Pain on Outside of Knee (Lateral Knee Pain)

Lateral knee pain is knee pain you feel on the outside edge of your knee. Lateral is the medical term for the area of a body part that’s furthest away from the inside of your body. The lateral side of your knee is the same side as your outer thigh.

Pain on the outside of your knee is very common. It’s normal to have an occasional ache or soreness. You’ll probably be able to manage it at home. But pain can sometimes be a symptom of an injury or a more serious issue.

What does outer knee pain feel like?

Everyone experiences pain differently. But describing what it feels like can help a provider diagnose its cause.

The outside of your knee might feel:

• Dull
• Aching
• Stabbing
• Sharp or pinching
• Sore

The pain may come and go. Or you might feel it all the time. Some types of outside knee pain get better or worse depending on how you’re moving. For example, you might feel pain when you’re walking upstairs, but not down. Or it might hurt when you bend and then straighten your knee in certain ways. If you see a provider, tell them when you notice the pain changing.

You might also have other symptoms, like:

• Swelling
• Bruising
• Hearing or feeling a click or pop
• Feeling heat or warmth
• Skin discoloration

What causes outside knee pain?

Lots of injuries and issues can cause pain on the outside of your knee. Some of the most common causes include:

• Iliotibial band syndrome: This happens when a tendon on the outside of your hip and knee is tight or irritated. It can cause a sharp, pinching pain.
• Arthritis: Osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis are two of the most common types of knee arthritis. But there are many kinds.
• Tendonitis: Inflammation in the popliteal tendon that connects muscles in your thigh to your leg bones can cause lateral knee pain and other symptoms.
• LCL injuries: These happen when something puts too much pressure on your LCL, and it tears. They’re a common sports injury.
• PCL injuries: The PCL is another knee ligament. PCL injuries can cause pain outside your knee, too.
• Meniscus tears: Meniscus tears can happen when you twist your leg suddenly. They can happen during sports or everyday slips and trips.
• Patellofemoral pain syndrome (PFPS): PFPS usually causes pain near your kneecap. But the pain might spread to the outside of your knee, too.

Lateral knee pain treatments

A healthcare provider will recommend ways to relieve the pain and treat its cause. You’ll probably be able to manage pain on the outside of your knee at home. Your provider might suggest:

• Medications: Your provider might recommend medications to relieve pain and other symptoms. Most people can take over-the-counter acetaminophen or NSAIDs.
• The RICE or MEAT methods: These are easy ways to manage pain at home. Your provider will tell you which one to follow. You might need to avoid or modify some physical activities. Your provider will tell you which kinds of movements are safe while your knee heals.
• Physical therapy (PT): PT will help you strengthen muscles around your knee and increase your flexibility. This can reduce pressure on your knee and relieve pain. A physical therapist will give you a customized treatment plan based on what’s causing the pain.
• Wearing a knee brace: A brace will keep your knee in the correct alignment. It will also take pressure off your knee while it heals.
• Surgery: You probably won’t need surgery for most types of outside knee pain. But you might if you have a ligament tear. Your provider might suggest a knee replacement if you have severe pain from arthritis that doesn’t get better after trying other treatments.

Preventing pain on the outside of your knee

Follow these general safety tips to reduce your risk of an injury:

• Use a cane or walker if you have difficulty walking or an increased fall risk.
• Always use the proper tools or equipment at home to reach things. Never stand on chairs, tables or countertops.
• Make sure your home and workspace are free from clutter that could trip you or others.

You can prevent knee pain during and after physical activity with these tips:

• Stretch and warm up before playing sports or working out.
• Wear the right protective equipment.
• Don’t “play through the pain” if your knee hurts during or after physical activity.
• Cool down and stretch after physical activity.
• Give your body time to rest and recover after intense activity.

When should I see a healthcare provider if I have outer knee pain?

Visit a healthcare provider if:

• You can’t use or move your knee
• You have pain outside your knee that lasts for more than a few days
• Lateral knee pain is bad enough to make you change your daily routine or avoid certain activities
• You have knee pain along with a fever, or your knee feels warm to the touch

Call 911 (or your local emergency services number) or go to the emergency room if you’ve experienced trauma like a car accident or severe fall. Go to the ER if you can’t move or use your knee, or if you think you have a broken bone.