Knee Pain Symptoms
Symptom Checker: Symptoms & Signs Index
Medical Author: William C. Shiel Jr., MD, FACP, FACR
Knee pain can be a result of injury or disease of the knee joint. Injury can affect any of the ligaments, bursae, or tendons surrounding the knee joint. Injury can also affect the ligaments, cartilage, menisci (plural for meniscus), and bones within the joint. The complexity of the design of the knee joint and the fact that it is an active weight-bearing joint are factors in making the knee one of the most commonly injured joints.
Pain can also occur in the knee from diseases or conditions that involve the knee joint, the soft tissues and bones surrounding the knee, or the nerves that supply sensation to the knee area. In fact, the knee joint is the most commonly involved joint in rheumatic diseases, immune diseases that affect various tissues of the body, including the joints to cause arthritis.
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REFERENCE:
Fauci, Anthony S., et al. Harrison's Principles of Internal Medicine. 17th ed. United States: McGraw-Hill Professional, 2008.
Main Article on Knee Pain
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Knee Pain The knee joint is composed of three compartments and ligaments which stabilize the joint. Causes of knee pain may include...learn more »
Causes of Knee Pain
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Ankle Pain Ankle pain is commonly due to a sprain or tendinitis. The severity of ankle sprains ranges from mild (which can resolve within...learn more »In This ArticleAnkle Pain Article- Ankle pain and tendinitis facts
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- What is ankylosing spondylitis?
- What causes ankylosing spondylitis?
- What are ankylosing spondylitis symptoms and signs?
- How is ankylosing spondylitis diagnosed?
- What are ankylosing spondylitis treatment options?
- Can ankylosing spondylitis be prevented?
- What is the prognosis (outlook) for patients with ankylosing spondylitis?
- What is in the future for patients with ankylosing spondylitis?
- Where can people find more information about ankylosing spondylitis and learn about support groups?
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Arthritis Arthritis is inflammation of one or more joints. When joints are inflamed they can develop stiffness, warmth, swelling, redness...learn more »In This ArticleArthritis Article- Arthritis facts
- What is arthritis? What causes arthritis?
- What are risk factors for arthritis?
- What are arthritis symptoms and signs?
- Who is affected by arthritis?
- How is arthritis diagnosed, and why is a diagnosis important?
- What is the treatment for arthritis?
- Is there a special diet for arthritis?
- What are the prognosis (outlook) for arthritis, and what are arthritis complications?
- Can arthritis be prevented?
- What is the national financial impact of arthritis?
- What is a rheumatologist?
- What is the Arthritis Foundation?
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Aseptic Necrosis Aseptic necrosis (avascular necrosis or osteonecrosis) is a condition that develops when blood supply diminishes to an area of...learn more »In This ArticleAseptic Necrosis Article- Aseptic necrosis facts
- What is aseptic necrosis?
- What causes aseptic necrosis?
- What are risk factors for aseptic necrosis?
- What are symptoms of aseptic necrosis?
- How is aseptic necrosis diagnosed?
- What is the treatment for aseptic necrosis?
- What is the prognosis of aseptic necrosis?
- Can aseptic necrosis be prevented?
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Bone Fracture (Broken Bone) Fractures occur when bone cannot withstand the outside forces applied to the bone. Fractures can be open or closed. Types of...learn more »In This ArticleBone Fracture (Broken Bone) Article- Bone fracture facts
- Introduction and definition of bone fracture
- What causes a bone fracture?
- What are the signs and symptoms of a bone fracture?
- What are common types of bone fractures?
- Broken wrist
- Broken hip
- Broken leg
- Broken shoulder
- Broken hand or fingers
- Open fracture
- Stress fracture
- Compression fracture
- Broken rib
- Skull fracture
- Other fractures
- Bone fracture in children
- How is a bone fracture diagnosed?
- What is the treatment for a bone fracture?
- Bone fracture surgery
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Bursitis Bursitis is inflammation of a bursa. A bursa is a tiny fluid-filled sac that functions as a gliding surface to reduce friction...learn more »In This ArticleBursitis Article- Bursitis facts
- What is bursitis?
- What causes a bursa become inflamed?
- What are bursitis symptoms and signs?
- How is bursitis diagnosed?
- What is the treatment for bursitis?
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Bursitis of the Knee Bursitis of the knee results when any of the three fluid-filled sacs (bursae) become inflamed due to injury or strain. Symptoms...learn more »In This ArticleBursitis of the Knee Article- Knee bursitis facts
- What is bursitis?
- What is knee bursitis?
- What are causes of knee bursitis?
- What are knee bursitis symptoms and signs?
- How is knee bursitis diagnosed?
- How is prepatellar bursitis of the knee treated?
- What about the other knee bursae?
- What is the prognosis (outlook) of knee bursitis?
- Can knee bursitis be prevented?
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Chondromalacia Patella (Patellofemoral Syndrome) Chondromalacia patella (housemaid's knee or secretary's knee) results from misalignment of the kneecap as it slides over the...learn more »In This ArticleChondromalacia Patella (Patellofemoral Syndrome) Article- Chondromalacia patella facts
- What is the chondromalacia patella (patellofemoral syndrome)?
- What causes chondromalacia patella?
- What are the symptoms and signs of chondromalacia patella?
- How is chondromalacia patella diagnosed?
- How is chondromalacia patella treated?
- What is the prognosis (outlook) with chondromalacia patella?
- Can chondromalacia patella be prevented?
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Crohn's Disease Crohn's disease is a chronic inflammatory disease, primarily involving the small and large intestine, but which can affect...learn more »In This ArticleCrohn's Disease Article- Crohn's disease facts
- What is Crohn's disease?
- What causes Crohn's disease?
- How does Crohn's disease affect the intestines?
- How is Crohn's disease different from ulcerative colitis?
- What are the symptoms of Crohn's disease?
- What are the complications of Crohn's disease?
- How is Crohn's disease diagnosed?
- How is Crohn's disease treated?
- Crohn's Disease Medications
- Anti-inflammatory medications
- 5-ASA (mesalamine) oral medications
- 5-ASA rectal medications (Rowasa, Canasa)
- Corticosteroids
- Budesonide (Entocort EC)
- Antibiotics
- Immuno-modulator medications
- Azathioprine (Imuran) and 6-mercaptopurine (6-MP, Purinethol)
- Infliximab (Remicade)
- Adalimumab (Humira)
- Certolizumab pegol (Cimzia)
- Natalizumab (Tysabri)
- Methotrexate
- Surgery in Crohn's disease
- Are there any recommendations for diet and supplementation for Crohn's disease?
- Conclusions
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Gout Gout is a condition that results from crystals of uric acid depositing in tissues of the body. Gout is a condition that can lead...learn more »In This ArticleGout Article- Gout and hyperuricemia facts
- What is gout? What is hyperuricemia?
- Who is affected by gout?
- What are gout causes and risk factors?
- What are gout symptoms and signs?
- How is gouty arthritis diagnosed?
- What is the treatment for gout?
- Gout diet
- Gout medications
- What are complications of gout?
- Can gout be prevented?
- What is the prognosis (outlook) for patients with gout?
- What does the future hold for patients with gout and hyperuricemia?
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Hypermobility Syndrome The joint hypermobility syndrome is a condition in which the joints easily move beyond the normal range expected for a particular...learn more »In This ArticleHypermobility Syndrome Article- Hypermobility syndrome facts
- What is the joint hypermobility syndrome?
- What causes joint hypermobility syndrome?
- What are the symptoms and signs of joint hypermobility?
- How is joint hypermobility syndrome diagnosed?
- How is hypermobility syndrome treated?
- Can joint hypermobility syndrome be prevented?
- What is the outlook (prognosis) for those affected by joint hypermobility syndrome?
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Iliotibial Band Syndrome Iliotibial band syndrome is an overuse injury of the thigh and knee. Symptoms include knee pain and possible swelling. Treatment...learn more »In This ArticleIliotibial Band Syndrome Article- Iliotibial band syndrome facts
- What is iliotibial band syndrome?
- What causes iliotibial band syndrome?
- What are iliotibial band syndrome symptoms and signs?
- How is iliotibial band syndrome diagnosed?
- What is the treatment for iliotibial band syndrome?
- What stretches and exercises are beneficial for iliotibial band syndrome?
- What exercises should be avoided with iliotibial band syndrome?
- What is the prognosis for iliotibial band syndrome? Can iliotibial band syndrome be prevented?
- Where can people find more information about iliotibial band syndrome?
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Juvenile Arthritis (Juvenile Rheumatoid Arthritis) Juvenile arthritis (juvenile rheumatoid arthritis or JRA) annually affects one child in every thousand. There are three types of...learn more »In This ArticleJuvenile Arthritis (Juvenile Rheumatoid Arthritis) Article- Arthritis in childhood? Isn't that only an old person's disease?
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- Pauciarticular juvenile rheumatoid arthritis
- Polyarticular juvenile rheumatoid arthritis
- Systemic-onset juvenile rheumatoid arthritis
- What are some other forms of arthritis which can affect children?
- What is the outlook (prognosis) for children with arthritis?
- Juvenile Arthritis At A Glance
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Knee Injury Knee injuries, especially meniscus tears, are common in contact sports. Symptoms and signs of a torn meniscus include knee pain,...learn more »In This ArticleKnee Injury Article- Knee injury facts
- What are the different types of knee injuries?
- What causes a knee injury?
- What are risk factors for a knee injury?
- What are knee injury symptoms and signs?
- How is a knee injury diagnosed?
- What is the treatment for a knee injury?
- What exercises are recommended and what exercises should be avoided during rehabilitation for a knee injury?
- What is the recovery time for a knee injury?
- What is the prognosis of a knee injury?
- Can knee injuries be prevented?
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Lupus Systemic lupus erythematosus is a condition characterized by chronic inflammation of body tissues caused by autoimmune disease....learn more »In This ArticleLupus Article- Systemic lupus erythematosus facts
- What is systemic lupus erythematosus? What are the types of lupus?
- What causes systemic lupus erythematosus? Is lupus hereditary?
- What is drug-induced lupus?
- What are lupus symptoms and signs?
- How is systemic lupus erythematosus diagnosed?
- What is the treatment for systemic lupus?
- How can a lupus patient help prevent disease activity (flares)?
- How can systemic lupus erythematosus affect pregnancy or the newborn?
- What does the future hold for people with systemic lupus?
- Where can one get more information about systemic lupus erythematosus?
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Lyme Disease Lyme disease is a bacterial illness, which is spread by ticks when they bite the skin. Initially the disease affects the skin...learn more »In This ArticleLyme Disease Article- Lyme disease facts
- What is Lyme disease? What causes Lyme disease?
- What is the history of Lyme disease?
- What are symptoms and signs of Lyme disease?
- How is Lyme disease diagnosed?
- What is the treatment for Lyme disease, and what is its prognosis?
- How can Lyme disease be prevented? Is there a vaccine?
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Osgood-Schlatter Disease Osgood-Schlatter disease, a painful inflammation just below the knee but above the shin, typically affects adolescent boys....learn more »In This ArticleOsgood-Schlatter Disease Article- What is Osgood-Schlatter disease?
- What are symptoms of Osgood-Schlatter disease?
- How is Osgood-Schlatter disease diagnosed?
- What is the treatment and outlook for Osgood-Schlatter disease?
- Osgood-Schlatter Disease At A Glance
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Osteoarthritis Osteoarthritis is a type of arthritis caused by inflammation, breakdown, and eventual loss of cartilage in the joints. Also...learn more »In This ArticleOsteoarthritis Article- Osteoarthritis facts
- What is osteoarthritis?
- What causes osteoarthritis?
- What are osteoarthritis symptoms and signs?
- How is osteoarthritis diagnosed?
- What is the treatment for osteoarthritis?
- "If I have minimal or no symptoms with early signs of osteoarthritis, what should I do?"
- What is the prognosis (outlook) for patients with osteoarthritis?
- Can osteoarthritis be prevented?
- What does the future hold for osteoarthritis?
- Where can people get more information about osteoarthritis?
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Osteochondritis Dissecans With osteochondritis dissecans, bone and its adjacent cartilage loses its blood supply. Though osteochondritis dissecans can...learn more »In This ArticleOsteochondritis Dissecans Article- Osteochondritis dissecans facts
- What is osteochondritis dissecans?
- What causes osteochondritis dissecans?
- What are symptoms of osteochondritis dissecans?
- How is osteochondritis dissecans diagnosed?
- What is the treatment of osteochondritis dissecans?
- What is the prognosis of osteochondritis dissecans?
- Can osteochondritis dissecans be prevented?
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Psoriatic Arthritis Psoriatic arthritis is a disease that causes skin and joint inflammation. Symptoms include painful, stiff, and swollen joints,...learn more »In This ArticlePsoriatic Arthritis Article- Psoriatic arthritis facts
- What is psoriatic arthritis?
- What causes psoriatic arthritis?
- What are psoriatic arthritis symptoms and signs?
- How does the doctor diagnose psoriatic arthritis?
- What is the treatment for psoriatic arthritis?
- Disease-modifying medications
- What is the outlook (prognosis) for patients with psoriatic arthritis?
- Can psoriatic arthritis be prevented?
- What does the future hold for patients with psoriatic arthritis?
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Reactive Arthritis Reactive arthritis is a chronic, systemic rheumatic disease characterized by three conditions, including conjunctivitis, joint...learn more »In This ArticleReactive Arthritis Article- Reactive arthritis facts
- What is reactive arthritis?
- What causes reactive arthritis?
- What are risk factors for developing reactive arthritis?
- What are reactive arthritis symptoms and signs?
- How is reactive arthritis diagnosed?
- How is reactive arthritis treated?
- What is the prognosis of reactive arthritis?
- Can reactive arthritis be prevented?
- What does the future hold for reactive arthritis?
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Rheumatoid Arthritis Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disease that causes chronic inflammation of the joints, the tissue around the joints, as...learn more »In This ArticleRheumatoid Arthritis Article- Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) facts
- What is rheumatoid arthritis (RA)?
- What are causes and risk factors of rheumatoid arthritis?
- What are rheumatoid arthritis symptoms and signs?
- What are complications of rheumatoid disease?
- How is rheumatoid arthritis diagnosed?
- What is the treatment for rheumatoid arthritis?
- "First-line" rheumatoid arthritis medications
- "Second-line" or "slow-acting" rheumatoid arthritis drugs
- What are newer treatments for rheumatoid arthritis?
- What about rheumatoid arthritis and pregnancy?
- Rheumatoid arthritis diet and other treatments
- What is the prognosis (outlook) for patients with rheumatoid arthritis?
- Can rheumatoid arthritis be prevented?
- What research is being done on rheumatoid arthritis?
- Where can people get additional information on rheumatoid arthritis?
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Sarcoidosis Sarcoidosis, a disease resulting from chronic inflammation, causes small lumps (granulomas) to develop in a great range of body...learn more »In This ArticleSarcoidosis Article- What is sarcoidosis?
- What are symptoms of sarcoidosis?
- Who gets sarcoidosis?
- What we know about sarcoidosis
- Some things we don't know about sarcoidosis
- How is sarcoidosis diagnosed?
- What are some signs and symptoms that suggest possible sarcoidosis?
- What do laboratory tests show?
- How is sarcoidosis treated?
- Living with sarcoidosis
- Where can a person find more information on sarcoidosis?
- Sarcoidosis At A Glance
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Septic Arthritis Septic arthritis, or infectious arthritis, is infection of one or more joints by bacteria, viruses, or fungi. Symptoms and signs...learn more »In This ArticleSeptic Arthritis Article- What is septic arthritis?
- What microbes cause septic arthritis?
- Who is at risk of developing septic arthritis?
- What are symptoms and signs of septic arthritis?
- How is septic arthritis diagnosed?
- How is septic arthritis treated?
- What are complications of septic arthritis?
- Septic Arthritis At A Glance
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Sever Condition Sever condition is an inflammation of the growth plate of the bone at the back of the heel where the Achilles tendon attaches....learn more »In This ArticleSever Condition Article- What is Sever condition?
- What causes Sever condition?
- What are signs and symptoms of Sever condition?
- Who gets Sever condition?
- How is Sever condition diagnosed?
- What is the treatment for Sever condition?
- What is the prognosis of Sever condition?
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Sickle Cell Disease (Sickle Cell Anemia) Sickle cell anemia (sickle cell disease), a blood disease which shortens life expectancy, is cause by an inherited abnormal...learn more »In This ArticleSickle Cell Disease (Sickle Cell Anemia) Article- What is sickle cell anemia?
- How is sickle cell anemia inherited?
- What conditions promote the sickling (distortion) of the red blood cells in sickle cell anemia?
- How is sickle cell anemia diagnosed?
- What are the symptoms and treatments of sickle cell anemia?
- What is the outlook (prognosis) for patients with sickle cell anemia?
- Sickle Cell Anemia At A Glance
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Sprains and Strains An injury to a ligament is called a sprain, and an injury to muscle or tendon is called a strain. Sprains and strains may be...learn more »In This ArticleSprains and Strains Article- Muscle sprains and strains facts
- What is the difference between a sprain and a strain?
- What causes a sprain or strain?
- Where do sprains and strains usually occur?
- What are sprain symptoms and signs?
- How are sprains and strains diagnosed?
- How are sprains and strains treated?
- What is the recovery time for sprains and strains?
- Can sprains and strains be prevented?
- What is the prognosis of sprains and strains?
- Where can people find more information about sprains and strains?
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Still's Disease Still's disease (Systemic-Onset Juvenile Rheumatoid Arthritis) is a disorder characterized by inflammation with high fever...learn more »In This ArticleStill's Disease Article- Still's disease facts
- What is Still's disease?
- What causes Still's disease?
- How does Still's disease relate to juvenile idiopathic arthritis?
- What are symptoms and signs of Still's disease?
- How is Still's disease diagnosed?
- What is the frequency of Still's disease and its features?
- How is Still's disease treated?
- What research is being done on Still's disease?
- What is the outlook (prognosis) with Still's disease?
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Torn ACL The anterior cruciate ligament helps to prevent the top and bottom of the knee from sliding back and forth. Symptoms and signs of...learn more »In This ArticleTorn ACL Article- What is the function of the knee joint?
- What is a torn anterior cruciate ligament (ACL)?
- What causes a torn ACL?
- What are symptoms and signs of a torn ACL?
- How is a torn ACL diagnosed?
- What is the treatment for a torn ACL?
- How long does it take to recover from a torn ACL?
- Can ACL tears be prevented?
- Torn Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL) At A Glance
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Torn Meniscus A torn meniscus (knee cartilage) may be caused by suddenly stopping, sharply twisting, or deep squatting or kneeling when lifting...learn more »In This ArticleTorn Meniscus Article- Torn meniscus facts
- Introduction to the knee
- What is a torn meniscus?
- What causes a meniscus to tear?
- What are symptoms and signs of a torn meniscus?
- How is a meniscus tear diagnosed?
- What is the treatment for a torn meniscus?
- Can a meniscus tear heal without surgery?
- What is rehabilitation and recovery like for a patient with a meniscus tear?
- What are recommended exercises once a torn meniscus has been repaired?
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Ulcerative Colitis Ulcerative colitis is a chronic inflammation of the colon. Symptoms include abdominal pain, diarrhea, and rectal bleeding....learn more »In This ArticleUlcerative Colitis Article- Ulcerative colitis facts
- What is ulcerative colitis?
- What causes ulcerative colitis?
- What are the symptoms of ulcerative colitis?
- How is the diagnosis of ulcerative colitis made?
- What are the complications of ulcerative colitis?
- What are the treatments for ulcerative colitis?
- What are ulcerative colitis medications?
- 5-ASA Compounds
- Systemic corticosteroids (including side effects)
- Golimumab (Simponi)
- What are immunomodulator medications?
- Summary of medication treatment
- Surgery for ulcerative colitis
- Treatment by disease severity and location (based on ACG Practice Guidelines)
- Are there any special dietary requirements for persons with ulcerative colitis?
- What research is being done regarding ulcerative colitis?
Other Causes of Knee Pain
- Cartilage Tear
- Bone Tumor (rare)
- Patella Tracking Disorder (Kneecap Misalignment)
- Synovial Plica
- Synovial Sarcoma (rare)
Examples of Medications for Knee Pain
- acetaminophen, Tylenol and Others
- acetylsalicylic acid, Aspirin, Ecotrin
- celecoxib, Celebrex
- ibuprofen, Advil, Children's Advil/Motrin, Medipren, Motrin, Nuprin, PediaCare Fever, etc.
- naproxen, Anaprox, Naprelan, Naprosyn, Aleve
- Nonsteroidal Antiinflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs)
- OTC Pain Relievers and Fever Reducers
- valdecoxib, Bextra
Symptoms & Signs A-Z List
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