knee-svg

Knee pain

Knee pain can affect people of all ages 
and for many different reasons, from 
sporting injuries and arthritis to gradual 
wear and tear over time.

Knee arthritis

Knee arthritis is one of the most common causes of knee pain, particularly as we get older. It occurs when the joint gradually changes over time, leading to pain, stiffness and reduced movement.

Common symptoms include:
  • Knee pain
  • Stiffness, especially after rest
  • Swelling
  • Difficulty walking or climbing stairs
  • Reduced range of movement
How is knee arthritis diagnosed?

Your GP or specialist will discuss your symptoms, examine your knee and may recommend imaging such as an X-ray or MRI to better understand what's happening within the joint.

Treatment options

Treatment depends on your symptoms and individual circumstances and may include:

  • Physiotherapy and exercise programs
  • Pain management strategies
  • Weight management support
  • Bracing or activity modification
  • Joint replacement surgery, where appropriate

Many people successfully manage knee arthritis without surgery.

The unrecognizable senior adult woman, sitting on the examination table, shows the unrecognizable female doctor the exact place where her knee hurts.
Joint pain, knee-joint, man, background

Knee injuries

Knee injuries are common and can occur during sport, work, exercise or everyday activities. They range from mild sprains through to ligament tears, fractures and more complex injuries.

Common knee injuries:
  • Anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injuries
  • Meniscal tears
  • Tendon injuries
  • Knee fractures
  • Patella dislocations
  • Collateral ligament injuries
Signs you should seek medical advice
  • Persistent pain
  • Swelling
  • Locking or clicking
  • Instability or giving way
  • Difficulty walking or bearing weight
Treatment options

Treatment depends on the type and severity of injury and may include:

  • Rest and activity modification
  • Physiotherapy
  • Bracing or mobility aids
  • Injection therapies
  • Surgical management where appropriate

Rehabilitation and recovery

Rehabilitation is an important part of many treatment plans.

Depending on your condition, recovery may involve physiotherapy, strengthening programs, mobility training and support from allied health professionals to help you return to everyday activities as safely as possible.

Meet our knee specialists

Dr Brady Bonner

Dr Brady Bonner is a Queensland-trained Orthopaedic Surgeon with a special interest in orthopaedic trauma, hip and knee arthroplasty…

Dr Craig Brownlie

Dr Craig Brownlie is an Australian-trained orthopaedic surgeon with a special interest in shoulder, knee and hip surgery. In his role as…

Dr Grant Menegon

Dr Grant Menegon is a Queensland trained Orthopaedic Surgeon consulting at St Andrew’s Toowoomba Hospital …

Dr Dolapo Sotade

Dr Dolapo Sotade is a Fellowship-trained Orthopaedic Surgeon with a comprehensive practice in hip and knee joint replacement …

How to access orthopaedic care

If you'd like to see one of our orthopaedic specialists, speak with your GP about a referral. Your GP can discuss your symptoms, treatment history and whether a referral to an orthopaedic specialist may be appropriate.

Your patient journey: from referral to recovery

Slide through to understand your treatment journey from booking your GP in for an initial appointment, all the way through to rehabilitation and ongoing management.

  • 1. Visit your GP for advice

    They may:

    • send you to get an x-ray
    • discuss possible treatment options
    • give you a referral to see an orthopaedic specialist
  • 2. Book an appointment with your specialist

    If your GP determines that you should consult with a specialist, they will provide you with a referral.

    Once you have a referral, you can book an appointment with the specialist via their reception or booking system.

  • 3. Attend your specialist appointment

    Be prepared for your appointment.

    Bring your referral letter, any imaging reports or x-rays that you’ve already completed and a list of any current medications or health conditions.

  • 4. Receive an assessment and treatment plan

    Your specialist will review your condition and any notes from your GP.

    They may recommend additional tests or develop a treatment plan with you.

  • 5. Surgical and 
non-surgical treatments

    Your specialist may recommend a treatment plan that includes:

    • surgery
    • non-surgical interventions
    • ongoing monitoring and management
    • rehabilitation
  • 6. Continue your recovery
    After treatment, rehabilitation may be recommended to support your recovery.
    A personalised program can help improve mobility, build strength and assist your return to everyday activities.

Knee pain FAQs

Receiving a referral to an orthopaedic specialist may raise questions for you. Find answers to some commonly asked questions here.