Knee Pain

Knee pain is very common and usually gets better on its own within a few days or weeks. Most knee pain can be managed safely at home with simple treatments.

What You Can Do at Home

If your knee is painful or swollen, try these things first:

Rest your knee - Try not to put your full weight on it. Avoid standing for long periods and take breaks when walking.

Use ice - Wrap an ice pack or bag of frozen peas in a tea towel. Put it on your knee for up to 20 minutes every 2 to 3 hours. This helps reduce pain and swelling.

Take painkillers - Paracetamol can help with pain. Ibuprofen tablets or gel can help with both pain and swelling. Always follow the instructions on the packet.

When to See Your GP

Speak to your GP if your knee pain doesn't get better within a few weeks. They can check what might be causing it and suggest the best treatment for you.

Your GP might:

• Give you stronger painkillers
• Refer you for physiotherapy
• Send you for a scan
• Refer you to a specialist

In some areas, you can refer yourself directly to NHS physiotherapy services without seeing your GP first.

When to Get Urgent Help

Call 111 straight away if you have any of these symptoms:

• Your knee is extremely painful
• You cannot move your knee at all
• You cannot put any weight on your knee
• Your knee is very swollen or looks a different shape
• Your knee locks (gets stuck), gives way, or clicks painfully
• You have a high temperature and your knee is red or feels hot - this could be a sign of infection

These symptoms need checking quickly. Call 111 or use the NHS 111 online service. They will tell you where to get help - this might be A&E, an urgent treatment centre, or a walk-in centre.

Common Causes of Knee Pain

Knee pain can happen for many reasons:

After an injury:

• Sprains and strains from overstretching or twisting during exercise
• Tendon problems from repetitive activities like running or jumping
• Torn ligaments or cartilage damage, especially if your knee feels unstable
• Dislocated kneecap after a collision or sudden movement

Without obvious injury:

• Wear and tear of the joint (more common as we get older)
• Swelling around the knee joint
• Gout attacks causing sudden, severe pain
• Growing pains in teenagers

Remember

Don't try to diagnose yourself. These are just some possible causes - there are many reasons why knees can hurt. What matters most is getting the right help when you need it.

Most knee pain gets better with rest and simple treatments. But if you're worried, or if your symptoms match any of the urgent signs above, don't wait - get help straight away.

Your knee does an important job supporting your body weight and helping you move around. Looking after it properly means you can stay active and independent.

---

Based on NHS.uk guidance. Written by Dr Krishnan Pasupathi, NHS GP.