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Knee Pain: What Causes Front, Inner, Outer, or Back-of-Knee Pain? (Symptoms & Possible Diagnoses)
Knee pain is one of the most common reasons people struggle with walking, stairs, squatting, or sports. In most cases, the location of pain plus a few key symptoms (swelling, locking, giving way) helps us narrow down the most likely causes.
Important: This page is for guidance only. A final diagnosis requires a physical exam and, when needed, imaging (X-ray / MRI).
If Pain Is in the Front of the Knee (Around the Kneecap)
Front-of-knee pain often comes from the kneecap area and the way the kneecap loads the cartilage during daily activities.
Common patient descriptions
- Pain worse when going up/down stairs
- Discomfort after sitting for a long time (“movie theatre sign”)
- Pain with squatting or getting up from a chair
- Aching or burning around the kneecap
Possible causes (depending on exam)
- Patellofemoral pain (front knee pain syndrome)
- Kneecap cartilage overload / cartilage softening
- Focal cartilage injury
- Overuse + muscle imbalance (especially quads/hip control)
If Pain Is on the Inner Side of the Knee (Medial Knee Pain)
Inner knee pain that worsens with weight-bearing can point to meniscus issues or early/advanced wear in the joint.
Common patient descriptions
- Pain when walking or standing for longer periods
- Stiffness in the morning or at the first steps
- Tenderness along a specific inner joint line
- Sometimes catching or “something moving inside”
Possible causes (depending on exam)
- Medial meniscus tear (often after twisting/squatting)
- Knee osteoarthritis (medial compartment overload)
- Medial collateral ligament (MCL) strain
If Pain Is on the Outer Side of the Knee (Lateral Knee Pain)
Outer knee pain can be related to lateral meniscus problems, ligament strain, or load/biomechanics—especially after sports or long walks.
Possible causes (depending on exam)
- Lateral meniscus injury
- Ligament strain
- Load/alignment-related overload
If Pain or Swelling Is Behind the Knee (Back-of-Knee Pain)
A feeling of tightness, pressure, or a visible swelling behind the knee is often linked to joint fluid build-up.
Common patient descriptions
- Tightness or pressure behind the knee
- A lump or swelling that comes and goes
- More discomfort when bending the knee
Possible causes (depending on exam)
- Baker’s cyst
- Joint effusion secondary to meniscus/cartilage problems
If You Have Locking, Sudden Swelling, or “Giving Way”
These symptoms may suggest a more “mechanical” issue inside the knee and should be evaluated sooner rather than later.
Possible causes (depending on exam)
- Bucket-handle meniscus tear (true locking, knee stuck)
- ACL injury (instability / giving way)
- Loose body (recurrent catching/locking episodes)
When Should You Get Checked?
- Knee pain lasting more than 2–3 weeks
- Recurrent swelling or sudden fluid build-up
- Locking or giving way
- Significant injury with pain/swelling
- Night pain or clear loss of motion
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I see a doctor for knee pain?
What does front-of-knee pain usually mean?
Does inner knee pain always mean a meniscus tear?
Is a lump or swelling behind the knee dangerous?
What does knee locking suggest?
What does “giving way” in the knee suggest?
When is an MRI needed for knee pain?
X-ray or MRI—what is more useful for knee pain?
More Detailed Knee Topics
Learn when knee replacement is considered, what the surgery involves, and what recovery typically looks like.
Symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment options for meniscus tears—especially pain with twisting, squatting, and joint-line tenderness.
Cartilage damage can cause pain, swelling, catching, and activity limitations—see evaluation and modern treatment approaches.
If your knee feels unstable or gives way during sports, this page explains ACL injury and treatment options.
A practical overview of stem cell applications for supporting knee cartilage and joint function.
What “true locking” means, how bucket-handle tears happen, and when arthroscopy may be necessary.
Sudden swelling can point to meniscus tears, ligament injuries, or joint effusion—key signs and when to get checked.
Back-of-knee swelling explained: symptoms, common causes, and treatment options for Baker’s cyst.
