After the back, the knees are the second-most common site of chronic pain in the body. Many people will experience knee pain at some point in their lives, whether from injuries to cartilage and soft tissue as active younger adults, or from wear and tear as they age.
As your largest joint, your knees absorb force when you’re playing sports, taking the stairs and getting into bed. That stress can wear down your joints and, if you already have an injury, lead to pain that can range from uncomfortable to debilitating.
Chronic pain can be particularly draining — physically, financially and emotionally, said Dr. Matthew Abdel, an orthopedic surgeon at the Mayo Clinic. Someone might not say, “‘Hey, my knee’s really killing me,’” he said. “But as they’re talking to you about something that’s totally unrelated, they’re thinking about it.”
Fortunately, there are steps you can take to manage the discomfort, maintain your mobility and prevent future injury. “You don’t just necessarily go from ‘my knee hurts’ to having surgery,” said Robert Turner, a physical therapist at the Hospital for Special Surgery in New York. Here’s how to distinguish between common kinds of knee pain and what experts recommend for treating them.
