What can cause knee pain?
September 15, 2025
Knee pain can have various causes, from overuse to injury or an underlying condition. Below you'll find the main causes according to Clove.
1. Overuse and strain
A common cause of knee pain is overuse. Activities such as running, cycling, or prolonged standing can place repeated daily strain on your knees. Over time, this can lead to inflammation, stiffness, and even permanent damage to the knee joint.
2. Injury
Knee injuries can happen suddenly, for example from an awkward twist during sports or a misstep on the stairs. Common injuries include a torn anterior cruciate ligament (ACL), a torn meniscus, and a dislocated kneecap, all possible causes of severe knee pain that sometimes require medical intervention.
3. Osteoarthritis and other forms of arthritis
Osteoarthritis occurs when the cartilage in the knee joint begins to break down, leading to friction, inflammation, stiffness, and chronic pain. Other forms of arthritis, such as rheumatoid arthritis, can also cause swelling and pain as the immune system attacks the joint tissue.
4. Improper shoes
Wrong or insufficiently supportive shoes can affect your body's alignment, forcing your knees to absorb extra strain. Shoes that are too flat, too stiff, or worn out provide insufficient cushioning and can worsen knee pain.
Sources:
Knee pain
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29421838/
