Dr. Vaishali Suri (P.T.)
That Painful First Step After Sitting
If your knees hurt when you first stand after sitting for a while but then ease up after a few minutes of walking, you are experiencing what physiotherapists call 'start-up pain' or 'gelling phenomenon.' This pattern is highly characteristic and points to specific treatable causes.
Why Does This Happen?
During sitting, synovial fluid -- the joint's lubricant -- redistributes away from loaded surfaces. When you first bear weight, unlubricated cartilage surfaces experience more friction and compressive stress. As you move, the fluid redistributes and pain reduces.
Common Causes
- Early knee osteoarthritis: The most common cause in patients over 40
- Patellofemoral pain syndrome: Kneecap tracking problems affecting younger patients
- Knee bursitis
- Meniscus degeneration
Physiotherapy Treatment
- Quadriceps and VMO strengthening to improve patellofemoral tracking and reduce joint load
- Hip strengthening to correct lower limb mechanics
- Joint mobilisation to improve synovial fluid distribution
- Activity modification to reduce provocative loading patterns
- Weight management advice
Book Your Knee Assessment
Contact Realign Clinic Faridabad for expert knee pain assessment and treatment.