Understanding Knee Pain: What the Location of Your Pain Could Be Telling You

Knee pain can show up in surprising ways and where it hurts often provides crucial clues about what’s really going on inside the joint. Whether you’re dealing with inner knee pain, aching behind the knee, or sharp discomfort when straightening your leg, understanding the location can be the first step toward finding lasting relief.

At Silver Pain Centre in Toronto, we specialize in the assessment and treatment of chronic joint and musculoskeletal pain, using advanced diagnostics and a multidisciplinary approach to address the root cause.

Inner Knee Pain: A Common Complaint

Inner knee pain: pain on the inside of the knee is one of the most frequent issues we see at Silver Pain Centre.

Possible Causes:

• Medial Meniscus Tear: Often caused by twisting motions or degeneration with age.
• MCL Injury: May occur during sports or a fall that causes the knee to bend inward.
• Osteoarthritis: Can occur from wear and tear that affects the inner compartment of the knee joint.

If you notice stiffness, swelling, or a clicking sound when you move, book an appointment for a full assessment. Consultations and most of our procedures are covered by OHIP, and we welcome both self-referrals and physician referrals.

Outer Knee Pain: Common in Active Individuals

Outer (lateral) knee pain often affects those who are physically active, especially runners, cyclists, and people who frequently engage in repetitive leg motion.

Possible Causes:

• Iliotibial (IT) Band Syndrome: A common overuse injury, this occurs when the IT band a thick band of tissue running from the hip to the shin becomes tight or inflamed and rubs against the outer knee.
• Lateral Meniscus Tear: Damage to the outer portion of the knee’s cushioning cartilage, often caused by twisting movements or sudden stops and turns.

If you’re feeling sharp pain along the outer knee or notice discomfort that worsens with activity, it’s time for an expert evaluation. 

Front Knee Pain: Discomfort When Walking, Bending, or Squatting

Pain in the front (anterior) of the knee can range from dull and achy to sharp and stabbing, especially during activities like climbing stairs or standing from a seated position.

Possible Causes:

• Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome (PFPS): Sometimes referred to as “runner’s knee,” this condition is caused by improper tracking of the kneecap, leading to irritation of the cartilage underneath.
• Quadriceps Tendonitis: Inflammation of the tendon connecting the thigh muscles to the kneecap, typically from overuse, jumping, or sudden increases in activity.

Front knee pain shouldn’t be ignored. If your symptoms persist or worsen, visit our North Toronto clinic for a comprehensive assessment.

Pain in the Back of the Knee When Straightening the Leg

Do you experience pain in the back of the knee when straightening your leg? This symptom could suggest a few possibilities:

• Baker’s Cyst: A fluid-filled sac that creates pressure when the knee is extended.
• Hamstring Tendinopathy: Irritation or overuse of the hamstring tendons at their insertion.
• Posterior Horn Meniscus Tear: A knee injury where the back section of the meniscus cartilage is torn, often causing pain, swelling, and difficulty with knee movement or weight-bearing. This is especially likely if the pain comes with clicking or catching.

These conditions often require ultrasound-guided injections or fluoroscopy-assisted treatments, both of which are available at our North Toronto clinic.

When to Seek Help for Knee Pain

If your pain has lasted more than a few weeks, interferes with daily activities, or worsens over time, it’s time to get assessed. At Silver Pain Centre, we take a personalized, evidence-based approach to managing chronic pain, including knee pain.

Get Expert Help for Knee Pain in Toronto at Silver Pain Centre

Knee pain can significantly limit your daily life, but with the right care, relief is possible. At Silver Pain Centre, we go beyond one-size-fits-all treatment. Our clinic brings together a team of multidisciplinary physicians, surgeons, and pain specialists who collaborate on every case to ensure you receive the most accurate diagnosis and most effective treatment plan.

Here’s what makes us different:

• Collaborative Expertise: Your case is reviewed by multiple doctors to match you with the most suitable specialist for your specific pain.
• Fast-Tracked Intake: Submit a self-referral and our team will review your file within 72 hours; no family doctor referral required.
• OHIP-Covered Consultations: Your first consultation is fully covered and can be done in person or virtually.
• Advanced Treatment Options: From image-guided injections to minimally invasive procedures, our clinic offers cutting-edge treatments under one roof.
• Convenient Location: Located in North York with free parking and shorter wait times, we make it easy to access quality care.

If you’ve been living with persistent knee pain, whether it’s a sharp twinge in the front, stiffness in the back, or aching on the inside, don’t wait for it to worsen. Take the first step toward relief with a trusted clinic that prioritizes speed, accuracy, and compassion.

📍 Visit Us: 4646 Dufferin Street, Unit #9, Toronto, ON M3H 5S4
📞 Call: (416) 512-6407