Knee pain
Knee pain can often be treated at home – you should start to feel better in a few days. See a GP if the pain is very bad or lasts a long time.
How to ease knee pain and swelling
Try these things at first:
- put as little weight as possible on the knee – for example, avoid standing for a long time
- use an ice pack (or bag of frozen peas wrapped in a teatowel) on your knee for up to 20 minutes every 2 to 3 hours
- take paracetamol
See a GP if:
- it doesn't improve within a few weeks
- you can't move your knee or put any weight on it
- your knee locks, painfully clicks or gives way – painless clicking is normal
Go to to a minor injuries unit or A&E if:
- your knee is very painful
- your knee is badly swollen or has changed shape
- you have a very high temperature, feel hot and shivery, and have redness or heat around the knee – this can be a sign of infection
Find a minor injuries unit
Common causes of knee pain
Knee pain can be a symptom of many different conditions. A doctor will suggest treatment based on the condition causing your pain. They might:
- refer you to hospital for a scan or specialist treatment, for example surgery
- prescribe medication or physiotherapy
Use these links to get an idea of what can be done about knee pain. But don't self-diagnose – see a GP if you're worried.
Knee pain after an injury
| Knee symptoms | Possible cause |
|---|---|
| Pain after overstretching, overusing or twisting, often during exercise | sprains and strains |
| Pain between your kneecap and shin, often caused by repetitive running or jumping | tendonitis |
| Unstable, gives way when you try to stand, unable to straighten, may hear a popping sound during injury | torn ligament, tendon or meniscus, cartilage damage |
| Teenagers and young adults with pain and swelling below kneecap | Osgood-Schlatter's disease |
| Kneecap changes shape after a collision or sudden change in direction | dislocated kneecap |
Knee pain with no obvious injury
| Knee symptoms | Possible cause |
|---|---|
| Pain and stiffness in both knees, mild swelling, more common in older people | osteoarthritis |
| Warm and red, kneeling or bending makes pain and swelling worse | bursitis |
| Swelling, warmth, bruising, more likely while taking anticoagulants | bleeding in the joint |
| Hot and red, sudden attacks of very bad pain | gout or septic arthritis |
