Medically Reviewed by: Dr. Omer Sheriff, MBBS, MS (Orthopaedics), Fellowship in Joint Replacement
Years of Experience: 24+ Years
Last Reviewed: October 2026
Knee pain can affect everyday activities such as walking, climbing stairs, sitting down and getting up from a chair. It may develop gradually because of joint changes or begin suddenly after an injury. For some people, the discomfort comes and goes, while others experience persistent pain that affects sleep, mobility and independence.
The appropriate approach to knee pain treatment in Chennai depends on the underlying cause, the severity of symptoms, the patient’s medical history and how the condition affects daily life. Treatment may involve physiotherapy, activity modification, medication or surgery in selected cases.
Dr. Omer Sheriff is an orthopaedic surgeon in Chennai whose practice includes the assessment and management of knee conditions, joint replacement and musculoskeletal injuries. This article explains common causes of knee pain, how doctors evaluate the condition and which treatment options may be considered.
What Causes Knee Pain?
Knee pain can arise from several conditions. Identifying the cause is important because treatments that help one condition may not be appropriate for another.
1. Knee Osteoarthritis
Osteoarthritis causes changes in the cartilage and other structures of the joint. It may lead to pain during movement, stiffness after periods of rest, swelling and difficulty walking. Symptoms can develop gradually and vary from day to day.
Treatment depends on symptom severity and its effect on daily activities. Exercise, physiotherapy, weight management where appropriate and selected medicines may help manage symptoms. Joint replacement may be considered for advanced disease when suitable non-surgical treatments do not provide sufficient relief.
2. Ligament and Meniscus Injuries
The knee contains ligaments that support stability and cartilage structures, including the menisci, that help distribute loads within the joint. Sports, falls and sudden twisting movements can injure these structures.
Symptoms may include swelling, pain, instability, difficulty bending the knee or a sensation that the knee is giving way. Assessment helps determine the type and severity of injury and whether rehabilitation or a surgical procedure may be appropriate.
3. Tendon Problems and Overuse
Repetitive activity, sudden increases in exercise intensity or excessive loading may irritate tendons and other tissues around the knee. Pain may be more noticeable during running, jumping, climbing stairs or other specific movements.
Management may involve temporarily modifying aggravating activities, gradually rebuilding strength and following a suitable rehabilitation programme. Persistent symptoms should be assessed to confirm the diagnosis.
4. Fractures and Other Traumatic Injuries
A fall, road accident or direct impact can cause a fracture or other significant knee injury. Symptoms may include severe pain, swelling, bruising, deformity or difficulty bearing weight.
Suspected fractures and serious injuries require prompt medical assessment. Treatment depends on the affected structures and may involve immobilisation, rehabilitation or surgery.
5. Inflammatory Arthritis and Other Joint Conditions
Conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis and gout can cause knee pain and swelling. A sudden, hot and swollen knee may also indicate an infection or another condition requiring urgent evaluation.
A doctor may recommend blood tests, joint fluid analysis or imaging when indicated. Treatment should be directed at the underlying diagnosis rather than pain alone.
How is Knee Pain Diagnosed?
A proper assessment helps distinguish between joint degeneration, injury, inflammation and other possible causes.
Medical History
The doctor may ask when the pain started, where it is located, whether an injury occurred and which activities make it better or worse. Information about previous operations, medical conditions and current medicines is also relevant.
Physical Examination
The examination may include checking the knee for swelling, tenderness, range of movement, alignment and stability. Walking ability and the function of surrounding muscles may also be assessed.
Imaging and Other Investigations
X-rays may be used to assess bone alignment, fractures and changes associated with osteoarthritis. MRI may be recommended when additional information about ligaments, menisci or other soft tissues is needed. Ultrasound or laboratory investigations may be appropriate for selected conditions.
Not every patient needs every test. Investigations should be selected according to the symptoms and examination findings.
Knee Pain Treatment Options in Chennai
Treatment should address the cause of pain and consider the patient’s general health, functional needs and preferences. Many knee conditions can initially be managed without surgery.
1. Physiotherapy and Therapeutic Exercise
A suitable exercise programme can help strengthen the muscles around the knee, improve movement and support everyday function. The exercises should be adapted to the condition and the patient’s physical abilities.
Physiotherapy may be useful for osteoarthritis, selected ligament injuries and rehabilitation after surgery. Exercises should be modified if they cause significant or worsening pain.
2. Medication for Knee Pain
Depending on the diagnosis, a doctor may consider topical or oral pain-relief medicines. The choice depends on factors such as age, kidney and liver function, stomach health, cardiovascular conditions and other medicines being taken.
Anti-inflammatory medicines can cause side effects, including stomach bleeding, kidney problems and cardiovascular complications in susceptible people. Patients should not combine painkillers or change prescribed doses without medical advice.
Medication may help control symptoms, but it does not necessarily correct the underlying structural problem.
3. Activity Modification and Weight Management
Temporarily reducing activities that aggravate symptoms may help manage pain while maintaining appropriate movement. Complete inactivity is not usually helpful for long-term joint function unless a specific injury or medical condition requires rest or immobilisation.
For people who are overweight, gradual weight management may reduce the load on the knee and support symptom management. A suitable plan should take account of overall health and physical abilities.
4. Injections for Selected Conditions
Some patients may be considered for injections, depending on the diagnosis and treatment goals. For example, corticosteroid injections may provide short-term relief for selected patients with knee osteoarthritis.
Benefits, duration of relief and potential risks vary. Evidence and recommendations differ between injection types, and no injection should be presented as a guaranteed or permanent solution. The treating doctor should explain the available evidence and alternatives before proceeding.
5. Arthroscopy and Ligament Surgery
Arthroscopy uses a small camera and specialised instruments to examine or treat selected problems within a joint. Procedures such as ligament reconstruction may be considered for particular injuries based on instability, activity requirements and the patient’s clinical findings.
Arthroscopy is not routinely recommended for ordinary degenerative knee osteoarthritis. The decision to perform surgery should be based on a specific clinical indication rather than knee pain alone.
6. Knee Replacement Surgery
Knee replacement may be considered when advanced joint damage causes persistent pain and substantial limitations in walking or daily activities despite appropriate non-surgical treatment.
Total knee replacement involves replacing damaged joint surfaces across the main compartments of the knee. Partial knee replacement may be suitable when damage is limited to one compartment and other clinical criteria are met.
The choice depends on the extent of joint damage, knee stability, alignment, general health and the patient’s treatment goals. The surgeon should discuss possible benefits, complications, alternatives and rehabilitation requirements before surgery.
When Should You Seek Medical Attention for Knee Pain?
Arrange a medical assessment if knee pain persists, repeatedly returns, causes ongoing swelling or interferes with normal activities.
Seek urgent medical attention if you experience:
- Sudden, severe knee pain or substantial swelling.
- A visibly deformed knee following an injury.
- Inability to move the knee or bear weight after an injury.
- A hot, red and swollen knee accompanied by fever.
- Severe pain after a fall or accident.
These symptoms may indicate a serious injury, fracture or joint infection and should not be managed solely with home remedies.
Can Knee Pain Be Prevented?
Not every cause of knee pain can be prevented, but some measures may help maintain strength, mobility and joint function.
- Build muscle strength: Suitable strengthening exercises can support knee function.
- Stay physically active: Walking, cycling or swimming may be appropriate depending on the condition and individual ability.
- Increase activity gradually: Sudden increases in exercise intensity can place additional stress on muscles and tendons.
- Use suitable footwear: Comfortable footwear may support balance and everyday movement.
- Manage body weight where appropriate: Reducing excess load may help people with knee osteoarthritis.
- Address injuries promptly: Assessment of significant or persistent symptoms can help guide appropriate management.
People with existing joint conditions should seek advice about which activities are suitable for them.
About Dr. Omer Sheriff
Dr. Omer Sheriff is an orthopaedic surgeon practising in Chennai. His professional website lists qualifications including MBBS, MS Orthopaedics and Fellowship in Arthroscopy and Sports Medicine. His areas of practice include knee conditions, ligament reconstruction, joint replacement and trauma care.
Patients experiencing knee pain can discuss their symptoms, previous treatment, medical history and mobility concerns during a consultation. The assessment may include a physical examination and appropriate investigations to establish the likely cause of the symptoms.
Treatment recommendations depend on the diagnosis and the patient’s individual circumstances. Depending on the findings, the doctor may discuss non-surgical management, rehabilitation or a surgical procedure where clinically indicated.
Patients should receive clear information about the proposed treatment, potential risks, alternatives and follow-up requirements before making a decision. Medical qualifications, registration details and current professional affiliations should be verified and kept up to date on the website.
Conclusion
Knee pain can result from several conditions, including osteoarthritis, injuries, tendon problems and inflammatory joint disease. Identifying the cause is an important first step in selecting appropriate treatment.
Knee Pain Treatment in Chennai may involve physiotherapy, medication, activity modification, selected procedures or surgery, depending on the patient’s condition. An orthopaedic assessment can help clarify the available options and their potential benefits and risks.
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