Medically Reviewed by Dr Wang Lushun
Senior Consultant Orthopaedic Surgeon
MBBS (S’pore), MRCS (Edinburgh), MMed (Ortho), FRCS (Ortho) (Edinburgh)
Knee pain is a common concern among adults of all ages, from active individuals who exercise regularly to older adults who experience discomfort during daily activities. Many patients worry that continuing to exercise may worsen their knee condition, while others fear that stopping activity altogether could lead to stiffness and weakness.
So, can you still exercise with knee pain? The answer depends on the cause of the pain, its severity, and the type of exercise being performed. In this article, we’ll delve into what’s safe, what’s not, and when you should seek medical attention.
Exercising with knee pain is not always harmful. Mild or occasional discomfort, especially after activity, may be temporary and due to muscle fatigue, overuse, or minor strain. In such cases, appropriate exercise can help improve strength, flexibility, and joint support.
However, pain that is sharp, persistent, worsening, or associated with swelling or instability may indicate an underlying injury or condition that requires medical attention. Exercising through unreasonable pain can lead to further damage, delayed healing, and long-term joint problems. Knowing when to continue and when to stop is key.
For many patients, low-impact exercises are the safest and most beneficial option.
Certain activities may aggravate knee pain, especially if done incorrectly or too aggressively. These include:
Ignoring pain signals and pushing through discomfort often leads to worsening symptoms and prolonged recovery, and should be avoided.
It is important to stop exercising and seek medical advice if your knee pain is accompanied by swelling, locking, catching, or a feeling that the knee is giving way. Additionally, pain that persists despite rest, worsens over time, or interferes with daily activities or sleep should not be ignored. Lastly, sudden pain after a fall or injury also warrants medical attention.
An orthopaedic specialist can accurately diagnose the cause of knee pain through a detailed clinical assessment and appropriate imaging such as X-rays or MRI scans.
Based on the diagnosis, a personalised treatment plan can be developed. This may include physiotherapy, activity modification, medications, injections, or surgery (e.g. knee replacement surgery or ACL reconstruction surgery).
Early assessment helps prevent long-term damage and allows patients to return to safe and effective physical activity sooner.
Exercise does not always need to stop because of knee pain, but it must be approached carefully. Choosing the right activities, avoiding movements that worsen symptoms, and seeking early medical advice can protect knee health and maintain an active lifestyle.
If you are experiencing knee pain and are unsure whether it is safe to continue exercising, contact us today to consult orthopaedic surgeon, Dr Wang Lushun for an accurate diagnosis and personalised advice.
MBBS (S’pore), MRCS (Edin), MMed (Ortho), FRCS (Ortho) (Edin)
With over 20 years of experience, Dr Wang Lushun is an orthopaedic surgeon who specialises in treating a wide range of sports injuries and musculoskeletal conditions. He has in-depth experience in minimally invasive surgery and advanced robotic surgery. Dr Wang provides orthopaedic care to athletes and everyday individuals throughout their journey to recovery.
