Knee Pain in Women: Common Causes and What Helps

Knee pain is common in women at every age, from teenage athletes to women in their 60s and beyond. Some causes are more common in women because of differences in hip and thigh mechanics, hormones and the joints themselves. The encouraging news is that most of them respond well to the right exercise.

This guide covers the most common causes of knee pain in women, why women are affected more often, what helps, and when to get your knee checked.

Quick answer

The most common causes of knee pain in women and girls are pain around the kneecap (patellofemoral pain), knee osteoarthritis, which becomes more common after the menopause, ligament injuries such as ACL tears in sport, and inner knee bursitis. Hip and thigh strength, hormones and joint hypermobility all play a part. Most causes respond well to targeted hip and thigh strengthening.

Common causes of knee pain in women

Pain around the kneecap

Patellofemoral pain is one of the most common causes of knee pain in younger and active women. It causes an ache around or behind the kneecap, worse on stairs, squatting, kneeling or after sitting for a long time. It usually responds well to hip and thigh strengthening, and our kneecap pain and runner's knee guide sets out the exercises.

Osteoarthritis

Knee osteoarthritis is more common in women than men, particularly after the menopause. It causes pain with activity, stiffness after rest that eases within about 30 minutes, and sometimes swelling.

Ligament injuries

Female athletes in sports involving cutting, jumping and landing, such as netball, football and skiing, are several times more likely than men to injure the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL). A pop, rapid swelling and the knee giving way are typical. Read more about a torn ACL.

Inner knee bursitis

Pes anserine bursitis causes pain and tenderness on the inner side of the knee, just below the joint. It is more common in women, particularly with knee osteoarthritis or being overweight. Our guide to inner knee pain covers this and other causes on the inside of the knee.

Other causes

• Meniscus tears from twisting, or wear in older adults
• Iliotibial band irritation on the outer knee in runners and cyclists (see outer knee pain)
• Joint hypermobility, which is more common in women
• Rheumatoid arthritis, which is more common in women and usually affects several joints

Knee pain in teenage girls

Knee pain is common in teenage girls, especially those who play sport. The usual causes are:

• Pain around the kneecap, the most common cause, often during growth spurts or a rise in training
• Kneecap instability, where the kneecap partly or fully slips out of place, which is more common in teenage girls than boys
• Osgood-Schlatter disease, a painful bump just below the kneecap during growth in active young people
• ACL injuries in netball, football and other sports with jumping and cutting

A GP should check knee pain in a teenager that comes with a limp or hip or thigh pain, because hip problems can be felt in the knee. Get same-day advice for a hot, swollen knee, fever, or pain that wakes them at night.

Why women get knee pain more often

• Hip and thigh mechanics: differences in hip strength and how the knee moves during landing and squatting can increase load on the kneecap and ligaments.
• Hormonal changes: falling oestrogen around the menopause is linked to joint aches and osteoarthritis.
• Hypermobility: more flexible joints can be less stable.
• Inflammatory arthritis: conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis are more common in women.

What helps

• Hip and thigh strengthening, which has good evidence for kneecap pain and osteoarthritis
• Gradual increases in running, walking or training
• Supportive, cushioned footwear
• Weight management, because every kilogram lost reduces load on the knees
• Landing and agility training for sport, which reduces ACL injury risk

Get your knee checked if

• The knee swelled quickly after an injury
• The knee locks, catches or gives way
• Same day: the knee is hot, red and swollen, or you feel feverish
• You cannot put weight through the leg
• Pain has lasted more than six weeks despite rest and exercise
• Several joints are swollen or stiff in the mornings

Frequently asked questions

Why do my knees hurt on the stairs?

Stairs load the joint behind the kneecap more than walking on the flat, so pain on stairs is common with kneecap pain and osteoarthritis.

Can the menopause cause knee pain?

Yes. Falling oestrogen is linked to joint aches, and knee osteoarthritis becomes more common after the menopause.

Is it safe to exercise with knee pain?

Usually yes. The right exercise is one of the most effective treatments. Mild discomfort that settles within 24 hours is acceptable.

Should I wear a knee support?

A support can help comfort in the short term, but strengthening exercise gives the most lasting benefit.

Knee pain assessment in Chiswick

Knee pain is assessed and treated at Omnia Lifestyle, 8 to 9 Bedford Corner, The Avenue, Chiswick W4 1LZ, close to Turnham Green station, on bus routes 94, E3 and 272. Limited parking is available on request when booking. Assessment finds the cause and builds a strengthening programme around it.

A physiotherapy initial assessment and treatment takes 70 minutes and costs £99, with our HCPC registered physiotherapists, Mohammad Heidari and Khushbu Tiwari. Physiotherapy is recognised by AXA Health, Aviva, WPA and Vitality. Book physiotherapy in Chiswick online.

Read more about knee pain and osteoarthritis, see our guides to knee pain exercises, outer thigh pain and the stages of osteoarthritis, explore physiotherapy, or book an assessment.

This article is general information, not medical advice. If you have any of the warning signs listed above, seek medical attention.