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Knee pain when walking
Last reviewed: 04.07.2025
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Knee pain when walking can be a serious symptom because the knee is a particularly vulnerable joint. It takes a lot of force when you walk, run, jump, or climb stairs. Even if there is no serious knee injury, many people can suffer from knee pain caused by regular wear and tear over time.
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[ Causes of knee pain
If you have severe knee pain when walking, it is likely that the pain was not caused by walking. In this case, self-diagnosis and self-treatment are unacceptable. A doctor's consultation will determine the immediate cause of your knee pain. Some of these causes include:
- Your age
- Knee injury at some age
- Where exactly does your knee pain bother you? In the front or back of the knee, inside or outside the joint?
- What is the nature of your knee pain - does it start suddenly or does it come on gradually over time?
- What activities do you do that cause knee pain?
What are the possible causes of knee pain when walking?
Here are just a few of the most common causes that cause severe knee pain when walking.
Tendinitis
Tendinitis is inflammation or irritation of the tendons. If you feel swelling and puffiness in the front of your knee, if you suffer from severe knee pain when walking and if it feels worse when going up or down stairs, you may have tendinitis.
Meniscus injuries
Meniscus injuries are characterized by inflammation of the cartilage in the knee joint. This can cause severe knee pain and a feeling that you cannot straighten your knee. Swelling may occur at the site of the injury.
Bursitis
Inflammation of the fluid sac in the knee is called bursitis. If you have bursitis, your knees will be stiff and swollen, and they will be painful even when you are not walking.
Knee arthritis
This condition is characterized by stiffness, swelling and pain in the knee when walking.
What are the common symptoms of knee pain?
In addition to the causes of your knee pain, you also need to consider the exact symptoms of the pain. This will determine the right treatment. Some of the most common symptoms of knee pain include:
- Locked movement (you cannot straighten or bend your knee)
- Feeling like your knee is giving way when you walk
- Inability to put even a small amount of weight on the knee
- Feeling pain in the knee even when at rest
- Swelling (either sudden after injury or slow-growing)
- Worsening knee pain when walking or bending the knee
What can be done if there is severe knee pain when walking?
If you suffer from severe knee pain when walking, it is important that you see a doctor for an accurate diagnosis. The appropriate treatment will depend on the cause and severity of the pain and may include surgery or anti-inflammatory medications.
A knee brace is one of the most effective ways to protect your knee from further injury. It is also used during recovery after surgery.
Knee braces are sometimes used to hold the knee in place and prevent movement that could cause further injury.
Other self-care options for knee pain include ice packs, rest, and compression bandages to prevent fluid buildup in the knee.
Physiotherapy is extremely helpful for knee pain as it strengthens the muscles that help stabilize the knee and reduce severe knee pain when walking.