Knee pain

Alternative names:

pain in the knee(s)

Home care:

Rest, apply ice, and elevate the knee to bring any swelling down. Gentle compression with an elastic bandage may reduce swelling and provide support. Avoid activities that aggravate the pain.

Call your health care provider if:

• the knee cannot tolerate weight bearing.
• there is an associated fever.
• there is severe pain when not bearing weight.
• the pain is persistent after 3 days of home treatment.
• there is pain or swelling in the calf below the sore knee.

What to expect at your health care provider's office:

The medical history will be obtained and a physical examination performed.

Medical history questions documenting knee pain in detail may include:

• time pattern
  • When did the knee first begin to hurt?
  • How long has this episode of knee pain lasted?
  • Is the pain continuous or off-and-on?

• location
  • Are both knees affected?
  • Is the pain in the entire knee?
  • Is the pain in the kneecap?
  • Is the pain on the outer side of the knee?
  • Is the pain on the inner surface of the knee?
  • Is the pain below the knee?

• quality
  • Is the pain severe?
  • Does it feel bruised?
  • Can you stand? Can you walk?

• aggravating and triggering factors
  • Have you had an injury or accident involving the knee?
  • Have you overused the leg?

• relieving factors
  • What home treatment have you tried?
  • How well did it work?

• other
  • What other symptoms are also present?
  • Is there knee swelling?
  • Is there a fever?
  • Is there swelling in the calf of the leg?

The knee and other joints will be examined and taken through their range of motion (the area of normal joint movement).

Diagnostic tests that may be performed include:

• fluid drawn from the knee and analyzed
• X-ray of the knee

Intervention:
Some knee problems can be treated with medication or surgery.

After seeing your health care provider:
You may want to add a diagnosis related to knee pain to your personal medical record.