Knee pain – diagnosis and conservative treatment in Freiburg
Knee pain may occur after an injury, through overuse or develop gradually. What matters is not only where it hurts, but when the symptoms occur, how well the knee tolerates load and which structures are likely to be involved.
Possible causes
Depending on age, load and clinical course, possible causes include meniscal or ligament injuries, irritation around the patellofemoral joint, tendon disorders, osteoarthritis, joint effusion, and muscular or functional factors. A reliable diagnosis cannot be made from the location of pain alone.
How the assessment works
The examination assesses range of motion, stability, tenderness and function. Ultrasound may be useful, for example to evaluate joint effusion, tendons and superficial soft tissues. Existing X-rays or MRI scans are reviewed. Additional imaging is not automatically required for every form of knee pain; it should answer a specific diagnostic question.
Conservative treatment
Depending on the findings, treatment may include changes to activity, targeted exercises, physiotherapy, supports, physical therapies or targeted injections. For osteoarthritis, movement, strength training and tailored pain management are often combined. Structural changes do not always require surgery.
When prompt assessment is advisable
After an accident with marked swelling, instability, locking or inability to bear weight, prompt assessment is advisable. The same applies to a red, hot knee or accompanying systemic symptoms.
Please note
This information does not replace a medical examination. Sudden severe symptoms, marked deformity, paralysis or other warning signs should be assessed promptly by a medical professional.