Knee pain usually results from overuse, poor form during physical activity, not warming up or cooling down, or inadequate stretching. Simple causes of knee pain often clear up on their own with self care. Being overweight can put you at greater risk for knee problems.
Many causes of knee pain, especially those related to overuse or physical activity, respond well to self-care:
Rest and avoid activities that aggravate the pain, especially weight bearing activities.
Apply ice. First, apply it every hour for up to 15 minutes. After the first day, apply it at least 4 times per day.
Keep your knee elevated as much as possible to bring any swelling down.
Gently compress the knee by wearing an ace bandage or elastic sleeve. Either can be purchased at most pharmacies. This may reduce swelling and provide support.
Take acetaminophen for pain or ibuprofen for pain and swelling.
Sleep with a pillow underneath or between your knees.
Call your health care provider if:
Call your doctor if:
You cannot bear weight on your knee
You have severe pain, even when not bearing weight
Your knee buckles, clicks, or locks
Your knee is deformed or misshapen
You have a fever , redness or warmth around the knee, or significant swelling
You have pain, swelling, numbness, tingling, or bluish discoloration in the calf below the sore knee
You still have pain after 3 days of home treatment
What to expect at your health care provider's office:
Your health care provider will perform a physical examination, with careful attention to your knees, hips, legs, and other joints.
To help diagnose the cause of the problem, your health care provider will ask medical history questions, such as:
When did your knee first begin to hurt?
Have you had knee pain before? What was the cause?
How long has this episode of knee pain lasted?
Do you feel the pain continuously or off and on?
Are both knees affected?
Is the pain in your entire knee or one specific location like the kneecap, outer or inner edge, or below the knee?
Is the pain severe?
Can you stand or walk?
Have you had an injury or accident involving the knee?
Have you overused the leg? Describe your usual activities and exercise routine.
What home treatments have you tried? Have they helped?
Do you have other symptoms, such as pain in your hip, pain down your leg or calf, knee swelling , swelling in your calf or leg, or fever?
The following tests may be done:
Joint fluid culture (fluid taken from the knee and examined under a microscope)
MRI of the knee if a ligament or meniscus tear is suspected
Your health care provider may prescribe nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) that are stronger than those available over-the-counter. If those don't help, your doctor may inject a steroid to reduce pain and inflammation.
Referrals to a physical therapist (to learn stretching and strengthening exercises) and podiatrist (to be fitted for orthotics) may be necessary. These help prevent repeated problems.
In some cases, surgery is needed. For example, if arthritis is severe, a joint replacement may be recommended. Minor ligament strain will heal with home care and torn ligaments may recover with use of a knee brace. However, for significant tears or ruptures, as well as a torn meniscus, arthroscopic knee surgery is often needed.
Recovery from ligament and meniscus problems is slow. Crutches and extended physical therapy may be needed.
Prevention:
Increase your activity level slowly over time. For example, when you begin exercising again, walk rather than run.
Always warm up before exercising and cool down afterward. Stretch your quadriceps and hamstrings.
Replace your sports shoes often. Get good advice about proper footwear for your foot shape and mechanics. For example, if you land on the outside of your heel and turn your foot inward when you walk (pronate), consider anti-pronation footwear.
References:
Frontera WR, Silver JK, eds. Essentials of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation. 2nd ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Saunders Elsevier;2008:section 7.
Porcheret M, Jordan K, Croft P. Treatment of knee pain in older adults in primary care: Development of an evidence-based model of care. Rheumatology. 2007;46:638-648.
Labropoulos N, Shifrin DA, Paxinos O. New insights into the development of popliteal cysts. Br J Surg. 2004; 91(10): 1313-1318.
Review Date: 7/10/2009 Reviewed By: Linda J. Vorvick, MD, Medical Director, MEDEX Northwest Division of Physician Assistant Studies, University of Washington, School of Medicine; and C. Benjamin Ma, MD, Assistant Professor, Chief, Sports Medicine and Shoulder Service, UCSF Dept. of Orthopaedic Surgery. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.
