January 20, 2026
Author: Dr. Alexandru Grecu — Senior Orthopedic and Trauma Surgeon
Medically reviewed by Dr. Alexandru Florian Grecu, Senior Orthopedic Surgeon · Published: January 20, 2026 · Updated: 2 mai 2026
There's a misconception that knee pain is exclusively a problem for older people with osteoarthritis. In reality, knee pain is extremely common in young and active adults—athletes, runners, people who play recreational sports, or have physically demanding jobs.
The key difference: the causes are fundamentally different. In a 25-year-old patient, knee pain is not (usually) osteoarthritis. It's something that, when diagnosed correctly and treated promptly, can be resolved much more simply.
The most common cause in young people. Pain at the front of the knee, around or behind the kneecap (patella), worsened by climbing/descending stairs, prolonged sitting with bent knees ("moviegoer's sign"), or squatting. The cause: a muscle imbalance that prevents the patella from tracking correctly in its femoral groove. Treatment: specific physical therapy—strengthening the quadriceps (especially the vastus medialis), stretching the iliotibial band and hamstrings. It responds excellently to conservative treatment.
Pain at the base of the patella, common in athletes involved in jumping and landing activities (basketball, volleyball, running). The patellar tendon is overstressed and develops micro-tears. Treatment: relative rest, eccentric exercises, cryotherapy. In refractory cases, PRP can be an effective option.
Common after sports injuries—a sudden twist of the knee while the foot is planted. Symptoms: pain along the joint line, intermittent locking, a sensation that the knee is "giving way." Diagnosis: MRI. Treatment: depending on the type of tear—physical therapy, arthroscopy with repair or partial meniscectomy.
A classic injury in soccer, skiing, and basketball. It feels like a "pop" followed by significant swelling. The knee becomes unstable. It requires urgent evaluation and, in most cases, arthroscopic reconstruction followed by a rigorous recovery program (6-9 months).
Common in runners. Pain on the outer side of the knee that appears after a certain running distance and subsides with rest. The cause: repetitive friction of the iliotibial band over the lateral femoral condyle. Treatment: stretching, foam rolling, correcting running technique, appropriate footwear.
Specific to adolescents (12-15 years), especially athletes. Pain at the tibial tuberosity (the bony prominence below the knee), where the patellar tendon attaches. It is related to growth and usually resolves by adulthood. Treatment: activity modification, ice, stretching.
Not all knee pain in young people requires investigation. But it's worth an orthopedic evaluation if:
Important: Sports should not be abandoned—they should be adapted. Most causes of pain in young people respond excellently to physical therapy, biomechanical correction, and conservative treatment. Few require surgical intervention.
Yes, but it's rare. Post-traumatic osteoarthritis can appear years after a joint fracture, an untreated meniscus tear, or neglected chronic instability. That's why correctly treating joint injuries in young people isn't just about the present—it's also about preventing osteoarthritis at 40-50 years old.