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Weird ache in knee
The Sensation: I am experiencing a weird ache rather than a sharp pain.
The Location: The ache is specifically located in the dip on the outer-front side of my knee (the lateral parapatellar area).
A Feeling of Heaviness: The specific area that aches and dips inward feels somewhat heavy.
Crunching and Clicking Sounds: When I bend my knee, I hear a clicking or crunched-like sound.
Kneecap Looseness: My right kneecap feels very movable compared to my left kneecap.
Inward Collapse: When I put my right leg down first to bear weight, the knee automatically tries to go inwards.
Relief with Stretching: Doing stretching exercises makes the knee feel good and temporarily relieves the ache.
The Timeline: This has been happening for about the past month, beginning shortly after I abruptly stopped playing football daily around May 30th.
I have summarised my symptoms like this, should I go to ortho or physio doctor?. Help
Answers (11)
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Hi there!
As I can see you have shared many symptoms I would advice please take online session with me for assessment. Depending on assessment we can plan why to do next Depending on severity.
Regards
Your physio
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Your symptoms may be related to patellofemoral joint dysfunction, patellar instability, or muscle imbalance around the hip and knee. Since the knee is giving way with clicking and inward collapse, a detailed physical assessment is important.
Next Steps
I recommend consulting a physiotherapist first for movement analysis and a customized rehabilitation plan
Health Tips
If ligament or meniscus injury is suspected, an orthopedic evaluation may also be advised.
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Based on your symptoms, this sounds more like a patellofemoral pain syndrome (PFPS)/patellar maltracking problem rather than a major ligament injury. The location of pain around the lateral border of the kneecap, clicking during bending, inward collapse of the knee while weight-bearing (dynamic valgus), temporary relief with stretching, and the onset after suddenly stopping football all point toward altered patellar tracking and muscle imbalance. Weakness of the quadriceps (especially VMO), hip abductors/external rotators, along with tight lateral structures, can contribute to these symptoms.
The feeling that your kneecap is "loose" may simply be increased patellar mobility, but this should be assessed clinically to rule out patellar instability. Other possibilities such as a lateral meniscus injury, plica syndrome, or early cartilage irritation should also be considered if symptoms persist.
A thorough physical examination is more important than an MRI at this stage unless there is significant swelling, locking, giving way, or a history of trauma.
Next Steps
I would recommend consulting a Musculoskeletal/Sports Physiotherapist first for a detailed assessment of knee biomechanics, patellar tracking, muscle strength, flexibility, and gait.
Health Tips
Avoid deep squats, jumping, and running until assessed.
Continue only pain-free stretching and begin a supervised strengthening program for the quadriceps, gluteal muscles, and hip stabilizers.
Ice the knee for 10-15 minutes after activities if it becomes sore.
If you develop severe swelling, locking, repeated giving way, or cannot bear weight, seek an orthopaedic consultation promptly. Early physiotherapy usually provides excellent outcomes for patellofemoral pain and prevents it from becoming a chronic issue.
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Consult online or in person for proper assessment to suggest proper treatment.
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Keep track of whether the 'looseness' is getting worse or if there is any swelling.
Next Steps
Book an in-person assessment so the professional can watch you move and test your joint stability in real-time.
Health Tips
Temporarily modify activities that cause the 'inward collapse' or sharp pain
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Strengthen Gluteus medius & Maximus, quadriceps (specially VMO) and Core.
Next Steps
consult an Physiotherapist for detail assessment.
Health Tips
avoid deep squats and jumping.
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Based on your symptoms, this appears more consistent with patellofemoral pain syndrome (PFPS) or patellar maltracking/lateral patellar instability, although other conditions such as a meniscal injury, IT band syndrome, or ligament laxity cannot be ruled out without a physical examination.
The inward collapse of the knee during weight-bearing (dynamic valgus), increased kneecap mobility, clicking sounds (crepitus), and relief with stretching suggest a possible muscle imbalance involving the quadriceps (especially VMO), hip abductors/external rotators, and surrounding soft tissues.
Since your symptoms have persisted for about a month and are affecting knee mechanics, you should undergo a detailed clinical evaluation.
Next Steps
Consult a Physiotherapist first for a comprehensive biomechanical assessment, gait analysis, patellar tracking evaluation, and muscle strength testing.
If there is significant swelling, locking, repeated giving way, or suspicion of structural injury, consult an Orthopaedic Surgeon, who may recommend X-rays or an MRI if indicated.
Until evaluated:
Avoid running, jumping, and deep squats.
Continue only pain-free stretching.
Begin supervised strengthening of the quadriceps (especially VMO), gluteus medius, and hip external rotators.
Ice the knee for 15–20 minutes after activity if sore.
Health Tips
Seek urgent medical attention if you develop severe swelling, inability to bear weight, true locking of the knee, recurrent dislocation of the kneecap, fever, or significant instability. Early physiotherapy often provides excellent outcomes for patellofemoral disorders and may prevent the condition from becoming chronic.
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Ms. Saliha T P (PT)
Physiotherapist
15 yrs exp
Kozhikode
Based on the symptoms you’ve described, the condition is more suggestive of patellofemoral pain syndrome (PFPS) with possible patellar maltracking rather than a major ligament injury. The clicking, feeling of kneecap looseness, inward collapse of the knee during weight-bearing, and symptom relief with istretching point towards muscle imbalance and altered knee biomechanics. A proper clinical examination is required to confirm the diagnosis and rule out other conditions
Next Steps
I recommend consulting a physiotherapist first for a detailed biomechanical assessment. They can evaluate patellar tracking, lower limb alignment, muscle strength, flexibility, and movement patterns. If there is significant swelling, locking, recurrent instability, a history of trauma, or symptoms do not improve after 4–6 weeks of appropriate rehabilitation, an orthopedic consultation and imaging (if clinically indicated) should be considered.
Health Tips
* Avoid deep squats, running, jumping, and activities that increase knee pain.
* Continue gentle stretching if it provides relief.
* Start a supervised strengthening program focusing on the quadriceps (especially VMO), gluteal muscles, and hip abductors.
* Keep the knee aligned over the toes during walking, stair climbing, and exercises.
* Wear supportive footwear and avoid prolonged sitting with the knees bent.
* Apply ice for 15–20 minutes after activities if pain increases.
* Gradually return to sports only after pain-free strength and knee control have been restored.
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Dr. Avijit Das (PT)
Sports and Musculoskeletal Physiotherapist
4 yrs exp
Kolkata
Hi please take an online consultation for best diagnosis and treatment
Next Steps
Knee joint soft tissues weakness and muscles tighten may be
Health Tips
Knee joint strengthening and stretching exercise under supervision of sports physio. Don’t do any experiment exercise.
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Dr. Shefali Gandotra (PT)
Physiotherapist
20 yrs exp
Jammu
Please consult online for proper diagnosis and assessment. So that a complete tailored program of exercises can be suggested.
Next Steps
Check vitamin D levels
Health Tips
Avoid sitting at floor for a few days
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Disclaimer : The content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding your medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this website.