Knee pain
The knee carries your body weight with every step, so it is one of the joints most often affected by wear, overuse and injury. Pain can build up slowly or start suddenly after a twist or a fall.
Common symptoms
- Pain when walking, climbing stairs or getting up from a chair
- Swelling or warmth around the joint
- Stiffness, especially in the morning or after sitting for long
- Clicking, catching, or the knee giving way
- Difficulty bending or straightening the knee fully
Common causes
- Wear of the joint cartilage (osteoarthritis)
- Ligament or meniscus (cartilage cushion) injury
- Overuse, such as repeated kneeling, squatting or climbing
- Inflammatory joint conditions
- Extra body weight increasing the load on the knee
When to see an orthopaedic doctor
- Pain that lasts more than a few days or keeps coming back
- Swelling that does not settle
- Pain that disturbs walking, stairs or sleep
- A knee that locks, gives way or feels unstable
Seek urgent care if you have
- Severe pain and inability to put weight on the leg after an injury
- Visible deformity of the knee or leg
- A hot, red and very swollen knee together with fever
- Numbness, coldness or colour change in the foot
Go to the nearest emergency department. Do not wait for a clinic appointment.
What to expect at your consultation
- 01
Tell us your concern
Describe when it began, what makes it better or worse, and how it affects your day.
- 02
Examination
The doctor checks movement, strength, swelling and tenderness of the affected area.
- 03
Tests, only if needed
X-rays or other tests are suggested only when they will help decide the next step.
- 04
Discuss the plan
You will hear the likely cause, the options available and what to expect next.
Common questions
Is knee pain always arthritis?
No. Arthritis is one cause, but ligament, meniscus and overuse problems are also common. An examination, and sometimes an X-ray, helps find the cause.
Should I rest or keep moving?
It depends on the cause. Short rest after an injury is common advice, but long inactivity can increase stiffness. The doctor will advise what suits your knee after examining it.
This page is general health information. It is not a diagnosis and does not replace an examination by a doctor. Treatment depends on your individual situation.
Other guides
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