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.

Patient indicating the location of knee pain during a consultation with a doctor.
Young man wearing a knee brace while seated on the floor and supporting his injured knee with both hands.

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 the injury and may include:

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

Advanced robotic-assisted knee surgery

St Andrew's Toowoomba Hospital is home to both the ROSA® Knee System and MAKO SmartRobotics™ technology for selected knee replacement procedures. These advanced platforms support precision, consistency and personalised surgical planning, helping surgeons tailor treatment to each patient's individual anatomy.

Dr Grant Menegon prepares for knee replacement surgery at St Andrew's Toowoomba Hospital with the ROSA Knee System

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
Medical Advisory Committee

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.

Knee pain FAQs

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