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.
If these symptoms are severe, persistent or worsening, seek medical advice promptly.
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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 symptoms | Possible cause |
|---|---|
|
Pain after overstretching, overusing or twisting, often during exercise |
|
|
Pain between your kneecap and shin, often caused by repetitive running or jumping |
|
|
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 |
| Knee symptoms | Possible causes |
|---|---|
|
Pain and stiffness in both knees, mild swelling, more common in older people |
Osteoarthritis |
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Warm and red, kneeling or bending makes pain and swelling worse |
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|
Swelling, warmth, bruising, more likely while taking anticoagulants |
Bleeding in the joint |
|
Hot and red, sudden attacks of very bad pain |
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|
Teenagers and young adults with pain and swelling below kneecap |
Osgood Schlatter's disease |
