Knee pain is often the result of an injury, but it can also be caused by overuse, a condition such as arthritis or even regular wear-and-tear due to aging. The most common type of knee pain is a simple aching sensation underneath the kneecap or around the knee joint.

Usually, day-to-day activities don’t cause problems, but when knee pain starts, it might just be from something you regularly do. Most of us will have minor knee pain at some point in our lives.

But most knee pain, knee problems and knee injuries come from sports injuries, recreational activities, work injuries or even home projects. Not all knee pain is serious. But some knee injuries and medical conditions, including osteoarthritis, can lead to more pain, more damage and even disability if left untreated.

And having a knee injury — even a minor one — makes it more likely that you’ll have similar injuries in the future. Knee pain varies in location as well as severity.