Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsCommon CausesRare CausesCopingFrequently Asked Questions
Table of ContentsView All
View All
Table of Contents
Common Causes
Rare Causes
Coping
Frequently Asked Questions
There are many different things that can cause bilateralknee pain, which is when both of your knees hurt at the same time. While some of these conditions are quite common and can be easily managed, others are rarer and may require significant medical intervention. Taking a closer look at your symptoms can help you identify and treat the pain.
Verywell / Jessica Olah
Osteoarthritis
Knee osteoarthritis is the most common form of osteoarthritis. At the end of your body’s bones is a smooth coating called cartilage which helps bones easily move on one another when they meet at a joint. In people with osteoarthritis, this cartilage tissue gets thinner and rougher which impacts the knee’s ability to move properly.
Commonly thought of as “wear and tear,“knee osteoarthritiscan cause pain that increases with activity and improves when you sit or lie down. Stiffness in your knees is also common, particularly when you wake up. You may also notice swelling in the joints and “creaking and cracking” when you move your knees.
There is no cure for knee osteoarthritis, but medication, nondrug methods, and assistive devices can help to ease the pain. As a last resort, a damaged joint can be surgically replaced with a metal, plastic, or ceramic one.
Obesity and Osteoarthritis
Trauma
One of the more serious causes of pain in both knees is trauma to your legs. When this occurs, one or more of the bones that make up your knee joint (the tibia, the fibula, and the patella) are subjected to a high energy force that causes a fracture. If both knees are affected simultaneously, this is usually the result of a motor vehicle accident or a fall from a high surface.
Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome
Another frequently seen cause of bilateral knee pain is patellofemoral pain syndrome (PFPS). This condition, which is actually more of a catch-all term, refers to pain in the front of the knee that typically worsens with squatting or bending the knees while standing. Other activities likegoing downstairsorsitting may also increase your soreness.
While the symptoms of PFPS can be similar to those of osteoarthritis, this condition is usually seen in adolescents and in people under the age of 60. In addition, the syndrome does not show up on x-rays which helps differentiate it from arthritis. Typically, the pain associated with PFPS is well managed with rest, over-the-counter pain medication, and physical therapy that focuses on increasing the strength in your leg and core muscles.
Torn Meniscus
The meniscus is a band of cartilage attached to your shinbone (tibia) that helps spread and absorb the forces placed on your knee joint. While many meniscal tears occur traumatically when a knee is twisted on a planted leg, other types occur more gradually. This slower-paced onset is more common if your menisci are to blame for your bilateral knee pain.
As you age, the meniscus loses its pliability and can begin to fray and tear.This degenerative tearingcan lead to pain along the inside or outsidethe joint line of the knee. The soreness is typically prevalent when you perform repetitive tasks like squatting,stair climbing, or walking.
In addition, bilateral meniscal tears can make it difficult to fully extend or straighten your knees and may also cause swelling. While many non-traumatic meniscal tears are successfully treated with physical therapy and strengthening, more significant ones may require surgery to remove the damaged section.
IT Band Syndrome
Pes Anserine Bursitis
Another common overuse syndrome that can lead to bilateral knee pain is pes anserine bursitis. This condition occurs when a bursa (a fluid-filled sac that reduces friction between a muscle and a bone) on the inside of your knee becomes inflamed from repetitive friction in the area.
Pes anserine bursitis is also usually seen in bikersor runnersand causes tenderness about two to three inches below the inside of your knee joints. It may also cause stair climbing and exercising to be quite painful. Treatment typically involves rest, ice, anti-inflammatory pain medication, and occasionallyphysical therapy, or a pain-relieving injection into the bursa.
Osgood-Schlatter Disease
Exercise Program for Osgood-Schlatter Disease
Knee Dislocation
A knee dislocation typically causes significant pain and swelling. Individuals who experience this type of injury are usually unable to bear weight or move their legs normally. Because a dislocation can also cause nerve damage or tearing in the leg’s blood vessels, it is considered a medical emergency and immediate care should be sought.
Gout
Infrequently,goutcan also cause bilateral knee pain. This inflammatory condition occurs when high levels of a substance called uric acid cause crystals to develop in the body’s joints and tissues. This buildup of crystals causes intense pain, warmth, redness, and swelling to develop. While gout typically affects the big toe joint, it can also infrequently impact your knees.
Gout flare-ups can last for several days or even weeks. The pain is usually managed with over-the-counter or prescription pain medication. In the long term, changes to your diet or uric-acid managing medication can also prevent future gout attacks.
While many of the conditions listed above can be well managed, some knee pain may remain in spite of the treatments suggested. One of the best ways to cope with the remaining symptoms is to stay active. Keeping your legs moving and your muscles strong will help decrease the forces placed on your knees. In addition, maintaining a healthy body weight can significantly reduce the amount of stress that your joints are subjected to. This is another important factor in helping you deal with your pain.
A Word From Verywell
If the bilateral knee pain you are experiencing occurs after a traumatic event or if your symptoms are worsening, it is important to seek the care of a physician. Not only will a doctor help diagnose the cause of your pain, but they’ll be able to determine which treatment is right for you.
Frequently Asked QuestionsFor common osteoarthritis pain, try weight loss and exercise to relieve chronic pain. For intermittent pain, topical nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are usually recommended.As far as oral medication, NSAIDs such as Advil, Motrin, and Aleve are usually the most effective. These drugs are not appropriate for everyone, so discuss the pros and cons with your healthcare provider.Learn MoreThe Best Arthritis CreamsExperts often recommend that you use pillows to ease pressure on the knees when lying down.If you sleep on your back, try a pillow or two under the knees. If you sleep on your side, try placing a pillow or two between the knees.Learn MoreHow to Manage Throbbing Knee Pain at NightYes. Replacing both knees in one procedure is known as a bilateral total knee replacement. Some research shows that doing both knees at once has advantages since it requires only one surgery. In certain studies, there was less pain and a quicker recovery for bilateral knee replacements compared to separate surgeries for each knee, but other studies contradict those findings.It’s best to discuss with your healthcare provider whether this type of surgery is right for you.Learn MoreOverview of Knee Replacement Surgery
For common osteoarthritis pain, try weight loss and exercise to relieve chronic pain. For intermittent pain, topical nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are usually recommended.As far as oral medication, NSAIDs such as Advil, Motrin, and Aleve are usually the most effective. These drugs are not appropriate for everyone, so discuss the pros and cons with your healthcare provider.Learn MoreThe Best Arthritis Creams
For common osteoarthritis pain, try weight loss and exercise to relieve chronic pain. For intermittent pain, topical nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are usually recommended.As far as oral medication, NSAIDs such as Advil, Motrin, and Aleve are usually the most effective. These drugs are not appropriate for everyone, so discuss the pros and cons with your healthcare provider.
Learn MoreThe Best Arthritis Creams
Experts often recommend that you use pillows to ease pressure on the knees when lying down.If you sleep on your back, try a pillow or two under the knees. If you sleep on your side, try placing a pillow or two between the knees.Learn MoreHow to Manage Throbbing Knee Pain at Night
Experts often recommend that you use pillows to ease pressure on the knees when lying down.If you sleep on your back, try a pillow or two under the knees. If you sleep on your side, try placing a pillow or two between the knees.
Learn MoreHow to Manage Throbbing Knee Pain at Night
Yes. Replacing both knees in one procedure is known as a bilateral total knee replacement. Some research shows that doing both knees at once has advantages since it requires only one surgery. In certain studies, there was less pain and a quicker recovery for bilateral knee replacements compared to separate surgeries for each knee, but other studies contradict those findings.It’s best to discuss with your healthcare provider whether this type of surgery is right for you.Learn MoreOverview of Knee Replacement Surgery
Yes. Replacing both knees in one procedure is known as a bilateral total knee replacement. Some research shows that doing both knees at once has advantages since it requires only one surgery. In certain studies, there was less pain and a quicker recovery for bilateral knee replacements compared to separate surgeries for each knee, but other studies contradict those findings.It’s best to discuss with your healthcare provider whether this type of surgery is right for you.
Learn MoreOverview of Knee Replacement Surgery
13 SourcesVerywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.Wallace IJ, Worthington S, Felson DT, et al.Knee osteoarthritis has doubled in prevalence since the mid-20th century.Proc Natl Acad Sci USA. 2017;114(35):9332-9336. doi:10.1073/pnas.1703856114Arthritis Foundation.Osteoarthritis.Vuolteenaho K, Koskinen A, Moilanen E.Leptin - a link between obesity and osteoarthritis. Applications for prevention and treatment.Basic Clin Pharmacol Toxicol. 2014;114(1):103-108. doi:10.1111/bcpt.12160American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons.Common knee injuries.American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons.Patellar Fractures (Broken Kneecap).Gaitonde DY, Ericksen A, Robbins RC.Patellofemoral pain syndrome.Am Fam Physician. 2019;99(2):88-94.Koo JH, Choi S-H, Lee SA, Wang JH.Comparison of medial and lateral meniscus root tears. Williams BO, ed.PLoS ONE. 2015;10(10):e0141021. doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0141021Strauss E, Kim S, Calceu J, Park, D.Iliotibial band syndrome: Evaluation and management.Journal of the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons. 2011 December; 19:(12), 728-736Vaishya R, Azizi AT, Agarwal AK, Vijay V.Apophysitis of the tibial tuberosity (Osgood-schlatter disease): a review.Cureus. doi:10.7759/cureus.780Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Gout.Arthritis Foundation.Comparing Pain Meds for Osteoarthritis.Arthritis Foundation.Position Yourself for a Good Night’s Sleep.Alghadir AH, Iqbal ZA, Anwer S, Anwar D.Comparison of simultaneous bilateral versus unilateral total knee replacement on pain levels and functional recovery.BMC Musculoskelet Disord. 2020;21(1):246. doi:10.1186/s12891-020-03269-3
13 Sources
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.Wallace IJ, Worthington S, Felson DT, et al.Knee osteoarthritis has doubled in prevalence since the mid-20th century.Proc Natl Acad Sci USA. 2017;114(35):9332-9336. doi:10.1073/pnas.1703856114Arthritis Foundation.Osteoarthritis.Vuolteenaho K, Koskinen A, Moilanen E.Leptin - a link between obesity and osteoarthritis. Applications for prevention and treatment.Basic Clin Pharmacol Toxicol. 2014;114(1):103-108. doi:10.1111/bcpt.12160American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons.Common knee injuries.American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons.Patellar Fractures (Broken Kneecap).Gaitonde DY, Ericksen A, Robbins RC.Patellofemoral pain syndrome.Am Fam Physician. 2019;99(2):88-94.Koo JH, Choi S-H, Lee SA, Wang JH.Comparison of medial and lateral meniscus root tears. Williams BO, ed.PLoS ONE. 2015;10(10):e0141021. doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0141021Strauss E, Kim S, Calceu J, Park, D.Iliotibial band syndrome: Evaluation and management.Journal of the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons. 2011 December; 19:(12), 728-736Vaishya R, Azizi AT, Agarwal AK, Vijay V.Apophysitis of the tibial tuberosity (Osgood-schlatter disease): a review.Cureus. doi:10.7759/cureus.780Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Gout.Arthritis Foundation.Comparing Pain Meds for Osteoarthritis.Arthritis Foundation.Position Yourself for a Good Night’s Sleep.Alghadir AH, Iqbal ZA, Anwer S, Anwar D.Comparison of simultaneous bilateral versus unilateral total knee replacement on pain levels and functional recovery.BMC Musculoskelet Disord. 2020;21(1):246. doi:10.1186/s12891-020-03269-3
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
Wallace IJ, Worthington S, Felson DT, et al.Knee osteoarthritis has doubled in prevalence since the mid-20th century.Proc Natl Acad Sci USA. 2017;114(35):9332-9336. doi:10.1073/pnas.1703856114Arthritis Foundation.Osteoarthritis.Vuolteenaho K, Koskinen A, Moilanen E.Leptin - a link between obesity and osteoarthritis. Applications for prevention and treatment.Basic Clin Pharmacol Toxicol. 2014;114(1):103-108. doi:10.1111/bcpt.12160American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons.Common knee injuries.American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons.Patellar Fractures (Broken Kneecap).Gaitonde DY, Ericksen A, Robbins RC.Patellofemoral pain syndrome.Am Fam Physician. 2019;99(2):88-94.Koo JH, Choi S-H, Lee SA, Wang JH.Comparison of medial and lateral meniscus root tears. Williams BO, ed.PLoS ONE. 2015;10(10):e0141021. doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0141021Strauss E, Kim S, Calceu J, Park, D.Iliotibial band syndrome: Evaluation and management.Journal of the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons. 2011 December; 19:(12), 728-736Vaishya R, Azizi AT, Agarwal AK, Vijay V.Apophysitis of the tibial tuberosity (Osgood-schlatter disease): a review.Cureus. doi:10.7759/cureus.780Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Gout.Arthritis Foundation.Comparing Pain Meds for Osteoarthritis.Arthritis Foundation.Position Yourself for a Good Night’s Sleep.Alghadir AH, Iqbal ZA, Anwer S, Anwar D.Comparison of simultaneous bilateral versus unilateral total knee replacement on pain levels and functional recovery.BMC Musculoskelet Disord. 2020;21(1):246. doi:10.1186/s12891-020-03269-3
Wallace IJ, Worthington S, Felson DT, et al.Knee osteoarthritis has doubled in prevalence since the mid-20th century.Proc Natl Acad Sci USA. 2017;114(35):9332-9336. doi:10.1073/pnas.1703856114
Arthritis Foundation.Osteoarthritis.
Vuolteenaho K, Koskinen A, Moilanen E.Leptin - a link between obesity and osteoarthritis. Applications for prevention and treatment.Basic Clin Pharmacol Toxicol. 2014;114(1):103-108. doi:10.1111/bcpt.12160
American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons.Common knee injuries.
American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons.Patellar Fractures (Broken Kneecap).
Gaitonde DY, Ericksen A, Robbins RC.Patellofemoral pain syndrome.Am Fam Physician. 2019;99(2):88-94.
Strauss E, Kim S, Calceu J, Park, D.Iliotibial band syndrome: Evaluation and management.Journal of the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons. 2011 December; 19:(12), 728-736
Vaishya R, Azizi AT, Agarwal AK, Vijay V.Apophysitis of the tibial tuberosity (Osgood-schlatter disease): a review.Cureus. doi:10.7759/cureus.780
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Gout.
Arthritis Foundation.Comparing Pain Meds for Osteoarthritis.
Arthritis Foundation.Position Yourself for a Good Night’s Sleep.
Alghadir AH, Iqbal ZA, Anwer S, Anwar D.Comparison of simultaneous bilateral versus unilateral total knee replacement on pain levels and functional recovery.BMC Musculoskelet Disord. 2020;21(1):246. doi:10.1186/s12891-020-03269-3
Meet Our Medical Expert Board
Share Feedback
Was this page helpful?Thanks for your feedback!What is your feedback?OtherHelpfulReport an ErrorSubmit
Was this page helpful?
Thanks for your feedback!
What is your feedback?OtherHelpfulReport an ErrorSubmit
What is your feedback?
