knee pain that comes and goes

Overview

Knee pain that comes and goes means you have discomfort in or around your knee at some times, but not all the time. It may flare up with certain activities, ease with rest, and then return. This pattern can happen with many different knee problems, from a simple strain to long-term wear and tear.

Yes. Knee pain is one of the most common joint complaints. Many adults experience knee pain that comes and goes, especially with age or after physical activity.

It can affect people of all ages. Younger people often get it from sports, overuse, or growth-related changes. Older adults are more likely to have wear-and-tear changes like osteoarthritis. People who are overweight, have weak leg muscles, or have had a previous knee injury also have a higher chance of experiencing it.

Symptoms

Common symptoms

• Aching or sharp pain that comes and goes, often during or after activity
• Stiffness in the knee, especially after sitting for a while or in the morning
• Swelling or a feeling of tightness around the knee
• Pain with specific movements like bending, kneeling, or climbing stairs
• A feeling that the knee is weak or may give way

Symptoms in children

• Pain in the knee that is worse at night or after running and jumping
• A limp or avoiding putting weight on one leg
• Mild swelling or redness around the knee
• Pain in the front of the knee, often called 'growing pains'

Symptoms in older adults

• Pain during everyday activities like walking, climbing stairs, or getting up from a chair
• Morning stiffness that eases after moving around
• A grating or grinding feeling inside the knee
• Swelling after increased activity

Causes

Main causes

• Osteoarthritis — wear and tear of the cartilage that cushions the knee joint, which often causes pain that flares up with activity and eases with rest
• Patellofemoral pain syndrome — pain around the kneecap, common in active people, especially runners
• Bursitis — inflammation of a fluid sac near the knee, often from pressure or repeated kneeling
• Tendinopathy — irritation or swelling of the tendons around the knee, such as the patellar tendon
• Mild sprains or strains of the ligaments or muscles that may not have fully healed
• A Baker's cyst — a fluid-filled swelling at the back of the knee that can cause a feeling of tightness and intermittent pain

Risk factors

• Being overweight or obese
• Playing sports with running, jumping, or twisting movements
• Older age and a family history of knee arthritis
• A previous knee injury or surgery
• Weak thigh or hip muscles
• Jobs or hobbies that involve kneeling, squatting, or lifting heavy loads

When to see a doctor

See a doctor urgently if:

• You have severe pain that stops you from putting weight on the leg
• The knee suddenly locks or gives way, making you fall
• The knee is very swollen, hot, or red and you have a temperature
• The knee looks deformed or the kneecap is out of place

Book a routine appointment if:

• The pain lasts longer than two or three weeks despite home care
• The pain interferes with your daily tasks, sleep, or ability to exercise
• You feel the knee is unstable or gives way more than once
• You have difficulty going up or down stairs
• The pattern of pain changes or becomes more frequent

Diagnosis

Your doctor will begin by asking you to describe the pain — when it happens, what makes it worse, and what helps. They will then examine your knee, looking for swelling, tenderness, and how well it moves. They may ask you to squat, straighten your leg, or walk to see how the knee behaves.

Tests that may be done

• X-rays — to check for arthritis, bone issues, or joint space narrowing
• Ultrasound — to look at soft tissues like tendons, ligaments, or a Baker's cyst
• MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) — to get a detailed view of cartilage, ligaments, and other soft tissue
• Blood tests — if your doctor suspects inflammation or an infection

What to expect at your appointment

A typical appointment includes a careful physical examination. You may need to change into shorts or a gown so the doctor can see your knee. The exam usually involves feeling the knee and moving it in different directions. Your doctor will discuss the likely causes and suggest next steps. If the cause is unclear, you may be referred to a physiotherapist or an orthopaedic specialist.

Treatment

Treatment depends on the cause of the pain, but many cases of intermittent knee pain respond well to simple self-care and physical therapy. The goal is to reduce pain, improve strength and flexibility, and help you stay active without making the knee worse. In most cases, surgery is not needed.

Self-care at home

• Rest from painful activities for a few days, but avoid complete bed rest
• Apply ice packs to the knee for 15–20 minutes several times a day, wrapped in a towel
• Elevate the knee with a cushion when sitting or lying down
• Try gentle range-of-motion exercises, like bending and straightening the knee
• Wear comfortable, supportive shoes
• Use a mild compression bandage if it helps with swelling, but do not make it tight

Medical treatments

If self-care is not enough, your doctor may suggest physical therapy to strengthen the muscles around the knee. In some cases, they may recommend a knee brace or supportive shoe inserts. Corticosteroid injections can reduce inflammation in the joint or around it. Other injection treatments may be discussed for specific causes. Your doctor will explain what is suitable for you and why.

When is surgery considered?

Surgery is not usually required for knee pain that comes and goes. It may be considered if there is a specific structural problem, such as a torn ligament or meniscus, that does not improve with treatment, or if advanced arthritis causes severe pain and limits your daily life.

Living with this condition

Managing knee pain is often about finding the right balance between rest and activity. Reduce activities that clearly make the pain worse, but try to keep moving in ways that do not cause pain. Pacing yourself, taking short breaks, and using good posture can help you stay active and independent.

Lifestyle tips

• Maintain a healthy weight to reduce pressure on your knees
• Strengthen your thigh, hip, and core muscles to better support the knee
• Choose low-impact activities like swimming, cycling, or walking on flat ground
• Stretch regularly to keep the knee and surrounding muscles flexible
• Avoid prolonged kneeling, squatting, or sitting with your knees bent for too long

Diet and exercise

A balanced diet rich in vegetables, fruits, whole grains, and healthy fats may help reduce inflammation and support joint health. Regular low-impact exercise is one of the best ways to manage knee pain — it keeps joints lubricated and strengthens the muscles that support the knee. Start slowly and gradually increase your activity level.

Mental health and emotional wellbeing

Living with recurring pain can be frustrating and sometimes worrying. It can affect your mood, sleep, and motivation. These feelings are normal and important to acknowledge. Talking to your doctor, a trusted friend, or a mental health professional can help. Staying socially active and adapting activities you enjoy can also improve your emotional wellbeing.

Prevention

Not all causes of knee pain can be prevented, but you can lower your risk by looking after your knees. Keep a healthy weight, stay physically active, strengthen the muscles around the knee, and avoid sudden increases in activity. Using good technique during sports and wearing appropriate footwear also helps.

Complications

If left untreated

• The knee may become weaker and stiffer over time
• Pain may become more frequent or persistent
• An underlying injury such as a ligament or cartilage tear could worsen
• You may lose confidence and avoid physical activity, which can lead to muscle wasting and reduced fitness

Long-term outlook

The outlook for most people with knee pain that comes and goes is positive. Episodes of pain often settle with a little rest and the right kind of movement. Many people remain active and symptom-free for years. Even when the cause is arthritis, you can still do a great deal to manage symptoms and keep your knee strong. With the right support, most people continue to do the things they enjoy.

Find support

Local organisations

• Your local NHS musculoskeletal service · United Kingdom

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