Wear and tear (osteoarthritis)
Start-up pain in the morning, pain under load, often increasing stiffness. More under Osteoarthritis.
Symptoms · Knee
Knee pain in Aachen.
Knee pain is one of the most common reasons people visit an orthopaedic practice. The causes vary: sometimes it is wear and tear, sometimes overuse, sometimes an injury.
In short
What matters is where exactly it hurts, when the pain occurs and how it started. X-ray and ultrasound are available on site.
Causes
Common causes of knee pain.
Meniscus problems
Pain along the joint line, sometimes with a catching sensation or swelling, after a twisting movement or developing gradually.
Overuse and irritation
For example around the kneecap or at tendon attachments, often with sport or after unaccustomed strain. More under Trauma Surgery & Sports Medicine.
Ligament injuries
After accidents or falls, often with a feeling of instability.
Bursa irritation
Tenderness and swelling at a specific spot.
Pain referred from elsewhere
The hip or the back can refer pain to the knee.
Warning signs
When to seek medical advice promptly.
Not every knee pain is urgent. With the following signs, however, you should not wait.
Emergency: After an accident with severe symptoms, or with warning signs, please go directly to the emergency department or call the out-of-hours medical service.
At the practice
What happens at our practice.
It starts with a detailed conversation, followed by a physical examination. X-ray and ultrasound are available on site, so we can often add findings during the same appointment.
If an MRI scan is useful, we refer you to colleagues. We do not perform operations ourselves; we advise you independently and rely on conservative treatment first.
Treatment options
Which treatment is appropriate depends on the cause. Depending on the findings, options may include physical therapy measures, injections (including hyaluronic acid), acupuncture or ACP autologous blood therapy. We discuss possibilities, benefits and limits in a personal conversation.
Self-help
What you can do yourself.
- Temporarily reduce activities that clearly trigger the pain, without immobilising the knee completely
- Keep moving within a low-pain range, for example cycling or swimming
- Keep an eye on excess weight, as it puts extra load on the knee joint
- Wear firm, well-fitting shoes
Last updated: October 2026 · Responsible for content: Dr med. Andreas Kochs and Dr med. Henrik Rode. This information does not replace a medical examination.
FAQ
Frequently asked questions about knee pain.
When should I see an orthopaedist for knee pain?
Promptly if you have any of the warning signs above; otherwise when symptoms last for several weeks, keep returning or limit your daily life.
Do I always need an MRI for knee pain?
No. Often a conversation, examination, X-ray and ultrasound are enough. If an MRI would influence treatment, we refer you to colleagues.
Do I need to see a doctor if it only hurts after sport?
Brief muscle soreness that fades is normal. If the pain persists or returns with every load, an assessment is worthwhile.
Can knee pain come from the back or the hip?
Yes, this happens. That is why we also examine the hip and spine when needed.
Book an appointment
Your path to better mobility starts here.
Book your appointment online via Doctolib or call us during consulting hours.