Knee pain

Overview

The knee is a weight-bearing joint. Pain can come from bone, cartilage, ligaments or surrounding soft tissue. Many people first notice stiffness after sitting, swelling after activity, or difficulty with stairs.

Common symptoms

• Aching or sharp pain around the knee
• Swelling or stiffness
• Giving way or locking
• Pain when walking, kneeling or climbing stairs

Possible causes

• Strain or overuse
• Injury to ligaments such as the ACL
• Osteoarthritis and other wear-related change
• Inflammation around the joint

When to seek medical help

• You cannot take weight on the leg after an injury
• The knee looks deformed or is locked
• Pain, redness and fever occur together
• Pain lasts more than a few weeks or is getting worse

Diagnosis

A clinician may examine the joint and, where needed, arrange X-ray or other tests available at KPMC. Further imaging is arranged only when clinically indicated.

Treatment

Care may include activity advice, physiotherapy, medicines, injection where appropriate, or surgery such as arthroscopy or joint replacement when a consultant recommends it. Confirm what is offered at the time of booking.

This page is for navigation and general information only. It does not diagnose illness or replace assessment by a qualified clinician. If symptoms are severe, sudden or rapidly worsening, go to Emergency & Trauma or call 999.

Questions patients often ask

When should I see an orthopaedic specialist?

See a specialist if pain limits walking, follows an injury, or does not settle with rest. KPMC’s Orthopaedics team assesses hips, knees, spine and trauma.

Is every knee pain arthritis?

No. Pain can come from ligaments, cartilage, bursae or referred pain. Only a clinician can assess the cause.