Here's Why Your Knee Hurts - Knee Pain Problems & Types by Location

I help you identify the cause of your knee pain by location:
Quadriceps tendon
Patellofemoral pain syndrome
Patellofemoral arthritis
Prepatellar bursitis
Patellar tendon
Infrapatellar impingement
Medial arthritis
Meniscus tear
MCL sprain
Pes anserine bursa
Lateral arthritis
IT band
Common peroneal nerve
Baker’s cyst
Trigger points
► Things my patients have found helpful:
Please note that I get a lot of requests and questions about what equipment is ‘best’ for treating a variety of conditions. The following is not meant to be an exhaustive or definitive list. Please use it as a starting point. If you have questions, please discuss with your healthcare provider. With that said, I have tried a number of the products below, but not all. I have included some based on positive feedback from many of my patients. As an Amazon Associate, Dr Peng earns from qualifying purchases. If you purchase any product using the below affiliate links, you are helping Dr Peng maintain this channel.
Soft Tissue & Rehab
Theragun: amzn.to/4363zJG
Massage ball: amzn.to/40BUC9f
Foam roller: amzn.to/4324E5c
Stretching strap: amzn.to/3U9a2iQ
TENS unit: amzn.to/3mcCqnI
Heating pad: amzn.to/40VidSc
Resistance bands: amzn.to/3nFyb4C
Braces & Supports
Hinged knee brace: amzn.to/3U6oyrH
Neoprene knee sleeve: amzn.to/3Zzhsgt
Volar wrist brace: amzn.to/3KawW55
Thumb spica brace: amzn.to/3nHj9vl
Ankle lace up brace: amzn.to/3m6iR0u
Tennis/Golfer’s elbow brace: amzn.to/3ZEGgE1
Superfeet orthotic inserts: amzn.to/436tRf5
Recommended Textbooks & Resources
The Trigger Point Manual: amzn.to/4340cTt
Trigger Point Wall Charts: amzn.to/3zrinVR
► Be Active. Live Healthy. Subscribe for more free videos like this: / @jeffreypengmd
► ABOUT ME
Jeffrey Peng MD is a nonoperative orthopedist and sports medicine specialist. He created a KZbin channel and blog to translate cutting edge medical knowledge and clinical research to benefit all those looking to live an active and healthy lifestyle. He focuses on maximizing non-surgical treatments for sports injuries and orthopedic conditions. He specializes in using orthobiologics and ultrasound guided minimally invasive techniques to treat osteoarthritis, tendinopathies, and musculoskeletal disorders.
Dr. Peng is board certified in sports medicine and family medicine. He completed residency with the Stanford family medicine residency program and completed his sports medicine training with the Stanford primary care sports medicine fellowship in San Jose. He is an active faculty member for both programs and is excited about training the next generation of physicians.
Dr. Peng’s sports medicine clinic is located in Campbell, California.
Twitter: @JeffreyPengMD; / jeffreypengmd
Website: www.jeffreypengmd.com/
► Disclaimer
My content reflects my own opinion and does not represent the views or opinions of my employers or hospital systems I am affiliated with. They are meant for educational purposes only. They do not substitute for the medical advice of a physician. Always seek the advice of your physician with any questions you may have regarding your health.

[@fazelahmad7320]

What a beautiful and comprehensive presentation! Thanks a lot!

[@davidstrong8524]

You explain things better than anyone I’ve ever seen or heard. Thank you

[@JeffreyPengMD]

Wow, thanks for commenting!

[@danielameyaw1978]

Please why didn’t you reply my comment I just want to know

[@angelatrebor8681]

Thank you for your expertise and providing extra helpful information regarding our knees. You're great for explaining extra details that other Doctors and Medical Professionals don't mention, affecting/ involving the knee. Thank you again for your help.

[@ABab-jf2jb]

Clear and concise info that covers all issues with the knee.

[@pweeloco510]

Man this doctor it's the real deal ,well explained and gives good advice not like others that want to go straight to replace your knee ...

[@danielst-laurent3484]

Best summary of knee pain sources i've watched so far.

[@JeffreyPengMD]

Thanks for commenting!

[@MsVivian99]

Best advice and information I’ve come across. Thankyou !,

[@arthurjeremypearson]

Your thumbnail has each area labeled with a letter, and then you completely abandon that in the video itself. I have a problem in area e and you never said area e

[@vatooo0]

Did you find out I also saw e and the picture and related?

[@mrlee9213]

You should Peng him so he notices

[@lokylong28]

He did explain it, 2:50 and 3:30, depending on which area, but do see a professional for rehabilitation instead of self-diagnosis

[@vatooo0]

@@lokylong28 thanks! Do you know how to rehab this area?

[@ahill4642]

D here. Meh!

[@UntilNextime]

Your graphs and descriptions are so helpful. Nobody has ever recognized my knee issues to be associated with a tibia fracture 47 years ago. For the past 7 years, I've kept it rapped when I'm out. It showed inflammation for the first time only recently. An MRI suggests OA and that isn't what I believe to be the pain source problem.

[@jenmal898]

This is such a helpful video!!! Thank you so much for sharing ❤😊

[@teardrop720]

Great video! Very informative! Thanks 😊

[@tassyp3485]

Thank you God bless you! Finally something I can do to help myself. I think my hip has contributed to this pain.

[@Joyful-gu5bj]

Your explanation is great. I totally understand now. Thank you n God bless you.

[@sapelesteve]

Excellent synopsis of various causes of knee pain Doc! Well done! 👍👍

[@JeffreyPengMD]

Thanks!! Appreciate the comment

[@rpodadventure]

Great explanation!

[@BaneLoki]

Thanks for this video. Helped me figure out I have a medial meniscus tear

[@CarmenGarcia-bu3so]

U are a nice young intelligent doctor.. thank you..😊

[@bajiron]

Great informative video. Thank you for teaching us about the knee problems and types.

[@estelleadamski308]

Last yr. I injured my knee, my DR was surprised I didn't have significant arthritis. MRI showed complex meniscus tear, Baker's cyst and a bone contusion & loose bodies I tried all the conservative measures w/no lasting relief, so 6 mos. later I had a partial meniscectomy & loose body removal. My knee still hurts, 4 mos. after surgery But now my other knee hurts really bad. All around the knee is painful, no swelling, a lot in back of the knee, the pain is 10/10 at times. I'm taking Tylenol. I'm headed back to my Ortho. Enjoyed the vides Thks!

[@JudyKlopfenstein]

thanks for the info!

[@harrok38]

Most helpful video and explanation!

[@JeffreyPengMD]

Glad it was helpful!

[@devrikalacos4440]

Thank you Doc! that is what we need to know.

[@JeffreyPengMD]

Glad it was helpful!

[@jim-ry3eq]

Great summary. What do you do to treat a Baker's cyst?

[@eamonnbrereton1525]

I tried Boswellia serrata as you recommended in a previous video, it's made a massive difference to my knee arthritis which I've had for 5 years. Many thanks to you

[@JeffreyPengMD]

Great to hear!

[@Time-Shepherd.]

Thank you 😊 ❤

[@Sarah33Kaufman]

Thank you

[@m.abu-naiyan9047]

Thanks Appreciated

[@eshejh5791]

Great video. This was very informative. Looks like my pain is treated by ice and stretching.

[@user-qf1cc3jm7p]

Thanks - very helpful

[@eunicelwiindi8203]

Thank you so much 👍🇿🇲🇿🇲

[@HS99876]

Very good Video, Also extra weight and weak leg muscles put lots of pressure on the knees.

[@imaseeker100]

fabulous young man. now I can sound like I know what I'm talking about.

[@terrymcdermott8320]

Thanks

[@DasJoppe]

Thank you for this video. I found out I've likely been struggling with both quadriceps tendinopathy and patellar tendinopathy. I'm sure the causes are problems with my squat (shifting feet, pushing too much through the heel, and bouncing out of the hole on heavy reps) and exessive hiking (going for +2 hour-long walks almost every day--- I got way too much free time since I quit my job).

[@tony-bi1hj]

Hi doc. Thanks for the video. Very good. I have had knee problems for quite awhile now. Im 68 and it's really getting me down. I've got knee pads from America but they only sort of work. Im pretty sure it's arthritis in my knees. It's mainly the left knee and l've been using crutches a fair bit. Do you have any suggestions. They would be very much appreciated.

[@amalinprince]

Excellent and informative video

[@magalaFaizal]

Thanks doctor how long do the painfully take base lsteel have e pain

[@ignaciogerardi]

Any recommendations on fat pad issues??

[@lynsey7806]

Hi, you mentioned the nerve at the side of the knee, is there anyway to release this nerve a bit please, thanks. I haven’t got any meniscus left in my knee, so my surgeon injected a gel in between the bones, and it’s helped greatly.

[@staysteezy1104]

Hey doc! I had ACL reconstruction 6 months ago and I've been struggling along the way because I've been experiencing pain on the sides of the kneecap more below it and my patellar when it comes to certain exercises especially squatting,hopping and walking for too long. Also, sometimes when I go from extension to flexion my kneecap shifts quickly and you can hear a crunch noise. It doesn't hurt but its uncomfortable. I just wanna know what could be the issue and what should I do ? My PT and surgeon have been no help.

[@danielameyaw1978]

Please with your explanation I think mine is a bursa problem it’s been two years now so can I use warm water or still use ice thank you 🙏

[@Craig040]

Doc, I'ver recently had a knot forming on the outside of my right knee just in front of my itb after spending an hour or two walking around. It goes away by the time I wake up the next day. Anything I should be on the lookout for? Should I be in a hurry to get checked out?

[@dsotec9165]

Hello Doctor , I'm waiting on a MRI I have had knee pain wear I struggled to walk and now after 5 weeks the next problem is I can't bend my knee . I feel it could be Malicious muscle as it's just came from no wear. If I try and bend my leg I can do it if I'm on my bed and then bend a bit get pain ,stop then straighten which clicks a few times I keep doing this and finally get get a bend , but soon as I get up and walk it's locks . Any advice ? Plus should I wear a knee brace? Thank you . Dean

[@katharinekearns7495]

About 17 years ago, I had a partial ACL tear that led to a full tear and a bucket tear of my meniscus; because of the timeline between tests, surgery and finances. I definitely remember the pain when I got the bucket tear more than pain associated with the AClL tear. From time to time my knee pain is bad. My orthopedic surgeon said I lost most of my meniscus. Right now I’m having a flare up. I’m trying to remember some of the exercises I did in PT, but were those most likely for my ACL and not the loss of meniscus?

[@muzammilmalik8490]

heel pain exercise please sir

[@blarpieman]

Can L4-L5 nerve root irritation cause lateral tracking and or lateral compression syndrome? I have back pain and have had multiple femoral condyle cartilage transplants and now the cartilage is breaking down again and it always seems like the back pain is likely the source but its so hard to determine the cause. Any thoughts? Great video.

[@Optimizedforlife]

At 53 is getting PRP knee injection a good idea as a preventative measure? Or only if injury?

[@jamesgallant3553]

72 years old and very bad knees. Pain to the back of my knees usually. If the populitus is the problem what is the fix? I have had massage and other therapies with little / no improvement. I am a difficult case I know, any ideas?

[@CrimsonRaven51]

I have a knee replacement on my right knee. I had that back in 2011. I now have pain in my left knee. But I want to avoid another knee replacement at age 73. Can physical therapy help?

[@magalaFaizal]

Can née pain be treated doctor

[@hadungwradwimubodosa2555]

My pain is behind the patella and there is no swelling doctor so what type of pain is this or symptoms of ?

[@RORRIMMIRROR]

My right knee has almost every symptom. I'm a nurse. Arthritis is probably the culprit. I need some PT exercises to practice that won't do more damage.

[@mrmr314]

All these guys don't cover torn cartilage or smashed cartilage on the outside of the knee. It seems to be rarer but that's what I've got from a bad surfing injury. Knee blew up like a soccer ball and then cracked a few times about eight hours later. Certainly something is amiss there toward the outside of the joint. It feels like it's swollen and full of fluid all the time (can't crouch) but doesn't look swollen and the knee itself is packed tight (this happened 25 years ago and I've just put up with it).

[@henrylo5816]

Can a patella bursitis prevent you from bend your knees. Keeping the knee straight has no pain, pain only comes when I bend my knee.

[@Saravibz]

What if your whole knee hurts in random times😭

[@rosagarcia7423]

What about TB in the knee? Is this common?

[@Dpixtion]

Pain in area D outside knee back side when walking/hiking down hill..

[@NickKosta]

“He never uses the thumbnail picture!! 😠 “ Great feedback in the comments! And a great opportunity to make a vid using the thumbnail pix w my PT. Let’s goooo!! What should it be titled??

[@lenny108]

It's like magic. I had terrible pain in my right knee for weeks. I've tried everything possible but nothing has reduced the pain. Until now. A compress with hot vinegar. The pain almost disappeared after a few compresses. Of course, I have to repeat this all the time but I hope it doesn't get to the point like Lindsey Vonn, who got a titanium knee.

[@kaddechemohammedamine3293]

Hello doctor What about treatment by lazer ? In knee

[@JeffreyPengMD]

Not a lot of evidence for laser, but seems worth a try if you're interested

[@kaddechemohammedamine3293]

thanks doctor good luck in your job@@JeffreyPengMD

[@mayko7]

I felt pain in my knee for the first time is when i block a shoot of ball with inside of my foot 6 months ago and i ignored it because it was not difficult by the time. but now days when i take a shoot and play long ball i feel pain on my knee. it’s my right foot. but the pain is only when i play soccer because i walk properly, i move it like i want. Please help me

[@pamelascott8991]

Why would my knee hurt on the outside only when I kneel on it?

[@khalilou2333]

I have a back knee pain almost everytime after I train. no swelling. nothing. when I work out, I fell nothing. however once I finish my fitness session, precisely after I shower and rest. my knee start hurting from the back.

[@BrianHallmond]

3 here...

[@karynhint]

It would have been so helpful if you’d referred back to the original illustration with the areas highlighted with letters!

[@pleasuregaming2601]

I was standing for 2 hours due to some chore, and now i have pain at the side of the knee, the inner right side of left knee

[@arthurjeremypearson]

Medial meniscus tear MCL sprain Pes anserine bursitis It's one of those, but I can't tell because you are not using the chart

[@mohrim4818]

I have pain in zone e what means?

[@olivewilliam4423]

Will knee replacement solve the problem.

[@JeffreyPengMD]

The decision to undergo knee replacement surgery should be individualized.

[@wendywyatt3264]

What about people who have knocked knees

[@JeffreyPengMD]

That just describes the angle of their bone / joint. But the anatomy is otherwise the same.

[@DaRugrat]

The Middle Of My Knee Is So Tender I Bump It Or Even Touch It A Little Bit It’s So Much Pain Not Sure Exactly What That Is

[@adgefreeman6091]

Okay, so I don't have swelling... That's already a good sign and was honestly the only sign I cared about. I'm 28. I'm pretty sure I'm not supposed to be having this level of pain already.

[@Rashel-fe5qw]

in the photo what part of the nee is D???

[@LaNo1955]

Show these on a leg pls

[@Letrefl]

4:33 ruined my leg i have that condition tried injections C

[@trishayamada807]

I have pain in ALL those spots.

[@Madhuwellness]

Weak knees and pain in knees main reason for lower activity and less exercise post 40 years

[@FrankATracy]

Please redo the video using the letters in the thumbnail picture. You would help us a lot more if your content was organized properly. I clicked on your video because of the letters, but then you completely abandon it. This video could have EASILY been much better! Great content and explanations. Just needs to be organized better.

[@bestMamaBebe304]

Too bad nothing covered my knee pain 😢

[@El_primo573]

I can't understand where i hurt but its between j and g

[@Just.navarro-TheLAking]

2:45

[@CarmenGarcia-bu3so]

I had all those pain during my life now Im 65 I have osteoarthritis. 2 knee arthroscopy... I do lots of exercise ans stretching that why Im walking,as long I stop doing exercise my knee get stiffness, Im tired of exercise all my life,😢

[@caljerm]

what if I have "alphabet soup" knee pain?

[@Just.navarro-TheLAking]

1:25

[@ShivaniSuri-fs5tz]

My father also had a lot of pain in his knee since few months..so my friend told me about the doctors of Planet Ayurveda or their herbal medicine...then we went there and told our problems to the doctors about their medicine or The precautions made my father's knee pain disappear.

[@eclairfarron5253]

F@8

[@lokendrayadav9440]

Thumbnail is a lie my friends😂😂

[@user-hb7kj4tu3m]

The pain is above my knee cap and sometimes below or next to my quad by the tear drop

[@user-hb7kj4tu3m]

My knee started to hurt after heavy squats. I was wearing a knee wrap during the squat but it only hurts such as a bad ache and sharp pain when the knee is bent such as while driving or sitting too long. But when I start moving or extending my leg straight the pain goes away. Do you know what that is from?

[@aeno6012]

hi sir jeffrey where you from.. i have a problem in my knee it almost 1 year and half i feel the pain around the knee.. i have xray and mri but i really dont know why some of doctor havent see or telling me what happen to my knee.. so i want to know where you from i hope you answer my question sir..thanks and godbless