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If you’re wondering, “Why does my knee hurt when I bend it?”
You’re definitely not alone.
Knee pain when bending is one of the most common joint complaints.
It can show up when you’re squatting, walking down stairs, or just getting out of a chair.
Some people feel a sharp stab, others a dull ache.
The good news is, there are real answers—and real solutions.
At Orthobiologics Associates, we help people figure out what’s causing their pain and treat it without surgery using advanced, non-invasive options like Genicular Artery Embolization (GAE), platelet-rich plasma (PRP), and other orthobiologic treatments.
Let’s walk through what might be going on with your knee and how we can help you feel better.
GET RELIEF FROM KNEE PAIN TODAY
What’s Really Happening When Your Knee Hurts While Bending
Your knee is a busy joint.
When you bend it, your bones, cartilage, tendons, and ligaments all move together.
If any of these structures are irritated or injured, bending the joint puts pressure on the problem area—and that leads to pain.
Where it hurts can give us helpful clues.
Where It Hurts Can Point to the Cause
Where on your knee the pain originates could mean the following possibilities:
- Front of the knee: Pain here is often caused by patellofemoral pain syndrome (runner’s knee) or patellar tendonitis. These conditions come from overuse or improper movement patterns.
- Behind the knee: Pain behind the knee when bending could be due to a Baker’s cyst, hamstring strain, or even referred pain from the hip or lower back.
- Inner or outer side: Pain on the inside or outside of the knee is often linked to meniscus tears or ligament strains like an MCL or LCL injury.
- Under the kneecap: If it hurts under your kneecap, especially when squatting or kneeling, it could be chondromalacia or early arthritis, which both involve cartilage damage.
Common Reasons Your Knee Hurts When You Bend It
There are several issues that can make bending painful.
Here are the most common:
- Patellofemoral pain syndrome
- Patellar or quadriceps tendonitis
- Meniscus tears
- Knee bursitis
- Baker’s cyst
- MCL, LCL, or ACL injuries
- Pain from knee osteoarthritis
- Plica syndrome or referred hip pain
Each of these problems responds best to a specific type of treatment, which is why a proper diagnosis is so important.
When to Get Your Knee Checked Out
If your pain sticks around for more than a few days or gets worse with activity, it’s time to get it looked at.
You should also see a specialist if:
- You feel swelling or stiffness that won’t go away
- The knee locks, buckles, or feels unstable
- You can’t bend or straighten it fully
- You have pain even when resting
- You’ve tried home care and it’s not improving
At Orthobiologics Associates, we start with a detailed evaluation and movement assessment to figure out exactly what’s causing your symptoms.
How We Find the Source of Your Knee Pain
We don’t just treat the symptoms—we find the root cause.
During your visit, we’ll assess your joint function, test your strength and movement, and use diagnostic imaging like X-rays or MRIs if needed.
We also look at your posture and how you move, because that can affect how pressure is placed on the knee joint.
Once we have a clear picture, we’ll build a treatment plan just for you.
How Orthobiologics Associates Helps You Avoid Surgery
We specialize in helping people relieve knee pain without going under the knife.
Here are some of the options we offer:
- Genicular Artery Embolization (GAE): This non-surgical treatment helps reduce pain from GAE for knee osteoarthritis by slowing down blood flow to the inflamed areas of the joint. It can significantly lower pain levels and improve function—without cutting into the knee.
- Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP): PRP uses your body’s own healing cells to calm inflammation and speed up repair. It’s a great option for tendonitis, ligament injuries, and early arthritis.
- Stem Cell Therapy and Orthobiologic Injections: These treatments promote tissue regeneration and are often used for meniscus damage, cartilage wear, and soft tissue injuries.
- Physical Therapy and Corrective Exercise: Movement retraining is key. We design rehab plans to strengthen the muscles around your knee, improve your gait, and correct any imbalances so your pain doesn’t come back.
If you’re ready to get relief from your knee pain, contact us today!
Things You Can Do at Home for Knee Pain
While you’re waiting for your appointment or just trying to manage mild pain, here are some things that can help:
- Rest your knee and avoid activities that aggravate it
- Use ice packs for 15–20 minutes at a time to reduce swelling
- Try compression sleeves or braces for added support
- Elevate your leg when resting to ease pressure
- Wear supportive footwear that helps with alignment
- Avoid kneeling on hard surfaces without padding
These simple changes can go a long way, especially when paired with a professional treatment plan.
How to Prevent Knee Pain When Bending
Once your pain is under control, the next step is prevention.
Here’s what we recommend:
- Strengthen your quads, hamstrings, and glutes to support your knee
- Improve balance and mobility through targeted exercises
- Avoid jumping into high-impact activities without a proper warm-up
- Maintain a healthy weight to ease pressure on your joints
- Learn proper form for squats, lunges, and bending movements
We’ll walk you through a plan that makes sense for your body and your goals.
Final Thoughts: Why Does My Knee Hurt When I Bend It
If your knee hurts every time you bend it, don’t ignore it—and don’t assume surgery is your only option.
At Orthobiologics Associates, we help people just like you find real, long-term relief without going through a major operation.
Whether it’s arthritis, a tendon issue, or something else, we’re here to find the right treatment for your body.
Reach out today to schedule your consultation.
Let’s get you moving without pain again.
FAQs: Why Does My Knee Hurt When I Bend It
How do I know if my knee pain is serious?
If your knee pain doesn’t improve within a few days, keeps you from walking normally, causes swelling, or feels unstable or locked, it’s a good idea to get it checked out. Pain that interferes with sleep or daily activities is also a sign that something more serious might be going on.
What are the first signs of arthritis in the knee?
Early signs of knee arthritis often include stiffness in the morning, pain when bending or walking, a grinding sensation, and swelling that comes and goes. You might also notice your knee feels weaker or more sensitive after activity.
What is the fastest way to relieve knee pain?
The quickest way to reduce knee pain is to rest the joint, apply ice for 15–20 minutes at a time, elevate your leg, and use compression for support. Over-the-counter anti-inflammatory medications may help temporarily, but long-term relief usually requires a more targeted treatment plan.
Why does my knee hurt without any injury?
Knee pain without an obvious injury can be caused by overuse, muscle imbalances, arthritis, or small movements done with poor form. Inflammation or joint degeneration can build up over time, even if there’s no single event that caused the pain.
What is GAE?
GAE stands for Genicular Artery Embolization. It’s a minimally invasive procedure that reduces inflammation and pain in the knee by slowing blood flow to irritated areas of the joint, especially in cases of osteoarthritis.
Can GAE help with knee pain?
Yes, GAE has helped many people with chronic knee pain—especially those with moderate to severe arthritis—reduce their discomfort and improve their mobility without surgery. It’s a safe and effective non-surgical option we offer at Orthobiologics Associates.
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