Knee Symptoms
Which symptoms (complaints) typically go with which diagnoses? Learn more below about pain, giving way, locking and swelling.
Pain
The location of your pain is the most important part in determing what may be going on in your knee. If you have pain "all over" click here.
- Pain on the sides of your knee (inside = "medial", outside = "lateral") can be related to injuries to the collateral ligaments, mensicus tears, or arthritis. Learn more about knee pain on either side of the knee.
- Pain on the front of the knee is usually related to softening of the cartilage under the patella (kneecap). It can also be caused by arthritis, and certain types of tendonitis. Learn more about pain in the front of the knee.
- Pain in the back of the knee can be caused by arthritis or cysts, known as Baker's cysts. Learn more about pain in the back of the knee.
Giving way
This is the feeling of instability of the knee. The knee feels like it is loose or wants to give out on you. Some people say it is like "walking on rollerskates". This can be related to ligament injuries (e.g., ACL tear), arthritis, a dislocating kneecap, and meniscus tears. Find out more about giving way.
Locking
Locking is the sensation that your knee is getting stuck in a certain position. Learn more about locking.
Swelling
This is a common occurrence with many knee problems. It can be caused by ligament tears, arthritis, patellar instability, infections, and cartilage tears. Click here to learn more about swelling.


