Knee pain after exercise: When is there more to it than just sore muscles?

16.06.2026

Temperatures are rising, the days are getting longer, and many people are becoming more active again. Whether jogging along the Danube, playing tennis or padel with friends, cycling, going to the gym, or hiking on the weekend – especially in the summer months, the strain on muscles, tendons, and joints increases significantly.
But what should you do if your knee suddenly hurts? Are knee pains after sports harmless, or could there be an injury behind them? We spoke with Dr. Kamil Kopcik, specialist in orthopedics and traumatology at Trinicum Vienna, about the most common causes of knee complaints and the right treatment.

Dr. Kopcik, why do knee pains occur particularly frequently in summer?

Dr. Kopcik: In summer, many people become significantly more active than in the winter months. After longer training breaks, many start running, playing tennis, padel, cycling, or hiking again. The problem is that muscles, tendons, and joints are often not sufficiently prepared for this sudden increase in load. This often leads to overload reactions or knee complaints. This affects both ambitious athletes and people who want to get moving again after a longer break.

Which sports most frequently lead to knee problems?

Dr. Kopcik: We especially often see knee pain after running, but also after tennis, padel, soccer, hiking, or intense fitness sessions. These sports put strain on the knee joint through repeated movements, jumps, or changes in direction. Depending on the load, the meniscus, cartilage, ligaments, or tendons can become irritated.

Many people suffer from knee pain after running. What are the most common causes?

Dr. Kopcik: Running is one of the most popular summer sports and is generally very healthy. However, if knee pain occurs after running, different causes may be behind it.

We often see:

Overload reactions of the tendons
Complaints around the kneecap
Misloads due to inappropriate footwear
Muscular imbalances
Meniscus injuries
Existing cartilage changes

It is crucial to identify the exact cause, as treatment can vary significantly depending on the diagnosis.

How can you tell whether it's muscle soreness or an injury?

Dr. Kopcik: Muscle soreness primarily affects the muscles and usually improves within a few days.

However, the following warning signs should be taken seriously:

Pain directly in the knee joint
Swelling
Feeling of instability
Movement restrictions
Blockages in the knee
Complaints lasting several days
Pain when climbing stairs or walking

If such symptoms occur, an orthopedic examination is recommended.

What injuries are often behind knee pain after sports?

Dr. Kopcik: Besides overload complaints, meniscus injuries are among the most common causes. Ligament injuries, irritations of the kneecap, or cartilage damage can also cause complaints. Especially with twisting movements, abrupt changes in direction, or falls, meniscus or ligament injuries should be ruled out. Early diagnosis helps initiate appropriate treatment and avoid long-term consequential damage.

Does a meniscus tear always have to be operated on?

Dr. Kopcik: No. Not every meniscus injury requires surgery. The decision depends on various factors, such as the type of injury, age, activity level, and the patient's complaints. In many cases, conservative measures like physiotherapy, targeted training, and load adjustment can already achieve good results. Therefore, an individual orthopedic assessment is particularly important.

What role does targeted training play in preventing knee problems?

Dr. Kopcik: A very large one. Many complaints do not arise from a single injury but from muscular weaknesses or an unfavorable load distribution. Targeted strength and stabilization training can help strengthen the muscles around the knee and relieve the joint in the long term. Especially after sports breaks or injuries, a structured training buildup is sensible. At Trinicum, patients benefit from close cooperation between orthopedics, physiotherapy, and medical training. After diagnosis, an individual training plan can be created to prevent complaints and enable a safe return to sport.

When should you see an orthopedist?

Dr. Kopcik: Anyone who experiences recurring knee pain after sports or notices that the complaints do not improve despite rest should have the cause clarified.

Especially in cases of:

Swelling
Instability
Movement restrictions
Pain lasting several days
Recurring complaints during sports

an orthopedic examination is advisable. Early clarification often enables targeted treatment and can prevent minor complaints from developing into long-term problems.

In conclusion - would you like to summarize the most important information again?

Dr. Kopcik: Of course. Knee pain after sports is among the most common complaints in orthopedic practice, especially in summer. Often, these are overload reactions, but sometimes meniscus injuries, ligament injuries, or cartilage damage may be behind them. Anyone who notices knee pain after running, tennis, padel, cycling, or hiking should take warning signs seriously and not ignore the complaints permanently. Early diagnosis and individually tailored training can be crucial to remaining active and pain-free in the long term.

Knee pain after sports? Get your symptoms checked.

Do you suffer from knee pain after running, during sports, or in everyday life? Are you unsure whether it is an overload, a meniscus injury, or another cause? Dr. Kamil Kopcik supports you at Trinicum Vienna in clarifying your complaints and develops an individual treatment plan together with you. Through close cooperation with physiotherapy and medical training, you benefit from holistic care – from diagnosis to a safe return to sport.

Make an appointment and have your knee complaints examined early. The sooner the cause is identified, the better long-term problems can be avoided.

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