Knee pain is one of the most common musculoskeletal complaints worldwide, yet many people still ask what causes knee pain and how to stop it from limiting everyday life. At Bridges Speech Center in Dubai, our multidisciplinary team works closely with the physiotherapy department to pinpoint individual pain drivers and design evidence-based care plans. Whether you struggle with knee pain when bending during prayer, right knee pain when bending at the gym or severe knee pain at night that keeps you awake, knowing the exact cause is the first step toward recovery.
Bridges Speech Center offers holistic therapy solutions for the whole family, including specialized physio for orthopedic injuries. Learn more about our integrated approach on the Bridges Speech Center which offers best speech therapy Dubai services along with physiotherapy services.
Why Does the Knee Hurt?
The knee is a hinge joint that endures up to five times body weight when climbing stairs and even more during sports. Repeated stress, sudden trauma, age-related wear, and systemic disease can all answer the question what causes knee pain.
1. Traumatic Injuries
Twisting on a planted foot or a direct blow may tear the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) or meniscus. A study reported that ACL ruptures account for about 200 000 injuries per year in the United States alone. Symptoms often include burning pain in my knee and swelling within hours.
2. Overuse Syndromes
Athletes often complain of knee pain due to running or repetitive jumping. Patellofemoral pain syndrome (runner’s knee) irritates the cartilage behind the kneecap, leading to aching knee pain that worsens on hills or with deep squats.
3. Degenerative Changes
Osteoarthritis is the leading answer to what causes sudden knee pain without injury in adults over 50. Cartilage loss triggers inflammation, stiffness, and crepitus especially during cold mornings or after prolonged standing.
4. Alignment and Biomechanics
Flat feet, weak hip muscles or tight hamstrings alter load distribution. These faults explain knee pain when bending and walking down stairs or recurring pain behind the knee when walking long distances.
5. Medical Conditions
Gout, rheumatoid arthritis, infection, and referred pain from the hip or lower back can manifest as knee pain when lying down that seems unrelated to joint movement.
How to Diagnose Your Knee Pain
Accurate assessment prevents chronicity. Our physiotherapists use a four-step protocol:
| Step | What We Do | Why It Matters |
| History | Ask when and how burning pain in my knee started | Links pain to activity or disease |
| Observation | Note swelling, redness, alignment | Detects arthritis or patellar tracking issues |
| Palpation | Feel ligaments, tendons, joint line | Identifies meniscal tears or bursitis |
| Functional Tests | Single-leg squat, hop, range of motion | Recreates knee pain when bending to confirm diagnosis |
Imaging such as ultrasound or MRI is ordered only if red flags fever, locking and rapid swelling appear.
Evidence-Based Treatment Options
Medical Management
For severe inflammation, short courses of NSAIDs, corticosteroid injections or hyaluronic acid may reduce aching knee pain and help patients tolerate exercise.
Physiotherapy and Exercises for Knee Pain
- Quad setting and straight leg raises for early conditioning.
- Glute bridges and side-lying clams to correct hip weakness that triggers knee pain due to running.
- Terminal knee extensions to improve stair control and relieve knee pain when bending and walking down stairs.
Manual and Massage Therapy for Knee Pain
Soft-tissue release around the IT band, hamstrings, and calf reduces tension and enhances blood flow. A research in Clinical Rehabilitation found that targeted massage combined with exercise improved pain scores by 30 % compared to exercise alone.
Bracing and Taping
Patellar tracking taping can curb right knee pain when bending during sports, while unloader braces support medial compartment osteoarthritis.
Lifestyle and Ergonomic Changes
- Use cushioned footwear to minimize impact.
- Limit high heels that exaggerate knee torque.
- Maintain healthy body weight to reduce compressive forces.
Prevention: Keep Your Knees in Motion
Regular strengthening and stretching maintain joint integrity. Current guidelines recommend at least 150 minutes of moderate activity weekly, plus two resistance sessions focusing on the lower limbs. Include low-impact cardio such as swimming or cycling to avoid provoking burning pain in my knee.
Ready to Take the Next Step?
Persistent knee discomfort should never dictate your lifestyle. The integrated physio team at Bridges Speech Center will uncover what causes knee pain in your case and craft a recovery plan that restores mobility and confidence. Book your comprehensive assessment today at Bridges Speech Center Dubai .
Frequently Asked Questions
Why do I feel sharp pain behind my knee when walking?
The discomfort often stems from hamstring tendonitis or a Baker’s cyst but can also indicate meniscal injury. A clinical exam is essential.
What causes knee pain when lying down?
Inflamed bursa or nocturnal arthritis flare-ups can worsen with prolonged immobility, leading to severe knee pain at night.
Can I exercise with knee pain?
Yes, but choose low-impact exercises for knee pain prescribed by a physiotherapist to avoid aggravating symptoms.
Do I always need surgery for torn cartilage?
Many meniscal tears respond well to conservative rehab, especially in older adults.
