What Causes Knee Pain in Females?

Have you ever wondered why your knees ache more than your husband’s, brother’s, or dad’s? You are not imagining it. Women are actually more likely to have knee pain than men.

It can feel frustrating. One day you are walking fine, and the next, your knees feel stiff, sore, or “creaky.”

At Threads Physio, we see this every day. Whether you are a teenage athlete, a busy mom, or enjoying your retirement, knee pain can stop you from doing what you love.

But here is the good news: It is rarely “just old age.”

In this guide, we will explain exactly what causes knee pain in females in simple words. We have combined every single reason from the top medical experts into one easy list.

Why Do Women Get Knee Pain More Than Men?

It’s not just bad luck. It’s biology! Your body is built differently, and that changes how your knees work.

1. The “Q-Angle” (It’s All in the Hips)

Imagine drawing a line from your hips down to your knees. Because women usually have wider hips than men (to help with childbirth), this line creates a sharper angle. This is called the Q-Angle.

• What it does: It puts more pressure on the inside of your knee.
• The result: Your kneecap (patella) might get pulled to the side, causing pain when you walk or run.

2. Hormones Are Bossy

Your hormones do more than control your mood; they control your joints too!

• Estrogen: This hormone protects your joints. When it drops (like during menopause), your knees lose that protection and can get inflamed.
• Relaxin: During pregnancy (and even your monthly cycle), your body makes a hormone called relaxin. It loosens your ligaments to prepare for birth. But it also loosens your knees, making them less stable and easier to injure.

3. Different Muscle Use

Women tend to use the muscles in the front of their thighs (quadriceps) more than the muscles in the back (hamstrings). This imbalance can pull on your knee joint.

Where Does It Hurt? (The Location Guide)

Pointing to exactly where it hurts can help us find the cause.

• Pain in the Front: This is usually “Runner’s Knee” or trouble with your kneecap.
• Pain on the Inside: This could be a tear in the meniscus or a ligament strain (MCL).
• Pain on the Outside: This is often the IT Band (a tight band of tissue on your outer leg).
• Pain Behind the Knee: This might be a “Baker’s Cyst” (fluid buildup) or arthritis.

Top 15 Causes of Knee Pain in Females

We have grouped these into simple categories so you can find what matches your symptoms.

Category A: The “Wear and Tear” (Arthritis)

1. Osteoarthritis (The Most Common) This is the main cause for women over 50. Think of the cushion (cartilage) in your knee like a brake pad on a car. Over time, it gets thinner. When it wears down, your bones rub together.

• Learn more: Arthritis Treatment in Gurgaon

2. Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) This is different from normal wear and tear. It is an autoimmune disease where your body attacks your own joints. It often affects both knees at the same time and makes you feel tired.
3. Gout & Pseudogout This happens when crystals build up in your joint. It causes sudden, hot, and red swelling. It is painful!.

Category B: Sports & Injuries

4. ACL Injuries (The “Pop”) The ACL is a rubber band inside your knee that holds it steady. Women are 2-8 times more likely to tear this than men! This usually happens when you jump or twist suddenly.

• Learn more: ACL Rehabilitation

5. Meniscus Tears The meniscus is a “shock absorber” disc in your knee. You can tear it by twisting suddenly. In older women, it can fray just from age, like an old piece of fabric.
6. Patellar Tendinitis (Jumper’s Knee) This is pain in the tendon that connects your kneecap to your shin. It happens if you run or jump a lot.

• Need help? Sports Injury Rehabilitation

Category C: Mechanical Problems

7. Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome (Runner’s Knee) Do you feel pain behind your kneecap when you sit for a long time or climb stairs? This happens when your kneecap rubs against the thigh bone because of weak hip muscles.
8. IT Band Syndrome The IT Band is a long tissue running from your hip to your knee. If your glutes (butt muscles) are weak, this band gets tight and rubs against the side of your knee.
9. Bursitis (Housemaid’s Knee) There are tiny fluid sacs (bursa) that cushion your knee. If you kneel a lot (gardening, cleaning, or praying), these sacs can get swollen and painful.
10. Osgood-Schlatter Disease This is a painful bump below the knee, usually seen in growing girls who play sports.
11. Loose Body Sometimes a tiny piece of bone or cartilage breaks off and floats in your knee. It can make your knee “lock” up, like a pebble caught in a door hinge.

Category D: Sneaky Lifestyle Culprits

12. Obesity (Extra Weight) Your knees carry your body. For every 1 kg of extra weight you gain, your knees feel 4 kg of extra pressure when you walk! Losing even a little weight helps a lot.
13. Wrong Shoes Wearing old shoes or high heels changes how you stand. This twists your knee with every step.

• Check your feet: Foot and Ankle Pain Treatment

14. Vitamin D Deficiency Many women do not get enough sun or Vitamin D. This makes bones soft and can cause deep aching pain in the legs.
15. Weak Core & Glutes If your tummy and hip muscles are weak, your knees have to do all the work. Strengthening your core can actually fix your knees!

How Is It Diagnosed?

If you visit a doctor, they might use:

• X-rays: To see broken bones or arthritis.
• MRI Scans: To see soft tissues like the ACL or meniscus.
• Physical Exam: They will move your leg to see where it hurts.
• Book a check-up: Bio-Mechanical Assessment

How to Fix Knee Pain: The Threads Physio Way

You rarely need surgery immediately. Most knee pain heals with the right care.

1. The R.I.C.E. Method (For Sudden Pain)

• Rest: Take a break from running.
• Ice: Put an ice pack on for 15-20 minutes.
• Compression: Wrap it lightly with a bandage.
• Elevation: Prop your leg up on a pillow.

2. Exercise is Medicine

You might think rest is best, but movement is what heals knees. You need to strengthen the muscles around the knee (quads and hamstrings) to take the pressure off the joint. 

3. Physiotherapy

A physiotherapist can look at how you walk and give you a custom plan. We look at your hips, feet, and core to find the root cause.

• Our specialized program: High Performance Training

4. Heal Naturally

For many injuries, your body can heal itself if you give it the right support and nutrition.

Watch: Can Ligaments Heal Without Surgery? Learn about non-surgical healing options.

When Should You See a Doctor?

Do not ignore the pain. Call us if:

• You cannot put weight on your leg.
• Your knee is very swollen or red.
• You heard a loud “pop” when you fell.
• The pain doesn’t go away after 2 weeks of rest.

People Also Ask (FAQs)

Q: Can walking reduce knee pain?
Yes! Walking builds muscle and keeps the joint lubricated. Just make sure you have good shoes and don’t overdo it if it hurts.

Q: Why do my knees hurt at night?
This is common with arthritis. After a long day of moving, inflammation can build up. Try a warm bath or gentle stretching before bed.

Q: Does menopause cause knee pain?
Yes. Lower estrogen levels during menopause can make joints hurt and increase the risk of osteoarthritis.

Q: What is the best exercise for knee pain?
Low-impact exercises like swimming, cycling, and gentle yoga are best because they don’t pound your joints.

Ready to Stop the Pain?

You don’t have to live with knee pain just because you are a woman. At Threads Physio, we specialize in helping you get back to running, dancing, or just playing with your kids—pain-free.

• Need a professional opinion? Book a Free Consultation
• Want to chat? Chat on WhatsApp
• Call Us Now: 919310138022

Don’t let pain slow you down. Let’s get you moving again!