Why Does My Knee Hurt When I Walk?

Knee pain while walking is one of the most common orthopedic complaints. Whether it's a dull ache, sharp stabbing sensation, or persistent stiffness, knee discomfort can interfere with daily life — from grocery shopping to climbing stairs or going for a simple walk. If you’ve been wondering why your knee hurts when you walk, you’re not alone — and there are answers.

Understanding the Knee Joint

The knee is the largest and one of the most complex joints in your body. It’s made up of bones (femur, tibia, patella), cartilage, ligaments, tendons, and fluid-filled bursae. All of these structures must work together seamlessly for smooth movement. When something is off — due to injury, overuse, inflammation, or degeneration — pain can occur.

Common Causes of Knee Pain While Walking

1. Osteoarthritis

This is the most common cause of chronic knee pain, especially in adults over 50. Osteoarthritis is a wear-and-tear condition where the protective cartilage that cushions your bones breaks down over time, leading to stiffness, swelling, and aching pain — especially when walking or standing for long periods.

2. Meniscus Tears

Your meniscus is a wedge-shaped piece of cartilage that acts as a shock absorber. Twisting or pivoting the knee — particularly during sports — can tear this cartilage, resulting in pain, swelling, and a "catching" feeling inside the joint.

3. Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome

Also known as "runner’s knee," this condition results from improper tracking of the kneecap (patella) as it moves over the femur. It often causes pain in the front of the knee, especially when walking uphill, climbing stairs, or sitting for long periods.

4. Tendinitis or Bursitis

Overuse or repetitive motion can cause inflammation in tendons (tendinitis) or bursae (bursitis). These conditions often cause pain that worsens with movement or pressure and may feel warm or swollen.

5. Ligament Injuries

Ligaments such as the ACL, MCL, or LCL help stabilize your knee. If you’ve twisted your knee or experienced a direct blow, you may have stretched or torn one of these ligaments — often causing instability, pain, and swelling.

6. Other Conditions

• Gout or pseudogout (inflammatory joint diseases)
• Referred pain from hip or lower back
• Obesity-related joint stress
• Post-surgical changes in joint mechanics

When Should You See an Orthopedic Specialist?

While minor knee pain might resolve with rest and home care, you should see an orthopedic provider if you experience:

• Pain lasting more than 1–2 weeks
• Swelling, redness, or warmth in the joint
• Difficulty walking, bending, or bearing weight
• Knee instability or "giving out"
• A popping sound during injury followed by swelling

Ignoring these symptoms can lead to worsening damage and longer recovery times. Early diagnosis helps you avoid invasive treatments and get on the right care plan.

How Orthopedic Specialists Diagnose Knee Pain

An orthopedic provider will typically:

• Ask about your medical history and activity level
• Perform a physical exam to assess motion, tenderness, and joint stability
• Recommend imaging tests like X-rays, MRI, or ultrasound if needed

These tools help pinpoint the root cause — whether it's arthritis, soft tissue damage, or biomechanical issues.

Treatment Options for Knee Pain

Fortunately, most knee issues can be treated without surgery.

Non-Surgical Treatments:

• Physical therapy to strengthen surrounding muscles
• Bracing or orthotics for support
• Anti-inflammatory medications (NSAIDs)
• Joint injections (corticosteroids, hyaluronic acid)
• Lifestyle modifications (weight loss, activity adjustment)

Surgical Options (If Needed):

• Arthroscopy for repairing meniscus tears
• Ligament reconstruction (ACL, MCL)
• Partial or total knee replacement in advanced osteoarthritis cases

What You Can Do Today

If you’re struggling with knee pain while walking, don’t wait for it to get worse. The earlier you identify the cause, the easier it is to treat.

👉 Use OrthoCheck to check your symptoms instantly and get matched with a top orthopedic specialist near you.

Your knee pain doesn’t have to be a life sentence. Relief is possible — and it starts with getting the right diagnosis and care plan.

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