Knee pain is a common issue that can affect people of all ages and activity levels. The most common causes of knee pain can be broadly grouped into injuries, mechanical problems, types of arthritis, and other conditions.

To determine if you have a serious knee issue, watch for specific signs and symptoms that suggest more than just minor strain or overuse.

Recovery from knee pain can take anywhere from a few days to several months, depending on the cause, severity, and how early you start proper treatment.

Yes, you can often still exercise with knee pain, but it’s important to choose the right activities and get guidance from a physical therapist to avoid making it worse.

You can help prevent knee pain by staying active, strengthening the muscles around the knee (especially the quadriceps and hamstrings), using proper movement techniques, maintaining good posture, avoiding prolonged sitting, and wearing supportive footwear.

Knee pain often keeps coming back because underlying issues—such as muscle imbalances, poor movement patterns or balance, incomplete rehabilitation, and repeated strain—haven’t been fully addressed.