Video Description
Knee pain affects people across every age group, but the reasons behind it change with age. Understanding the likely cause matters, because treatment for a sports injury is very different from treatment for early joint wear.
Pain and swelling can come from the joint itself, the surrounding muscles, or problems higher up in the hip and lower back.
This page covers the common causes of knee pain by age group, and what a physiotherapy assessment typically looks at.
Common causes by age
- 18–25 years: sports and gym activity — running, football, cricket, badminton — often without adequate preparation, leading to ligament injuries such as ACL or MCL tears
- 25–50 years: recreational sport combined with muscle weakness that has been present since younger years and left unaddressed, which can begin early wear in the joint
- 50–80 years: osteoarthritis (joint wear), and problems with the meniscus — the cushioning tissue inside the knee (see our meniscus injury page)
When to see a clinician
A short episode of pain after a knock may settle with rest and general medical advice. Consider a physiotherapy assessment if:
- Pain around the knee continues for more than a week
- There is ongoing swelling, locking, or instability
- The knee gives way or you avoid weight on it
Ligaments such as the ACL and MCL, and the meniscus, can tear to different degrees, and the right approach depends on which structure is involved.
How physiotherapy assessment helps
Knee pain is not always caused by the knee alone. A thorough assessment often looks at the hips, walking pattern, and core strength, because weakness or a back problem can change how load passes through the knee.
Once the source is identified, treatment usually starts with reducing pain, followed by a customised exercise programme for the specific muscles involved. For advanced joint wear, post-surgical knee rehabilitation may also be relevant. Exercises done consistently often reduce pain over time; the pace depends on the underlying cause.
Booking an assessment
If knee pain is limiting your walking, sport, or daily activity, an assessment can clarify the cause. Learn more about knee pain physiotherapy or call to book.
Chennai Physio Care® — Anna Nagar West, Chennai
📞 73052 74514
🕐 Monday – Saturday, 8:30 AM – 7:00 PM
Home visits are available across Anna Nagar, Kilpauk, Mogappair, Arumbakkam, Koyambedu, and Korattur. Call us to discuss whether a home visit is appropriate for your situation.
Last reviewed by Dr. N Vanathy, PT — July 2026 Chennai Physio Care®, Anna Nagar West, Chennai