Various ligaments and bones, different types of cartilage, and the iliotibial band are located in and around the knee. A number of problems with these structures can lead to pain on the outside of the knee. Treatment depends on the underlying cause.

Knee pain after a fall typically signals an injury to the joint, such as a contusion, sprain, cartilage tear, fracture or kneecap dislocation.

Pain below the knee cap from running is quite common. Two main types exist. Patella-Femoral syndrome occurs behind the knee cap while patellar tendontits is felt below the kneecap. Running, walking and jumping can be the source of both of these painful and performance-limiting conditions.

Bow-legged knees “bow” outward from your body and knock-knees bend inward. Most children have bowlegs into early toddlerhood and then have knock-knees from about 2 to 4 years of age.

The quadriceps are a set of four muscles on the front of your thighs. Keep them strong to maintain function in your legs and knees.

Knee pain is one of the most common reasons for a doctor's visit, according to the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons. Many individuals experience a burning knee pain as the result of exercise.

Muscle injuries are known as strains, but knee sprains result from ligament injuries. Ligaments support the joints in your body and connect your bones to each other. Formed from fibrous tissue, ligaments stretch much like elastic. Most sprains occur in the ankle, knee or wrist and result from sports activities.

Many conditions can cause chronic knee and leg pain. According to MayoClinic.com, knee pain, including chronic or long-standing knee pain, can be caused by traumatic injuries, overuse injuries and certain medical conditions.

The knee is made up of bone, cartilage, ligaments, muscles, tendons and joints. If any one of these structures are damaged or diseased, you can experience knee pain, difficulties walking and limited mobility. Arthritis, which affects about 9 million Americans, can wear away tissues in the knee, causing swelling.

Most knee pain can be attributed to damage to the ligaments and tendons which connect to the knee joint, notes MayoClinic.com.

Although Lateral Collateral Ligament sprains occur most often in contact sports, even a slight misstep while running, in which the tibia and lower leg are rotated inward, may produce enough force needed to cause an LCL sprain.

When it comes to alpine sports, snowboarding provides plenty of thrills as well as risks. Injuries are common, especially in beginners and those pushing the limits. While wrist injuries are most common, your knees are also susceptible to injury.