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Knee pain can often be treated at home. You should start to feel better in a few days. Call 111 if the pain is very bad.
If you have knee pain, try these things at first:
111 will tell you what to do. They can tell you the right place to get help if you need to see someone.
Get help from NHS 111 online or call 111.
You can also go to an urgent treatment centre if you need to see someone now.
They're also called walk-in centres or minor injuries units.
You may be seen quicker than you would at A&E.
A doctor can suggest treatment based on what's causing your knee pain.
They might:
If you have knee pain, you might be able to refer yourself directly to services for help with your condition without seeing a GP.
To find out if there are any services in your area:
Knee pain can be a symptom of many different conditions.
This information might give you an idea of what the cause might be. But do not self-diagnose – see a GP if you're worried.
| Knee symptoms | Possible cause |
|---|---|
|
Knee symptoms
Pain after overstretching, overusing or twisting, often during exercise |
Possible cause |
|
Knee symptoms
Pain between your kneecap and shin, often caused by repetitive running or jumping |
Possible cause |
|
Knee symptoms
Unstable, gives way when you try to stand, unable to straighten, may hear a popping sound during injury |
Possible cause
Torn ligament, tendon or meniscus, cartilage damage |
|
Knee symptoms
Kneecap changes shape after a collision or sudden change in direction |
Possible cause |
| Knee symptoms | Possible causes |
|---|---|
|
Knee symptoms
Pain and stiffness in both knees, mild swelling, more common in older people |
Possible causes |
|
Knee symptoms
Warm and red, kneeling or bending makes pain and swelling worse |
Possible causes |
|
Knee symptoms
Swelling, warmth, bruising, more likely while taking anticoagulants |
Possible causes
Bleeding in the joint |
|
Knee symptoms
Hot and red, sudden attacks of very bad pain |
Possible causes |
|
Knee symptoms
Teenagers and young adults with pain and swelling below kneecap |
Possible causes
Osgood Schlatter's disease |
