What Your Knee Pain May Indicate Based on Its Location

Knee pain is a common concern arising from several causes, ranging from minor injuries to more serious conditions. Understanding the specific location of your knee pain can provide valuable insights into its underlying cause. 

In this blog, we will explore what your knee pain may indicate based on its location, using a detailed knee injury knee pain location chart to help you identify potential issues.

Knee Pain Location Chart | Dr Rik Kundra

Knee Anatomy

The knee is one of the most complex and largest joints in the human body. It is essential for movement and supports a significant portion of the body’s weight. 

Knee Pain Location Chart | Dr Rik Kundra

Bones in the Knee

  • Femur (Thighbone): The upper bone of the knee joint.
  • Tibia (Shinbone): The larger, weight-bearing bone of the lower leg.
  • Patella (Kneecap): A small, flat bone in front of the knee joint.

Muscles in the Knee

  • Quadriceps: A group of four muscles on the front of the thigh that straighten the knee.
  • Hamstrings: A group of muscles on the back of the thigh that bend the knee.

Ligaments in the Knee

  • Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL): Located in the centre of the knee, it controls rotation and forward movement.
  • Posterior Cruciate Ligament (PCL): Also in the centre of the knee, it controls the backward movement.
  • Medial Collateral Ligament (MCL): Located on the inside of the knee, it provides stability to the inner knee.
  • Lateral Collateral Ligament (LCL): Located on the outer knee, it provides stability to the outer knee.

Tendons in the Knee

  • Quadriceps Tendon: Connects the quadriceps muscles at the front of the thigh to the patella.
  • Patellar Tendon: Links the kneecap (patella) to the tibia.
  • Iliotibial Band: A thick tissue band running from the hip to the outer knee.
  • Hamstring Tendons: Fasten the hamstring muscles to the bones of the knee.

Symptoms of a Knee Problem

  • Knee pain
  • Joint swelling
  • Difficulty bending or straightening the knee
  • Popping or locking sensations in the joint
  • Numbness
  • Tingling in the skin overlying the joint
  • Fever
  • Redness of the joint
  • Joint stiffness

Pain in Different Areas of the Knee Could Mean Different Things

The knee can be divided into various compartments: the front, inner, outer, above, below, and back of the knee.

The location of knee pain can help indicate the diagnosis. For example, according to the knee pain location chart, pain in the front of the knee joint could indicate injuries to patellofemoral pain syndrome, osteoarthritis, prepatellar bursitis, and dislocated patella.

Knee Injury Knee Pain Location Chart | Dr Rik Kundra

Knee Pain Location Chart

A Knee Pain Location Chart helps pinpoint specific areas of discomfort, aiding in accurate diagnosis and treatment. You can better understand the cause and seek targeted relief by identifying exact pain points. Use this chart as a guide to communicate your symptoms with your healthcare provider for effective treatment.

Pain Location

Possible Diagnosis

Front of the Knee

  • Patellar Tendinitis: Inflammation of the tendon linking the kneecap to the tibia, leading to pain in the front of the knee.
  • Prepatellar Bursitis: Inflammation of the bursa situated in front of the kneecap, resulting in swelling and pain.
  • Chondromalacia Patella: Softening and damage of the cartilage under the kneecap, leading to pain and swelling.
  • Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome: Pain surrounding or behind the kneecap due to misalignment or overuse.
  • Osteoarthritis: Degenerative joint disease causing pain, stiffness, and swelling in the knee.
  • Dislocated Patella: Displacement of the kneecap from its normal position, causing acute pain and immobility.

Inner Knee

  • Meniscus Tear: Injury to the cartilage between the femur and tibia, causing pain, swelling, and difficulty moving the knee.
  • Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL) Sprain: An injury to the ACL leads to pain, instability, and difficulty bearing weight.
  • Medial Collateral Ligament (MCL) Sprain: An injury to the MCL results in pain and swelling on the inner side of the knee.
  • Arthritis: Inflammation of the knee joint causing pain, stiffness, and reduced mobility.
  • Osteochondritis Dissecans: Condition where a fragment of cartilage and underlying bone detaches from the knee joint, causing pain and swelling.

Outer Knee

  • Iliotibial Band Syndrome: Inflammation of the band running along the outer knee, causing pain and tightness.
  • Lateral Collateral Ligament (LCL) Sprain: An injury to the LCL results in pain and instability on the outer side of the knee.
  • Lateral Meniscus Tears: Damage to the cartilage on the outer knee, resulting in pain, swelling, and limited movement.

Back of the Knee

  • Baker’s Cyst: Fluid-filled swelling behind the knee, causing pain and tightness.
  • Hamstring Injury: Strain or tear in the muscles at the back of the thigh, resulting in pain behind the knee.
  • Posterior Cruciate Ligament (PCL) Injury: Damage to the PCL, resulting in pain, swelling, and instability in the back of the knee.

Above the Knee

  • Patellar Tendinitis: Inflammation of the tendon linking the kneecap to the tibia, causing pain and tenderness.
  • Bursitis: Inflammation of the bursa near the knee joint, leading to swelling and pain.
  • Arthritis: Joint inflammation causing pain, stiffness, and swelling in the knee.
  • Patellofemoral Syndrome: Pain around or behind the knee due to overuse or misalignment.
  • Fat Pad Impingement: Inflammation of the fat pad behind the kneecap, causing pain and discomfort.
  • Quadriceps Tendon Rupture: A complete tear of the quadriceps tendon causes severe pain, swelling, and an inability to extend the knee.

Below the Knee

  • Patellar Tendonitis: Inflammation of the tendon beneath the kneecap, causing pain and tenderness in the area.
  • Osgood-Schlatter Disease: Inflammation of the growth plate below the knee, leading to pain and swelling.

This knee pain location chart is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. If you have persistent knee pain, consult a knee consultant for an accurate diagnosis and treatment.

Consult With Dr Rik Kundra For Knee Pain in Dubai

For expert care for your knee pain, consult Dr Rik Kundra, a specialist knee surgeon in Dubai with over 20 years of experience. Dr. Rik focuses on joint preservation, biologic knee reconstruction, and complex knee disorders, offering the most conservative and advanced knee pain treatment options. Discover targeted relief with our Knee Pain Location Chart. Identify your pain points accurately. Consult Dr. Rik Kundra today for personalized treatment plans.

Book an appointment now.

Disclaimer

All content and media on this page are created and published for informational purposes only. It is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice and should not be relied on as health or personal advice. Meet Dr. Rik personally for appropriate medical diagnosis and advice.

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