Knee pain
Knee Pain
“My knee hurts on stairs or when I squat”
Knee pain is common at every age. Strengthening the muscles around the knee and hip is central to most recovery plans.
This guide is general education to help you understand your options. It is not a diagnosis — only an assessment by a qualified clinician can tell you what is causing your symptoms.
In plain words
Knee pain can come from the joint, the kneecap, ligaments or the tendons around it. The muscles of the thigh and hip act like shock absorbers, so building their strength is one of the most effective ways to reduce knee pain.
What you may notice
- Pain on stairs, squatting or kneeling
- Swelling or stiffness
- Clicking, catching or giving way
- Pain after sitting for long
Common causes
- Weak thigh and hip muscles
- Overuse or sudden increase in activity
- Wear-related joint changes
- Ligament or cartilage injury
What an assessment may include
- History of activity, injury and symptoms
- Walking, squatting and balance observation
- Strength, flexibility and joint stability tests
Your care pathway
Explanation and pain relief
Progressive strengthening of thigh and hip
Movement retraining (stairs, squats, walking)
Activity planning and weight-management support
Clinical detail
Exercise therapy is a first-line treatment for knee osteoarthritis and patellofemoral pain.
When to seek prompt medical help
- A hot, red, swollen knee with fever
- Inability to bear weight after injury
- A knee that locks and cannot straighten
In an emergency, call 108 or go to the nearest emergency department. This website cannot provide emergency care.
How we can help
Questions patients ask
Is it safe to exercise with knee pain?
Usually yes — the right exercises are one of the best treatments. Mild, short-lived discomfort is common; sharp pain or swelling means adjust and ask your physiotherapist.