General information
Knee pain in active adults
Knee pain can follow a twist on the field or court, or build slowly with running, pickleball or years of activity. A twist is not an automatic path to surgery; most knee problems start with a careful exam and a conservative plan.
Common causes
- Meniscus irritation or tears, often with twisting
- Ligament sprains, including ACL injuries
- Pain around the kneecap with stairs, squats or sitting
- Cartilage wear and early arthritis
Where care usually starts
- Relative rest, ice and swelling control in the first days after an injury
- Quadriceps, hip and balance strengthening
- Activity changes and a graded return plan
- Bracing or support when helpful
If it isn’t improving
- Examination, imaging review and office ultrasound
- Targeted injections in selected cases
- PRP or other orthobiologic options using your own cells, after conservative care has had a fair trial
- Arthroscopic or reconstructive surgery when instability or structural damage clearly calls for it
Get seen promptly if you notice
- Knee locks, gives way repeatedly, or you cannot straighten it
- Rapid swelling after an injury or inability to bear weight
- Fever, redness or warmth with knee pain
For a medical emergency, call 911.
Read more in the free guide, Knee Pain, Injury, and Staying Active, or browse Patient Education and home exercises.
General education only — not medical advice or a diagnosis. Treatment decisions are made together after an examination.