Knee Pain Knee pain is one of the most common and agonizing physical limitations.  It is crucial to be evaluated by an experienced Physical Therapist in order to determine the exact cause of knee pain and thereby receive the effective treatment. Common causes of knee pain: 1. Ligamentous Injuries--Four major ligaments are involved in the knee: There are two ligaments located in the center of the knee in somewhat of a spiral pattern; they are called the anterior and posterior cruciate ligaments.  There is also one ligament on each side of the knee joint--the medial and lateral collateral ligaments.  If any of the ligaments is injured, there may be pain-inducing swelling and laxity in that part of the joint.  A torn ligament can cause that part of the joint to be unstable.  2. Bursitis--A bursa is a fluid-filled sac between a tendon and a bone for shock and friction absorption.  There are 8 bursae around the knee joint, and they are all communicating with one another.  If there is abnormal stress on any one of the bursae, the swelling of that one bursa can bring pain, stiffness and swelling to all the bursae around the knee. 3. Meniscal Tear--A meniscus is a round cartilage ring between bones.  There are 2 menisci inside the knee, between the femur (thigh bone) and the tibia (1 of the 2 leg bones).  It is common for a meniscus to experience excessive load to a point where part of it is worn out and even torn off.  In such case, there will be pain, swelling and stiffness.  Often times, a small debris from the worn-and-torn menicus can be dislodged and cause the knee to feel "locked" in a certain position. 4. Chondromalacia (Patellar tracking problem)--Chondromalacia is a very common problem where the patella (knee cap) is tracking abnormally.  Symptoms may include difficulties in squatting, bending, and in stair climbing--where downward climbing may be more painful than upward climbing.  Many factors can contribute to chondromalacia: Weakness in the inner thigh causing muscle imbalance in controlling the patella Pronated foot (inverted foot) deviating the tibia (leg bone) in standing Obesity may increase the width of the hips and thus increase the angle between the femur (thigh bone) and tibia (leg bone) 5. Arthritis (Dengerative Joint Disease)--This is excessive bone-on-bone wearing, causing pain, swelling, stiffness and degenerative change within the joint.  Many times patients may think that their knee pain is due to arthritis, while the origin of pain comes from ligamentous injuries or even chondromalacia. 6. Tendonitis--There are many muscles attached to the knee joint.  Tendonitis is the inflammation of the tendon where a muscle is attached to the bone.  If there is any irritation or inflammation in the tendon of the muscle(s) around the knee, this can cause knee pain and swelling especially with movements. 7. Patellar Dislocation--This is a problem where the knee cap is dislocated and unable to allow the knee to bear weight or move properly.  It is usually of acute onset and the patella can be relocated if treated properly. 8. Low Back Problem--If there is a problem in the lower back where the referred or radiating symptoms involve the thigh, knee or leg, then the knee pain is of a neurological origin.  In such cases, as soon as the lower back is properly treated, the knee pain will subside immediately. 9. Abnormal growth--If there is a cyst or tumor inside the knee joint there may be swelling, pain, and limited range of motion. Although there are other possible causes (such as Osgood-Schlatter disease), a physical therapist can evaluate the knee pain patient to rule out some of the common causes listed above. Once an accurate diagnosis is reached, physical therapy treatment may offer long-term knee pain relief.