Knee Pain: Symptoms, Causes and When to Seek Help
Understand knee pain: common causes, symptoms, risk factors and warning signs. Aculaser Institute, Parklands, Nairobi.
Overview
Knee Pain: Symptoms, Causes and When to Seek Help
The knee is a large weight-bearing joint that combines stability with movement. Knee pain affects people of all ages in Kenya, from active teenagers to older adults, and is a common cause of reduced mobility.
What is knee pain?
Knee pain is any discomfort in or around the knee joint. It may involve the bones, the cartilage that cushions the joint, the ligaments and tendons that stabilise it, or the fluid-filled sacs (bursae) around it. Some pain is short-lived and follows a clear injury, while other cases develop gradually.
Common symptoms
Symptoms may include aching around the kneecap, sharp pain with squatting or stairs, swelling, warmth, stiffness after sitting, clicking or a sensation of the knee giving way. Some people notice locking of the knee. Symptoms can vary from person to person and may be worse with weight-bearing activity.
Common causes and risk factors
Common causes include ligament sprains, meniscal (cartilage) tears, patellar tendinopathy, bursitis, iliotibial band irritation and osteoarthritis. Risk factors may include previous knee injury, being overweight, rapid changes in exercise load, muscle imbalance around the hip and knee, and jobs involving repeated kneeling or squatting.
When should someone seek medical advice?
Assessment is advised when knee pain is severe, persistent, associated with significant swelling, or follows a clear injury. Seek earlier care for inability to bear weight, a knee that locks or gives way, obvious deformity, redness with fever, or pain that wakes you at night.
If you are experiencing symptoms of this condition and are looking for professional healthcare in Nairobi, the team at Aculaser Institute in Parklands is available to assess your concerns and discuss appropriate management options. Contact us today to book an appointment or learn more about our services.
Frequently asked questions
Answers about knee pain: symptoms, causes and when to seek help
Is knee pain always due to arthritis?
No. Many other structures can cause knee pain, including tendons, ligaments and cartilage, and pain can occur at any age.
Should I keep exercising?
Gentle activity is usually helpful, but exercises that clearly worsen symptoms should be modified and discussed with a professional.
Do all knees with pain need scans?
No. Many cases are diagnosed on history and examination, and imaging is arranged only when it will change management.
Next step
Begin with a confidential consultation.
Call our reception to book — walk-ins welcome during clinic hours, Monday to Saturday, 8am to 5pm.
Reception · 020-3744883 · 020-3744885 · 020-3741179