Knee Pain & Knee Disorders:
Causes, Symptoms, Diagnosis and Treatment Options
The knee joint is one of the body’s major weight-bearing joints during activities such as walking, climbing stairs, sitting and standing, and sports. Pain, swelling, locking, or a feeling of instability in the knee can significantly affect daily activities, work, and quality of life.
Professor Gemalmaz evaluates and treats knee pain and knee disorders across a wide spectrum, from early-stage osteoarthritis complaints to complex cases involving previous surgeries or advanced joint damage.
What symptoms lead patients to seek medical care?
Knee problems may present in different ways depending on the underlying condition. Patients commonly seek medical attention with the following symptoms:
- Pain in the knee during walking, climbing stairs, or physical activity
- Swelling, warmth, or a feeling of fullness in the knee
- Stiffness and limited range of motion
- Catching, locking, or the feeling that the knee “sometimes does not open or close properly”
- Instability, sudden “giving way,” or frequent twisting of the knee
- Difficulty bending or straightening the knee
- In advanced cases, persistent pain even at rest
- Pain, swelling, or a popping sound during sudden movements in sports
Since knee pain may sometimes be related to hip or spine problems, a comprehensive evaluation is essential.
Common causes of knee pain and disorders
Knee pain can develop due to various conditions. Common causes include:
Knee osteoarthritis (gonarthrosis):
A degenerative condition caused by cartilage wear, leading to pain, stiffness, and reduced joint function.
Meniscus tears:
Tears that often occur during sudden twisting movements or squatting, causing catching, locking, and localized pain in the knee.
Anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) and other ligament injuries:
Often occur during sports involving sudden direction changes or jumping–landing movements, leading to instability and a feeling of insecurity in the knee.
Patellofemoral problems (pain around the kneecaps):
Pain originating from the kneecap when climbing stairs, squatting and bending, commonly seen in younger individuals and athletes.
Knee replacement surgery-related problems:
In patients who previously underwent knee replacement surgery, conditions such as pain, loosening, infection, or mechanical problems may develop over time and require evaluation.
Since the treatment approach for each condition is different, clinical examination and appropriate imaging play an important role in knee problems.
How does the diagnostic process work?
The diagnostic process in knee disorders involves a combination of detailed history, physical examination, and appropriate imaging methods:
Detailed history and physical examination
Duration of pain, movements that increase symptoms, and history of trauma or previous surgery
Range of motion of the knee joint, areas of tenderness, ligament stability, and presence of swelling or deformity
Imaging methods
Weight-bearing knee X-rays
MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) for meniscus, ligaments and cartilage
Computed tomography or other tests in some selected cases
Additional tests
Blood tests if infection is suspected
Additional laboratory evaluations in selected patients
The goal is not only to identify the source of pain but also to assess the current condition of the joint, cartilage status, and factors that may affect long-term treatment planning.
Non-surgical treatment options for knee conditions
Not every case of knee pain requires surgery. In many patients, non-surgical treatment methods are evaluated first:
- Activity modification, appropriate rest, and reducing load on the knee
- Recommendations for achieving an ideal body weight when necessary
- Appropriate medications such as pain relievers and anti-inflammatory drugs
- Exercise programs to strengthen the muscles around the knee
- Physical therapy and rehabilitation applications
- Injection treatments into or around the knee when deemed appropriate by the physician
With these methods, symptoms can be significantly reduced or controlled in many patients. However, in some cases, surgical options may need to be considered.
When is surgery necessary for knee conditions?
The decision for surgery is made individually for each patient. In general:
- Knee pain that significantly limits daily life despite non-surgical treatments
- Advanced osteoarthritis and significant joint space narrowing seen on X-rays and other imaging
- Severe meniscus tears, ligament ruptures, or recurrent locking problems
- Developmental joint deformities and structural problems after trauma
- Loosening, infection, or serious mechanical problems in a previous knee replacement
- Severe limitation of quality of life and mobility due to knee problems
In such cases, appropriate surgical options are evaluated and discussed in detail with the patient.
Surgical treatment options for knee disease
Surgical methods are planned based on the patient’s condition and the extent of joint damage. Common procedures include:
Knee arthroscopy
A minimally invasive (closed) procedure used to treat meniscus tears, certain ligament injuries, loose bodies, and selected cartilage problems.
Deformity correction surgery
Surgical realigning of the knee joint in cases of significant varus or valgus deformity which are prone to increased risk of osteoarthritis.
Total knee replacement
A surgery aimed at relieving pain and improving function by replacing worn-out joint surfaces with a prosthesis in advanced knee osteoarthritis.
Robotic-assisted knee replacement
In selected patients, robotic systems are used to assist in planning and performing knee replacement surgery with higher precision in implant positioning.
Unicompartmental (partial) knee replacement
A type of prosthesis applied in selected patients where only one part of the knee joint is severely damaged, while other parts are relatively preserved.
Revision knee replacement
Advanced prosthetic surgeries performed when a previous knee replacement needs to be replaced due to loosening, wear, infection, or other reasons.
More detailed information about these procedures is on the relevant treatment pages and is explained to the patient during the examination.
Professor Gemalmaz's Approach to Knee Problems
Professor Gemalmaz emphasizes evaluating each patient with knee problems as a whole, considering symptoms, daily life, work and sports activity level, age, and accompanying health conditions.
During treatment planning:
The potential benefits of non-surgical treatments are evaluated first
In cases requiring surgery, the type of procedure, recovery process, and possible risks are explained clearly
The goal is not to recommend the same surgical solution to every patient, but to determine the most appropriate, evidence-based treatment according to the current condition of the knee joint.
This page is intended for general informational purposes only. The information provided here does not replace a personalized diagnosis or treatment recommendation.