Knee pain can have several causes. Understand warning signs, what an orthopaedic assessment may involve and questions to ask about treatment.
Knee pain can follow a fall, a twist or a change in activity. Sometimes there is no obvious injury. Where it hurts, whether it swells and how it affects walking can help a clinician assess it, but symptoms alone cannot establish a diagnosis. Knowing what to mention and when to seek help can make a consultation more useful.
What can cause knee pain?
Possible causes include soft-tissue injury, irritation related to activity and arthritis. A painful knee can also have less common causes, including infection. The right diagnosis depends on your history, examination and, when appropriate, tests.
Notice whether pain began suddenly or gradually, where you feel it, whether there was a fall or twist, and whether the knee feels swollen, stiff, unstable or locked. Do not rely on online symptom lists to decide that an injury is minor.
When should you seek urgent care?
Seek urgent medical advice if you cannot put weight on the leg or move the knee, the joint is badly swollen or misshapen, it locks or gives way, or the pain is severe. A hot, red, swollen knee accompanied by fever or feeling unwell also needs urgent assessment because infection is one possible cause.
Following a major injury or if you are unable to walk safely, seek urgent evaluation rather than waiting for a routine appointment.
What happens at an assessment?
Your clinician may ask about injury, activities, previous knee problems, medicines and other health conditions. They may check movement, swelling, tenderness, stability and how you walk. Explain which activities are most affected, such as stairs, standing from a chair or exercise.
An X-ray or other scan is not needed in every case. If imaging is recommended, ask what it is intended to clarify and how it may affect your treatment plan.
What can help while awaiting advice?
For a painful or swollen knee, reduce activities that place excessive weight on it while arranging appropriate advice. The NHS suggests a cold pack wrapped in a towel for up to 20 minutes at a time. Avoid placing ice directly on the skin. Check with a doctor or pharmacist before using pain medicine, particularly if you take other medicines or have a medical condition.
As symptoms settle, your clinician can advise on a gradual return to movement and whether physiotherapy is suitable. Seek reassessment if pain worsens or new warning signs appear.
Treatment depends on the cause
Options may include activity changes, a rehabilitation programme, medicines or specialist treatment, depending on the diagnosis. Not everyone with knee pain needs surgery. Discuss expected recovery, alternatives, potential risks and follow-up before choosing a plan.
Read about joint pain and arthritis care and sports injury treatment, or contact our Bengaluru team.
Frequently asked questions
Does knee pain always mean arthritis?
No. Injuries and other conditions can also cause pain. An assessment helps identify the likely cause and whether tests are needed.
When should I see a doctor for knee pain?
Arrange a review if it does not improve within a few weeks or limits normal activities. Seek urgent care for severe pain, inability to bear weight, marked swelling or a hot red knee with fever.
Will I need an MRI?
Not necessarily. The clinician will decide whether imaging is useful based on the history and examination.
Can physiotherapy help?
It can be useful for some knee conditions and injuries. Whether it is appropriate depends on the diagnosis and any urgent symptoms.
Related reading
References
This article is general information and does not replace an individual assessment.