Knee pain: common causes, home care and when to see an orthopaedic doctor
Knee pain can come from wear and tear, injury or inflammation. Learn the common causes, what helps at home, and the signs that need an orthopaedic check.
Knee pain is one of the most common reasons people see a bone doctor. The good news is that most knee pain improves with simple care and the right exercises.
Common causes
- Osteoarthritis: wear and tear, common after 45, with stiffness in the morning and pain on stairs
- Injuries: ligament sprains or meniscus tears from sports or a twist
- Runner's knee: pain around the kneecap from overuse
- Rheumatoid arthritis and gout: swollen, warm joints, sometimes several at once
- Extra body weight, which increases the load on the knees
What helps at home
- Keep moving gently; long bed rest makes stiffness worse
- Strengthen the thigh muscles: straight-leg raises and wall sits help support the knee
- Use a cold pack for 15 minutes for a new injury or swelling
- Lose weight if needed; every kilo lost reduces the strain on your knees
- Wear comfortable, supportive footwear
- Avoid sitting cross-legged or squatting for long if it hurts
A physiotherapist can teach exercises suited to your knee.
When to see an orthopaedic doctor
- The knee is very swollen, red or warm
- You cannot put weight on the leg
- The knee locks, clicks painfully or gives way
- Pain continues for more than two weeks despite rest
- Pain after a fall or a sports injury
Go to hospital straight away if the knee looks deformed after an injury, or you have a fever with a hot, swollen joint.
Find a bone specialist
Compare orthopaedic doctors near you by Google rating and book online.
Frequently asked questions
Is walking good for knee pain?
For most people with arthritis, regular gentle walking helps. Stop and get checked if walking makes the knee swell or give way.
Do I need a knee replacement?
Most people with knee pain do not. Replacement is considered only when severe arthritis badly limits daily life despite other treatment.
Should I use hot or cold packs?
Cold packs help new injuries and swelling in the first two days. Warmth often helps long-standing stiffness.
This article is for general information and is not medical advice. Please see a doctor for advice about your health. In an emergency, call 108.
Share: · ·