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Common causes of knee pain
Knee pain is usually caused by mechanical problems within the knee itself. Joint surfaces and cartilage can wear down over time. The ligaments and tendons that support the knee can also become overloaded or injured. The kneecap is subject to excess pressure, especially when running, jumping, squatting, or walking up the stairs.
The knee joint is where the thighbone (femur) meets the shinbone (tibia), with the kneecap (patella) sitting over the front. Cartilage cushions the joint, while the ligaments and tendons are the joint's stabilisers and shock absorbers. Finding the structure that's causing your pain helps us choose the right treatment.
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Kneecap and overuse pain
Knee pain at the front and around the patella is referred to as “patellofemoral pain” and is usually noticed when climbing stairs or after prolonged sitting. Patellar tendinopathy relates to the area just below the patella and typically occurs due to repetitive actions such as jumping and running. Bursitis of the knee affects the fluid-filled sac within the joint which becomes inflamed due to excess kneeling. These conditions commonly affect runners, jumpers and other active people. They're also common in people who spend all week at a desk before doing lots of physical activity at the weekend.
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Ligament and meniscus injuries
These usually come from a specific incident, such as a heavy tackle, an awkward landing, a bad twist with the foot planted, or a direct knock. The MCL on the inside of the knee is a common sprain, and the meniscus (which is the cartilage cushion between the bones) can tear with a sharp rotation. The ACL is a ligament injury serious enough to have its own page, so read more about ACL injuries.
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Degenerative knee pain
This is wear-related joint pain that develops gradually and without sudden trauma to the knee. This joint pain is caused by cartilage changes that happen as we age and early arthritis of the knee that makes the joint rigid and painful after exercise or in the morning. Sometimes what feels like knee pain is actually referred pain from the hip or lower back.
SYMPTOMS
Knee pain symptoms and when to get assessed
Knee pain can be accompanied by various other symptoms, some of which require particular consideration if they occur repeatedly or regularly. You might feel aching, swelling, stiffness, instability, crunching or clicking sounds, and have trouble bending and extending your knee. Other symptoms to be aware of are burning, redness, and warmth, which may indicate inflammation within the knee joint. While one or two less intense symptoms may be alleviated by resting for a few days, you should consult a professional if you're experiencing several symptoms together or they keep coming back.
You should book an assessment if your knee pain lasts more than a few weeks, if it keeps coming back, or if it starts limiting your ability to walk, climb stairs, take part in sports or sleep. The earlier we see you, the more options there usually are to treat your knee pain.
There are some symptoms that necessitate urgent care before physiotherapy. If you are unable to bear weight on the leg, if there is rapid swelling of the knee, or if the knee joint is swollen and you have a fever, then you need to see your GP or the emergency department.
DIAGNOSIS
How we diagnose knee pain
The process of diagnosing knee issues begins with a conversation and a hands-on examination, rather than jumping straight to a scan. Every treatment plan focuses on your personal goals. So, during the first part of your appointment, we discuss what activities you wish to resume, whether it's running, kneeling at work, staying active, or using the stairs without hesitation.
Once we understand your goals, we look into your medical history and examine how your knee joint functions. We also look at the strength and stability of your knee, hip, and ankle. This helps us identify what's causing your pain, how it impacts your knee, and what underlying factors could be at play.
Physiotherapy treatment for knee pain
Knee rehabilitation programs often focus on strengthening exercises that align with your specific diagnosis and adapt as you make progress. These exercises primarily target the muscles surrounding the knee and hip. By enhancing muscle strength and control in these areas, the exercises help reduce the strain on painful structures and improve daily knee movement.
We help you stay active while preventing knee flare-ups through a combination of strategies. Our approach includes manual therapy, supportive taping or bracing, and advice on suitable footwear. Where beneficial, we recommend custom orthotics. We also focus on teaching you how to care for your knee between visits. When you're ready, you can continue strengthening exercises with clinical Pilates.
In some cases involving tendon problems and overload injuries, treatments including shockwave therapy or MLS laser therapy are used when necessary. They support your exercise programme rather than replace it.
Recovery depends on your diagnosis, how long you've had pain, your general health and what you're hoping to get back to. We'll discuss this during your first appointment.
Do you need a knee specialist or knee surgery?
Deciding whether you need a knee specialist or a knee surgeon is one of the most common questions we hear. For most knee conditions, trialling non surgical treatment options first is standard care, and for the majority of people a knee clinic appointment is not the first step.
There are situations where seeing a knee specialist is appropriate:
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A full-thickness ACL rupture in athletes who pivot and cut, where a surgical opinion from a knee surgeon is usually appropriate. Our page on ACL surgery explains what the operation involves, including graft types and success rates.
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A locked knee that will not fully straighten or bend.
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A suspected fracture.
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Advanced knee arthritis where a knee replacement is being considered with a knee surgeon.
A complete tear in the knee doesn't always require surgery. Many individuals consult a knee specialist and find they can manage without needing an operation. That doesn't mean a specialist isn't important. It's simply that most people should try appropriate physiotherapy before considering surgery.
Knee osteoarthritis and physiotherapy
If your knee problems are due to osteoarthritis, physiotherapy can help you significantly. Exercise is one of the main treatments recommended for knee osteoarthritis. It helps to reduce pain and restore joint functionality in cases of both early and advanced arthritis.
Building muscle strength and keeping your joints flexible will reduce the stress on the problem area and make your daily life much easier. With the right exercise programme, many people manage their knee osteoarthritis successfully for years and delay the need for surgery.
Clinic information
Eastside Physio + Co has treated Melbourne's eastern suburbs from our Surrey Hills clinic since 2017, with more than 6,300 clients.
Address: 427 Canterbury Road, Surrey Hills VIC 3127
Phone: (03) 9836 1333
Email: info@esphysio.com.au
Referral: none needed to book. Medicare rebates need a GP Chronic Condition Management Plan.
Private health: claim on the spot via HICAPS, all major insurers.
WorkCover, TAC and NDIS clients welcome.
Parking: there are three onsite parking bays at the front of the building and two at the rear. Additional street parking is available on Canterbury Road and the adjoining streets.
Book a knee pain assessment in Melbourne's eastern suburbs
Booking is easy and no referral is needed. Book online or call the clinic and we will find you a time.
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Medicare rebate
For a Medicare rebate, you'll need a GP Chronic Condition Management Plan (previously known as a CDM or EPC plan). These older plans remain valid until June 30, 2027. You will also need a signed referral from your GP. Currently, the rebate stands at $63.40, and it adjusts each July. This amount covers up to five allied health services in a calendar year, which you can spread across different services, not just limited to physiotherapy.
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Bulk billing
For those eligible under a GP Chronic Condition Management Plan, bulk billing is an option. You can confirm your eligibility when you schedule your appointment. Additionally, if you have private health extras, they are claimable. We also accept WorkCover, NDIS, TAC, and Home Care. Just inform our reception when you book, so we can arrange your appointment properly.
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Private health rebates
Additionally, if you have private health extras, they are claimable. We also accept WorkCover, NDIS, TAC, and Home Care. Just inform our reception when you book, so we can arrange your appointment properly
Our fees will be discussed when you make your booking. For more details on funding and how to begin, please refer to our new patient information and fee schedule. You might also want to meet our physiotherapy team to get acquainted with who will be assisting you.