Knee pain on the outside can be caused by various factors. It can be due to wear and tear, acute trauma, or chronic overuse. Most pain outside of the knee can be easily treated using ice packs and exercise modifications. However, the treatment and medication given are based on the cause of pain.

1. Outside of Knee Pain
Knee pain on the outside can be caused by various factors. It can be due to wear and tear, acute trauma,
or chronic overuse. Most pain outside of the knee can be easily treated using ice packs and exercise
modifications. However, the treatment and medication given are based on the cause of pain.
Causes of Outside of Knee Pain
 Iliotibial Band Syndrome.
ITB is the inflammation of the iliotibial band, which is a strong, wide tissue band that stretches
from below the external knee to just above the hip joint. ITB syndrome is typical to cyclists and
distance runner, and usually causes pain early in the ride or run. As the athlete warms up, the
pain diminishes, as well. Sometimes, the pain radiates down the calf or up to the thigh and hip.
Most athletes who experience ITB syndrome treats their knees with heat packs prior to
exercises and with ice packs right after. Stretching before and after is also important in order to
minimize the pain. Like most activity-related knee injuries, Iliotibial Band Syndrome is treated
basically with R.I.C.E. or Rest, Ice, Compression, and Elevation.
 Lateral Meniscus Tear.
Outside of knee pain can also be experienced by a person with a lateral meniscus injury. It is
mostly a result of a twisting motion in the knee area while the foot is planted firmly on the
ground. The person will feel immediate pain when this happens. Most of the time, a lateral
meniscus tear will require microsurgery and a 1 to 3-month break from doing sports or
strenuous physical activities.
 Osteoarthritis.
For an older person, outside of knee pain can also be due to osteoarthritis. Some athletes who
have had knee injuries in the past can also suffer from this condition. Osteoarthritis is a joint
disorder caused by wear and tear and aging. This condition can cause stiffness of the outer knee,
as well as pain when standing and walking. Typically, physical therapy is the initial treatment
prescribed, but for more severe conditions, injections are provided for temporary relief. If these
methods are still proven ineffective, total knee replacement is sometimes recommended.
Knee pain, like any other pain, has varying intensity. It can be very painful if you have a severe injury
while it could be mild and bearable if the injury is minor. Nevertheless, an outside of knee pain must be
consulted to a knee specialist, especially when you have done initial treatment and find no improvement
within 3 days.