What Causes Knee Pain? | Edwardsville Knee Pain Guide

Dr. Ryan
July 3, 2026

What Causes Knee Pain? Common Reasons Your Knees Hurt

Whether you’re climbing stairs, getting out of the car, or simply walking through the grocery store, knee pain can quickly interfere with everyday life.

For some people, it develops after an injury. For others, it seems to appear gradually over time without any obvious cause.

The good news is that knee pain isn’t something you simply have to accept as part of getting older.

At Infinite Wellness, we help patients throughout Edwardsville, Glen Carbon, Collinsville, Maryville, Troy, Highland, Granite City, and the Metro East identify the underlying cause of knee pain and explore personalized, non-surgical treatment options whenever appropriate.

If you’re wondering why your knee hurts, here’s what you should know.

Why Does My Knee Hurt?

Your knee is one of the largest and most complex joints in your body.

It supports your weight every time you:

Walk
Run
Stand
Climb stairs
Kneel
Squat

Because it works so hard, it’s also one of the joints most likely to experience pain or injury.

Knee pain can result from:

Arthritis
Overuse
Injury
Inflammation
Tendon problems
Ligament damage
Cartilage wear
Muscle imbalances

Determining the exact cause is the first step toward finding the right treatment.

1. Osteoarthritis

One of the most common causes of chronic knee pain is osteoarthritis.

Over time, the cartilage that cushions the knee joint gradually wears down.

As cartilage decreases, bones begin rubbing against one another, leading to symptoms such as:

Aching pain
Morning stiffness
Swelling
Reduced flexibility
Pain after activity

Osteoarthritis becomes more common with age but can affect younger adults as well.

2. Tendonitis

Tendons connect muscles to bones.

Repetitive activities such as running, jumping, or climbing stairs can irritate these tendons, causing inflammation.

Symptoms often include:

Pain during movement
Tenderness
Swelling
Stiffness

Patellar tendonitis (“jumper’s knee”) is especially common among athletes.

3. Bursitis

Small fluid-filled sacs called bursae help reduce friction around your knee.

When these sacs become inflamed, they can cause:

Swelling
Warmth
Tenderness
Pain when kneeling

Bursitis often develops after repetitive pressure on the knee.

4. Meniscus Injuries

The meniscus acts as a cushion inside the knee.

A sudden twisting motion—or even years of wear and tear—can cause it to tear.

Common symptoms include:

Locking or catching
Swelling
Difficulty bending the knee
Pain with twisting movements

5. Ligament Injuries

The knee contains several major ligaments that provide stability.

These include:

Sports injuries, falls, and sudden changes in direction can damage these ligaments, resulting in pain and instability.

6. Muscle Weakness and Imbalances

Sometimes the problem isn’t the knee itself.

Weakness in the hips, glutes, or surrounding muscles can place extra stress on the knee joint.

Over time, this may contribute to pain even without structural damage.

Improving strength and movement patterns can often play an important role in recovery.

7. Excess Body Weight

Every step you take places significant force across your knees.

Extra body weight increases that stress even further.

Even modest weight loss may reduce pressure on the knee joint and improve overall function for some individuals.

When Should You See a Healthcare Provider?

Not every sore knee requires immediate medical attention.

However, you should schedule an evaluation if your pain:

Lasts longer than a few weeks
Continues getting worse
Limits daily activities
Causes instability
Is accompanied by swelling
Makes it difficult to walk

Persistent pain shouldn’t be ignored.

The sooner the cause is identified, the sooner an appropriate treatment plan can begin.

How Is Knee Pain Diagnosed?

At Infinite Wellness, every treatment plan begins with understanding why your knee hurts.

Your evaluation may include:

A detailed medical history
Discussion of your symptoms
Physical examination
Range of motion testing
Strength assessment
Functional movement evaluation
Imaging review if available

Rather than simply treating pain, we focus on identifying the underlying cause whenever possible.

What Non-Surgical Treatment Options Are Available?

Many people assume surgery is their only option.

In reality, treatment depends on the cause and severity of your condition.

Depending on your diagnosis, your personalized care plan may include therapies designed to:

Reduce inflammation
Improve joint mobility
Enhance strength and stability
Support tissue healing
Improve function
Reduce discomfort

At Infinite Wellness, treatment recommendations are individualized based on your condition, goals, and overall health.

Can Knee Pain Go Away on Its Own?

Minor strains and overuse injuries sometimes improve with rest.

However, chronic knee pain that continues for weeks—or keeps returning—usually deserves further evaluation.

Ignoring ongoing pain may allow the underlying problem to worsen over time.

Seeking care early may help preserve joint function and expand available treatment options.

Tips for Supporting Knee Health

While not every cause of knee pain can be prevented, healthy habits can help protect your joints.

Consider:

Maintaining a healthy weight
Wearing supportive footwear
Staying physically active
Strengthening your leg muscles
Warming up before exercise
Avoiding sudden increases in activity

These habits can help reduce unnecessary stress on your knees.

Why Patients Choose Infinite Wellness for Knee Pain Treatment Near Edwardsville

Living with knee pain can make even simple tasks feel exhausting.

Our goal is to help patients understand the cause of their pain and explore conservative treatment options whenever appropriate.

We proudly care for patients throughout:

Edwardsville
Glen Carbon
Maryville
Collinsville
Troy
Highland
Granite City
Belleville
Metro East communities

Every patient receives a personalized evaluation because every knee—and every treatment plan—is different.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is knee pain always caused by arthritis?

No. While arthritis is a common cause, knee pain can also result from injuries, tendon problems, bursitis, muscle weakness, or overuse.

When should I worry about knee pain?

If pain persists, worsens, limits your mobility, or is accompanied by swelling or instability, it’s time to schedule an evaluation.

Can knee pain improve without surgery?

Many causes of knee pain can be managed with non-surgical treatments, depending on the underlying condition and severity.

Does age always cause knee pain?

No. While age can contribute to conditions like osteoarthritis, younger adults can also develop knee pain from injuries, sports, repetitive movements, or muscle imbalances.

Can being overweight affect my knees?

Yes. Extra body weight increases the amount of force placed on the knee joint with every step, which may contribute to pain over time.

Don’t Let Knee Pain Slow You Down

Whether your pain started gradually or after an injury, you don’t have to live with chronic discomfort.

At Infinite Wellness, we provide comprehensive evaluations and personalized treatment plans for patients seeking knee pain treatment in Edwardsville and throughout the Metro East.

Schedule your consultation today and take the first step toward moving more comfortably and getting back to the activities you enjoy.