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Knee pain

Knee pain can often be treated at home. You should start to feel better in a few days. Call 112 if the pain is very bad.

Prescription review online

Prescription review online

A doctor will review your case and issue a prescription if medically appropriate.

Talk to a doctor online

Talk to a doctor online

Discuss your symptoms and possible next steps with a doctor online.

This page provides general information and does not replace a doctor’s consultation. If symptoms are severe, persistent or worsening, seek medical advice promptly.

Knee pain can often be treated at home. You should start to feel better in a few days. Call 112 if the pain is very bad.

How to ease knee pain and swelling

If you have knee pain, try these things at first:

  • put as little weight as possible on your knee – for example, avoid standing for a long time
  • use an ice pack or bag of frozen peas wrapped in a tea towel on your knee for up to 20 minutes every 2 to 3 hours
  • use painkillers such as paracetamol or ibuprofen gel or tablets

See a GP if:

  • knee pain does not improve within a few weeks

Treatments for knee pain

A doctor can suggest treatment based on what's causing your knee pain.

They might:

  • prescribe medicine or physiotherapy
  • refer you to hospital for a scan or specialist treatment (for example, surgery)

Self-refer for treatment

If you have knee pain, you might be able to refer yourself directly to services for help with your condition without seeing a GP.

To find out if there are any services in your area:

  • ask the reception staff at your GP surgery
  • check your GP surgery's website
  • contact your integrated care board (ICB) – find your local ICB

Common causes of knee pain

Knee pain can be a symptom of many different conditions.

This information might give you an idea of what the cause might be. But do not 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

Kneecap changes shape after a collision or sudden change in direction

Dislocated kneecap

Knee pain with no obvious injury

Knee symptoms Possible causes

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

Teenagers and young adults with pain and swelling below kneecap

Osgood Schlatter's disease

Consult with a doctor about Knee pain

Consult with a doctor about Knee pain

Discuss your symptoms and possible next steps with a doctor online.

Online doctors for Knee pain

Discuss your symptoms and possible next steps for Knee pain with a doctor online.

5.0 (939)
Doctor

Alina Tsurkan

Family medicine 13 years exp.

Dr. Alina Tsurkan is a licensed family medicine physician based in Portugal, offering online consultations for adults and children. She provides professional primary care, with a focus on prevention, accurate diagnosis, and long-term management of acute and chronic conditions.

Dr. Tsurkan supports patients with a wide range of health issues, including:

  • Respiratory infections: cold, flu, bronchitis, pneumonia, and lingering coughs.
  • ENT conditions: sinusitis, tonsillitis, otitis (ear infections), sore throat, allergic rhinitis.
  • Eye conditions: allergic or infectious conjunctivitis, red eyes, irritation.
  • Digestive issues: acid reflux (GERD), gastritis, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), constipation, bloating, nausea.
  • Urinary and reproductive health: urinary tract infections (UTIs), cystitis, prevention of recurrent infections.
  • Chronic diseases: hypertension, elevated cholesterol, weight management.
  • Neurological complaints: headaches, migraines, sleep disturbances, fatigue, general weakness.
  • Children’s health: fever, infections, digestive issues, follow-ups, vaccination guidance.

She also provides:

  • IMT medical certificates for driving licence exchange in Portugal.
  • Personalised preventive care and wellness consultations.
  • Interpretation of test results and medical reports.
  • Follow-up care and medication review.
  • Support in managing multiple coexisting conditions.
  • Remote prescription management and medical documentation.

Dr. Tsurkan’s approach is evidence-based and holistic. She works closely with each patient to develop an individualised care plan that addresses both symptoms and root causes. Her goal is to empower patients to take control of their health and maintain well-being through lifestyle adjustments, routine check-ups, and early intervention.

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€55
5.0 (5)
Doctor

Tomasz Grzelewski

Dermatology 21 years exp.

Dr Tomasz Grzelewski is an MD, PhD specialist in allergy, paediatrics, general practice and sports medicine, with a clinical focus on dermatology, endocrinology, allergology and sports-related health. He has more than 20 years of clinical experience and completed his medical training at the Medical University of Łódź, where he defended his PhD thesis with distinction. His doctoral research was recognised by the Polish Society of Allergology for its innovative contribution to the field. Throughout his career, he has gained extensive expertise in diagnosing and managing a wide range of allergic and paediatric conditions, including modern allergen desensitisation techniques. For five years, Dr Grzelewski served as the Head of two paediatric departments in Poland, managing complex clinical cases and leading multidisciplinary teams. He also worked in medical centres in the United Kingdom, gaining experience across both primary care and specialist environments. With over a decade of telemedicine experience, he has provided online consultations across Europe and is valued for his clear, structured and evidence-based medical guidance. Dr Grzelewski is actively involved in clinical programmes focused on modern anti-allergic therapies. As a Principal Investigator, he leads research projects on sublingual and oral allergen desensitisation, supporting evidence-based progress in allergy treatment for both children and adults. In addition to his background in allergology and paediatrics, he completed dermatology studies through the Cambridge Education Group (Royal College of Physicians of Ireland) and a Clinical Endocrinology course at Harvard Medical School. This advanced training enhances his ability to manage skin manifestations of allergies, atopic conditions, urticaria, endocrine-related symptoms and complex immunological reactions. Patients commonly seek his care for: 

  • seasonal and perennial allergies
  • allergic rhinitis and chronic nasal symptoms
  • asthma and breathing difficulties
  • food and medication allergies
  • urticaria, atopic dermatitis and skin reactions
  • recurrent infections in children
  • sports-related health questions
  • general family medicine concerns

Dr Tomasz Grzelewski is known for his clear communication style, structured medical approach and ability to explain treatment options in a concise and accessible way. His multidisciplinary background across allergy, paediatrics, dermatology and endocrinology allows him to provide safe, up-to-date and comprehensive care for patients of all ages.

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€86
0.0 (0)
Doctor

Joao Silva

General medicine 6 years exp.

Dr. João Silva is a physician with training and experience in the field of General and Family Medicine, dedicated to providing healthcare focused on the well-being and quality of life of his patients. Throughout his professional career, he has developed broad clinical competencies, striving to maintain a medical practice based on scientific evidence and continuous knowledge updates.

Between 2013 and 2019, he completed the Integrated Master's Degree in Medicine at the Abel Salazar Institute of Biomedical Sciences in Porto, where he acquired a solid academic and clinical education.

Subsequently, between January 2021 and December 2021, he completed the General Internship at the Entre Douro e Vouga Hospital Center in Santa Maria da Feira, where he had the opportunity to work in different hospital settings and deepen his competencies in several areas of medicine.

From January 2022 until March 2026, he works as a Resident Physician in General and Family Medicine at USF Salvador Machado in Oliveira de Azeméis, developing clinical activities in primary healthcare, follow-up of chronic patients, and health promotion in the community.

Complementing his medical training, Dr. João Silva also completed a Postgraduate Degree in Continuing and Palliative Care at CESPU, strengthening his preparation in the comprehensive approach to patient care, especially in situations requiring prolonged care and multidisciplinary support.

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€61
2
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