What Is the Cause of Aching Knees? Common Reasons Explained in Simple Words
- physiotherapytownl
- Jan 3
- 3 min read
What Is the Cause of Aching Knees?
Aching knees are a very common problem. People of all ages can feel knee pain, from young adults to older people. Sometimes the pain is mild and goes away on its own, but sometimes it can be strong and last for a long time. To understand how to reduce knee pain, it is important to know what causes aching knees.
Below are the most common causes of knee pain, explained in easy words.

1. Aging and Wear and Tear
As we grow older, our joints slowly wear out. The knee joint carries a lot of body weight, so it is more likely to get damaged over time. The cartilage, which acts like a cushion between bones, becomes thin. This can cause pain, stiffness, and swelling in the knees, especially while walking or climbing stairs.
2. Arthritis
Arthritis is one of the main reasons for aching knees.
Osteoarthritis: This happens when the cartilage in the knee breaks down. It is common in older adults.
Rheumatoid arthritis: This is an autoimmune disease where the body attacks its own joints, causing pain and swelling.
Gout: This occurs when uric acid builds up in the joint, causing sudden and severe knee pain. Looking Treatment about Arthritis Click here Now : Arthrtis Treatments in Abbotsford
3. Injury or Accident
Knee injuries are very common, especially in people who play sports or do heavy physical work. Injuries may include:
Torn ligaments
Meniscus tears
Fractures
Sprains
Even a small fall can damage the knee and cause long-lasting pain if not treated properly.
4. Overuse of the Knee
Using the knee too much can lead to pain. This often happens when people:
Walk or run for long hours
Stand for a long time
Do repeated movements like bending or lifting
Overuse can cause inflammation around the knee, leading to pain and discomfort.
5. Being Overweight
Extra body weight puts more pressure on the knees. Every step adds stress to the knee joints. Over time, this can damage the cartilage and cause pain. Being overweight also increases the risk of arthritis.
6. Weak Muscles
Weak thigh and leg muscles cannot support the knee properly. When muscles are weak, more pressure goes directly to the knee joint. This can cause pain, especially while standing up, walking, or climbing stairs.
7. Poor Posture and Body Movement
Wrong posture while sitting, standing, or walking can also cause knee pain. Sitting cross-legged for long periods, bending the knees the wrong way, or wearing footwear without proper support can affect knee health.
8. Medical Conditions
Some health problems can also cause aching knees, such as:
Vitamin D deficiency
Bone weakness
Infections
Nerve problems
In these cases, knee pain may come with other symptoms like swelling, fever, or numbness.
When to See a Doctor
You should see a doctor if:
Knee pain lasts more than a few days
There is swelling or redness
You cannot walk properly
Pain increases with time
Early treatment can prevent serious problems later.
Conclusion
Aching knees can happen for many reasons, including aging, arthritis, injury, overweight, or weak muscles. Knowing the cause is the first step toward relief. Simple lifestyle changes like maintaining a healthy weight, exercising regularly, and using proper posture can help protect your knees. If the pain does not improve, medical advice is always the best option.
Taking care of your knees today can help you stay active and pain-free in the future.



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