is the most important step.
💡 First step: Get a proper X-ray and clinical examination. Do not take painkillers indefinitely without knowing the diagnosis. Knowing what is wrong is the most powerful first step.
Step-by-step exercises selected by Dr. Sumit
Exercise is one of the most effective treatments for this condition. These exercises can be done at home without any equipment.
5 exercises · Step-by-step · Animated · English / Hindi / Telugu
What I tell every patient who comes to me with this condition
"Knee pain is not a single disease — it is a symptom with many possible causes. The treatment depends entirely on the diagnosis. That is why examination comes first. Come in, let us find out exactly what is happening in your knee, and then we can give you the right answer."
— Dr. Sumit Dubewar · DABRM (USA) · Secunderabad
Book a consultation with Dr. Sumit. Get an honest assessment and the right treatment plan for your condition.
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